Hikes and walks (12)
| Hike | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Hike the Petrified Forest | The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes. | 2 to 10 Hours · All year · No pets |
| Hike Skyline Vista Trail | Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. | 5 to 15 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit | Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands. | 3 to 6 Hours · All year · No pets |
| Hike Coal Vein Trail | Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. | 30 to 45 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Hike Wind Canyon Trail | Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands. | 5 to 30 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Hike Boicourt Trail | This short hike, with its elevated perspective and accessible trail, offers a unique view of the Little Missouri Badlands that the whole family can enjoy. | 15 to 30 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail | Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park! | 30 to 45 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Hike up Buck Hill | Hike to the top of Buck Hill, one of the highest points in the park, and get an amazing 360° view of the surrounding badlands! | 5 to 30 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Hike the Painted Canyon Nature Trail | Painted Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop trail located just off Interstate 94 near the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. It offers a great introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whether visitors are just passing through or planning on a multi-day stay. | 30 to 80 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Explore the Cannonball Concretions | The cannonball concretions are an arresting and unusual geological formation. Stop at this pullout to explore their mysteries! | 5 to 15 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Hiking in the South Unit | From paved paths to strenuous backcountry trails, the hiking trails in the South Unit have a little something for everyone. Explore a sampling of park terrain with trail options to fit all levels of hikers. | All year · No pets |
| Hiking in the North Unit | Nature Trails in the North Unit are perfect for casual hikers and nature enthusiasts, but the backcountry trails really steal the show! The Buckhorn, Caprock Coulee, and famed Achenbach Trails traverse the park's vast wilderness areas. Check out all the options and what will fit your trip best. | All year · No pets |
Other things to do (11)
| Activity | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park | The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds. Take a moment and see which ones you can spot! | All year · Pets with limits |
| Wildlife Viewing - South Unit | Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there. | All year · Pets with limits |
| Wildlife Viewing - North Unit | Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there. | All year · Pets with limits |
| Visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin | The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first home in Dakota territory. Step inside and learn about how he lived during his time in the badlands where the romance of his life began. | 5 to 20 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Film: Refuge of the American Spirit | Visit one of the visitor centers and watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park film, Refuge of the American Spirit. | 17 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive | Hop on your mountain bike and experience the South Unit Scenic Drive in a whole new way. | All year · Pets with limits · Fee |
| Bike the North Unit Scenic Drive | Bike the 14-mile scenic drive of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's remote North Unit! | All year · Pets with limits · Fee |
| See the Stars in Theodore Roosevelt National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers incredible night skies for amateur and expert stargazers alike to enjoy year round. | All year · Pets with limits |
| Drive the South Unit Scenic Drive | The South Unit scenic drive is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. | All year · Pets with limits · Fee |
| Drive the North Unit Scenic Drive | The North Unit scenic drive provides access to the more rugged North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. | All year · Pets with limits · Fee |
| Become a Theodore Roosevelt National Park Junior Ranger | Visit one of the park's visitor centers to pick up a Junior Ranger Field Journal, and start your journey to becoming a Junior Ranger! | All year · Pets with limits |
Before you set out
Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.