Theodore Roosevelt

Short South Unit trail along the rim of a canyon carved by the Little Missouri River

Short but steep South Unit climb to one of the highest points reachable by trail, popular for sunrise and sunset

Descends from the Painted Canyon Visitor Center into the badlands; remember the climb back up

North Unit trail winding through badlands terrain and dry washes

Remote South Unit loop reaching one of the park's ancient petrified forest areas

North Unit backcountry route with two Little Missouri River crossings and steep climbs; backcountry permit needed for overnight use

Out-and-back paved route from the South Unit Visitor Center in Medora past badlands overlooks and trailheads

Roundtrip drive climbing out of the river canyon to River Bend Overlook, then along the rim to Oxbow Overlook; nearly all paved

Bison are visible on park roads throughout the day; feral horses roam along the South Unit Scenic Drive

Large towns visible from the South Unit road; the North Unit town is reached via a roughly 1-mile hike from the Caprock Coulee parking area

Frequently spotted over the Little Missouri River floodplain and from River Bend Overlook

Best viewed in early morning while feeding on grasslands near the Buck Hill area

Permitted on backcountry trails and cross-country in both units; not allowed on nature trails, roadways, or in developed campgrounds. Guided rides are no longer offered

Equestrian camping area in the South Unit; free backcountry permits available for overnight rides in either unit

All paved and dirt park roads are open to cyclists; off-road cycling and hiking trails are closed to bikes

Bicycles are prohibited on this trail where it crosses both units; cyclists must detour via the Buffalo Gap Trail (South) or existing roads (North)

Mowed pathway from the parking area to the foundation stones of Roosevelt's "home ranch" cabin

Remote unit off unpaved roads; the final 3 miles often require 4-wheel drive or high clearance, especially after rain or snow. No cell signal on site