Cannonball River Backcountry Trail
Prairie solitude along Lewis and Clark's river
This forgotten trail winds 28 miles along the Cannonball River through some of North Dakota’s most isolated prairie country, where Lakota warriors once hunted buffalo and Lewis and Clark noted the strange round stones that gave the river its name. The route starts near Selfridge and follows old ranch roads and game trails through rolling grassland punctuated by dramatic breaks and coulees, passing the Cannonball Concretions fossil site where ancient sea creatures left their mark in perfect stone spheres.
Expect mostly easy driving on grass two-tracks with a few muddy creek crossings during spring runoff and after heavy rains. Stock 4WD with decent ground clearance handles it fine, though you’ll want recovery gear for the boggy spots. Best tackled May through October when the prairie is dry. No services for 50 miles in any direction, so fuel up in Selfridge and pack everything. The payoff is complete solitude in country that hasn’t changed much since the frontier days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD |
| Nearest town | Selfridge, ND |
| Land manager | Standing Rock Reservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock pickup truck handle the Cannonball River Trail?
Yes, any stock 4WD vehicle can complete this trail. The dirt two-track is straightforward with no major obstacles, just typical prairie ruts and washouts.
Is the trail accessible in winter?
No, avoid winter travel on Standing Rock Reservation roads. Best access is May through October when conditions are dry and tribal roads are maintained.
Do I need permits to drive through Standing Rock Reservation?
No special permits required for the main trail route, but respect all posted private land boundaries. Stay on established two-tracks and pack out all trash.
What's the hardest part of this easy-rated trail?
Navigation and potential mud after rain are the main challenges. The trail is mostly flat prairie with minimal elevation gain, but can become slippery when wet.
Are there water crossings along the Cannonball River route?
Yes, expect seasonal creek crossings that are typically shallow and manageable. Scout on foot first if water levels look questionable after heavy rains.