Cross Ranch State Park Badlands Access Road
Ranch road into North Dakota's Missouri River breaks
The Cross Ranch Access Road punches 12 miles into some of North Dakota’s wildest badlands where the Missouri River carved canyons deep enough to hide entire herds of bison. This former cattle ranch road follows ridgelines through classic North Dakota breaks country, passing active prairie dog towns and exposed fossil beds from when this was a tropical sea. The road dead-ends at an overlook where you can see clear to the Missouri River and understand why Lewis and Clark called this country ‘the worst in the world.’
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD for the steep grades and loose bentonite clay that turns slick as snot when wet. Best driven April through October, but avoid it entirely during rain or snow melt. No permits needed but this is state park land with specific vehicle restrictions. Bring water and extra fuel since the nearest services are 30 miles back in Washburn. You’ll earn panoramic views across the Missouri River breaks and a genuine taste of what the Great Plains looked like before the plow.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Washburn, North Dakota |
| Land manager | North Dakota Parks & Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | parkrec.nd.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here — the mixed surface includes rutted clay sections that get slick and uneven fast. Lifted rigs have more margin, but a capable stock truck with good all-terrain tires will make it. A 2WD crossover will not.
When does the trail close, and what happens to the clay surface in wet weather?
The trail is generally accessible April through October, but North Dakota gumbo clay becomes impassable when wet — even capable rigs get stuck. After any significant rain, wait at least a full day for the surface to firm up before attempting it.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to access Cross Ranch State Park backcountry?
North Dakota state park entry requires a vehicle entrance fee or an annual parks pass — as of recent seasons that's around $5–$7 per day for out-of-state vehicles. No separate backcountry permit is required for the access road, but check with North Dakota Parks & Recreation at parkrec.nd.gov before you go since fees and rules can change.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The steepest descents into the Missouri River breaks are where this trail earns its moderate rating — loose shale over clay on off-camber slopes requires careful tire placement and controlled speed. It's not a rock-crawler challenge, but a moment of inattention or bad surface conditions can put you sideways fast.
There's no cell service out here — how far is the nearest fuel and should I carry water?
Washburn is your last reliable fuel stop before the trail, so fill up there — don't count on anything closer. Carry all your drinking water; there are no potable water sources on the trail, and the Missouri River breaks water is not safe to drink untreated.
Trail track
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