Medicine Root Loop

The Medicine Root Loop cuts a 25-mile arc through some of the most desolate country in Buffalo Gap National Grassland, starting from Highway 44 west of Scenic and looping back through mixed-grass prairie that looks unchanged since the buffalo days. This isn’t technical driving — it’s about isolation and endurance on rutted two-track that can turn to gumbo when wet. The highlight is Medicine Root Creek crossing, where a small prairie stream cuts through chalk bluffs and creates the only shade for miles.

Stock high-clearance vehicles handle this easily in dry conditions, but avoid entirely when wet — the Pierre shale turns into axle-deep slick clay that’ll strand you for days. No permits needed, but inform someone of your plans since you’re genuinely remote out here. Best season is late spring through fall when roads are firm. Bring extra water, fuel, and a way to communicate — this is big sky country where your problems become very small and very personal very quickly.