Maah Daah Hey Trail
144 miles through badlands and burning coal veins
The Maah Daah Hey Trail stretches 144 miles through North Dakota’s badlands, connecting Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s south unit to the CCC Campground near Watford City. This isn’t your typical weekend cruise—the trail winds through remote buttes, coulees, and prairie where cell service vanishes and the nearest gas station might be 50 miles behind you. Key waypoints include the Burning Coal Vein where underground coal seams have burned for decades, and the challenging descent into the Little Missouri River valley near the Elkhorn Ranch site.
Rated moderate to difficult depending on conditions, this route demands high-clearance 4WD minimum, with low-range gearing essential for the steep badlands descents. Spring mud can make sections impassable, while summer heat requires extra water—plan 3-4 gallons per person. Best tackled May through September when river crossings are manageable. You’ll earn stunning vistas of the painted badlands, wildlife encounters with bison and elk, and the satisfaction of conquering one of the Great Plains’ most challenging overland routes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 144 mi / 231.7 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Medora, ND |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service - Dakota Prairie Grasslands |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle the Maah Daah Hey Trail?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with high clearance should handle most sections. The mixed surface includes rocky badland terrain and prairie trails, but it's more about ground clearance and approach angles than extreme technical driving.
Is the trail passable in winter or early spring?
No, winter access is not recommended due to snow, mud, and freezing conditions. Best season is May through September when weather is stable and ground conditions are dry.
Do I need permits to drive the full 144-mile route?
No permits required for the trail itself since it crosses U.S. Forest Service land. However, you'll need state park entry fees at the three connecting parks (Theodore Roosevelt North/South Units and Little Missouri State Park).
What's the most challenging section of the trail?
The steepest climbs and descents are through the badland formations where you gain most of that 4,200 feet of elevation. Rocky surfaces and loose shale can make traction tricky on steep grades.
Where can I find water and fuel along the 144-mile route?
Plan to be completely self-sufficient - there are no services between the state parks at each end. Carry all water and fuel needed for 3-4 days, as the nearest towns are Medora and Watford City at opposite ends.