Bloody Run Hills to Elkhorn Ranch — Little Missouri Badlands Remote Circuit
Roosevelt's badlands, one river crossing, zero pavement.
Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch sits on the west bank of the Little Missouri River with no paved road anywhere near it — and that’s exactly the point. This North Dakota circuit departs Medora heading north on gravel county roads through the painted buttes of the Badlands, drops into the Little Missouri River valley via the Magpie Creek drainage, and picks its way north through bentonite clay badlands to the Elkhorn Ranch National Historic Site, where only a stone foundation remains of Roosevelt’s cattle operation. The route crosses the Little Missouri River at the historic ford — a shallow but wide braided crossing that changes character season to season — before looping back south through Peaceful Valley and the North Unit boundary roads.
The bentonite clay is the real hazard here: when wet it turns to axle-deep grease that will swallow a pickup to the frame. Dry conditions only — this is a summer and early fall run, June through September. A capable 4WD with proper tires is sufficient in dry conditions but recovery gear is non-negotiable given how far you are from help. Check the Little Missouri River level with Theodore Roosevelt National Park before committing to the crossing. Dispersed camping along the river. No permits for the backcountry roads. Fuel in Medora. Carry water — the Little Missouri is not potable without treatment.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 48 mi / 77.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2850 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Medora, ND |
| Land manager | Theodore Roosevelt National Park / USDA Forest Service — Little Missouri National Grassland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through in dry conditions — no lift required. If you've got a long-wheelbase rig with low clearance, the eroded coulee crossings and soft gumbo sections will give you trouble, especially after any rain.
What happens to this trail when it rains?
Badlands gumbo clay turns into a skating rink the moment it gets wet — it's not just slippery, it clogs wheel wells and becomes nearly impassable. If rain hits, stay put and wait it out; June-September is your window but always check conditions before you commit.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp out here?
No permit is required for the Little Missouri National Grassland dispersed camping sections, but if your route touches Theodore Roosevelt National Park land near Elkhorn Ranch, NPS regulations apply — no dispersed camping within the park boundary, no fee to visit the Elkhorn site itself. Keep camp outside park boundaries.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The Little Missouri River crossing is the crux — depth varies significantly by season and recent rainfall, so scout it on foot before you drive it. Beyond the crossing, the eroded clay two-tracks through the coulees demand consistent 4WD and patience; nothing here is technically extreme, but soft ground and off-camber shelf roads keep you honest for 48 miles.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there any cell service on route?
Fuel up in Medora before you leave — it's your last guaranteed stop, sitting roughly at the southern end of the circuit. There is zero cell service for the entire route, so download offline maps, file a trip plan with someone, and carry enough water for the full run since there are no reliable potable sources on trail.
Trail track
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