Little Missouri River Breaks Backcountry Road
Roosevelt's badlands in raw form.
This primitive road system winds through the Little Missouri River Breaks in western North Dakota, crossing the same rugged country where a young Theodore Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s and developed his conservation philosophy. The route follows old ranch roads and cattle trails through painted canyons, petrified wood forests, and scoria-capped buttes that glow red at sunset. Key waypoints include the Elkhorn Ranch site where Roosevelt lived, Oxbow Overlook for panoramic badlands views, and several primitive camping spots along the Little Missouri River where wild horses still water.
Rated moderate to difficult depending on recent weather and route selection, requiring high-clearance 4WD and careful navigation through unmarked terrain. The bentonite clay becomes impassable slick when wet, while summer heat can be brutal with no shade. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though mosquitoes can be fierce near the river in early summer. No permits required for day use, but overnight camping requires National Park Service authorization. Bring extra fuel, water, and detailed maps – GPS can be unreliable in the deep canyons. The reward is solitude in some of North Dakota’s most spectacular country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2850 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Medora, North Dakota |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD handles it fine under normal conditions. Lifted rigs have more margin when the clay-heavy badlands surface gets wet and slick, but this isn't a trail that demands lockers or a lift.
What happens to this trail after rain — is it passable?
No. North Dakota badlands clay turns into a greasy, axle-sucking mess when wet and can stay that way for days after a storm. Check conditions before you go and don't push it — vehicles have gotten buried out here waiting for a tow that takes a long time to arrive.
Do I need a permit to drive this backcountry road?
No permit is required for vehicle travel, but you're operating within Theodore Roosevelt National Park boundaries so standard park entrance fees apply. Backcountry camping requires a free backcountry permit obtained from a park visitor center.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The eroded creek crossings and steep clay two-track descents into the canyon drainages are where most people get into trouble. The surface goes from hard-packed to soft without warning, and the off-camber shelf sections demand attention — a slipped tire toward the canyon edge isn't a slow-speed parking lot situation.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on the route?
Medora is the closest fuel stop — fill up there before you head out, it's a real town but options thin fast once you leave. There are Little Missouri River crossings on the route but treat any water you collect; there are no developed water sources on the trail itself.
Trail track
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