Theodore Roosevelt National Park CCC Road – South Unit
CCC-era road through Roosevelt's beloved badlands
The old CCC Road splits off from the scenic drive near the visitor center and immediately drops into a landscape that hasn’t changed since Roosevelt rode through in 1883. Built by Depression-era work crews, this rough track winds through painted canyons and juniper breaks where wild horses still roam free. The route dead-ends at an overlook above the Little Missouri River, but getting there means navigating washouts, loose shale, and grades that’ll make you grateful for low range.
This is technical driving disguised as a National Park road – don’t let the official designation fool you. High-clearance 4WD is mandatory, and experienced drivers will still scrape undercarriage on the embedded rocks. Summer heat turns the badlands into an oven, so spring and fall are your best bet. No camping allowed, but the solitude is worth the day trip. You’ll share the road with exactly nobody and finish with a newfound respect for the men who carved this route by hand during the worst economic collapse in American history.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2650 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Medora, North Dakota |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum rig to run the CCC Road in the South Unit?
High-clearance 4WD is the floor — think full-size truck or body-on-frame SUV with a proper low-range transfer case. Stock Jeep Wranglers and 4Runners handle it, but soft-roaders and crossovers will get eaten alive on the rock surfaces.
When is the CCC Road actually driveable?
April through October is your window. Badlands clay turns into axle-sucking grease after rain at any time of year, and the trail can close without notice after storms — check with the South Unit visitor center before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive the CCC Road?
Yes — Theodore Roosevelt National Park charges an entrance fee ($35 per vehicle as of 2024, valid 7 days). No separate trail permit is required beyond park entry, but check with the NPS directly at nps.gov/thro for current closures or special use requirements.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The loose rock ledges and off-camber shelf sections mid-trail are where things get serious. Expect tight lines with little room for error, exposed drops on one side, and no bailout options once you're committed — this is not a trail to run solo or without a recovery kit.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how close is the nearest gas?
There is zero cell service on the CCC Road — plan accordingly with offline maps downloaded before you leave. Medora is the nearest town with fuel, roughly 5 miles from the South Unit entrance, so top off your tank before entering the park.
Trail track
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