Dakota Prairie Grassland North Unit Loop
Prairie grassland solitude in the Bakken
This forgotten corner of the Dakota Prairie National Grassland offers some of the state’s most isolated backcountry driving, where oil boom traffic gives way to endless prairie silence. The loop connects a web of minimum maintenance roads through the North Unit’s deepest coulees and highest ridges, passing crumbling homestead foundations and rusted windmills that mark failed dreams from the early 1900s. The route drops into Spring Creek Coulee before climbing back onto the prairie divide, offering commanding views of the Yellowstone River valley.
Easy to moderate difficulty on mostly maintained gravel, though wet weather can make clay sections impassable. Any high-clearance vehicle works in dry conditions, but 4WD helps in spring mud or after storms. Best driven May through September when roads are most reliable. No permits required, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the grassland. Bring all water and expect no cell service for miles. This is classic Great Plains solitude where you can drive for hours seeing more pronghorn than people.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2650 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Watford City, North Dakota |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Subaru Outback handle the Dakota Prairie Grassland North Unit Loop?
High-clearance is recommended but a stock Outback can make it with careful driving. The gravel roads are generally well-maintained, though spring washouts and deep ruts after rain can create challenges.
Is the trail accessible in winter?
The trail is technically open year-round but best avoided November through April due to snow, ice, and seasonal road closures. May through September offers the most reliable access and weather.
Do I need any permits or fees for the Dakota Prairie Grassland loop?
No permits or fees required. This is National Grassland managed by the US Forest Service with free public access for camping and driving.
What's the most challenging part of this trail?
The steepest descents into coulees can be slippery when wet, and some creek crossings may have soft approaches. Overall it's genuinely easy terrain compared to most overland routes.
How's cell service and should I plan for complete isolation?
Cell service is spotty throughout most of the loop with dead zones common in the deeper coulees. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans before heading out.