Theodore Roosevelt National Park Backcountry Road
Roosevelt's badlands hunting ground
This rugged backcountry road winds through the North Dakota badlands where Teddy Roosevelt found his wilderness calling after personal tragedy. The route follows old ranch roads and hunting trails through Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, crossing Buckhorn Creek and climbing through colorful sandstone formations. Watch for the sharp descent into Prairie Dog Town and the technical climb up Peaceful Valley Ridge — both will test your approach angles and nerves.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD with good tires for loose shale and rocky creek crossings. Best tackled April through October when weather cooperates. No permits needed but park entry fees apply. Dispersed camping isn’t allowed in the park, but nearby Little Missouri National Grassland offers primitive sites. This route delivers the raw badlands experience Roosevelt wrote about — endless sky, carved earth, and the kind of solitude that changes you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2850 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Medora, North Dakota |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run this trail without 4WD or just with high clearance 2WD?
No, you need 4WD for this one. The loose badlands soil, steep grades, and technical sections will leave 2WD vehicles stuck or sliding backward.
Is this trail accessible during winter months?
The park closes backcountry roads from November through March due to snow and muddy conditions. April through October is your window.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive the backcountry road?
Yes, you need a valid Theodore Roosevelt National Park entrance pass ($30 for 7 days or $55 annual). No separate backcountry driving permit required.
What's the most challenging part of this trail?
The steepest climbs through loose badlands clay can get sketchy when wet, and a few narrow ridge sections have serious drop-offs with no guardrails.
Are there any water crossings I should know about?
Yes, you'll cross a few seasonal creek beds that can be muddy or flowing depending on recent rainfall. Nothing deep, but they can be slippery when wet.