Theodore Roosevelt National Park Backcountry Road

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.