North Unit Scenic Drive - 14mi Badlands Loop

A road curves out of sight around some buttes. Yellowish grass grows on both sides of the road.

This is a 14-mile out-and-back paved scenic drive curling through the rugged North Unit's badlands along the Little Missouri River. Expect frequent bison and bighorn sheep sightings, dramatic eroded geological formations, and designated wilderness landscape views from pullouts. Winter weather can close sections sporadically—call the park before driving. Physical demand is zero for the drive, but standing at pullouts means full sun exposure and prairie wind; bring water and sunscreen."

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 14
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 14
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 1.5 to 3 hours depending on stops and wildlife viewing. Budget 3 hours if you want proper badlands time.
Trail Surface: Paved road (two-lane highway)
Trail Features: Badlands formations
Little Missouri River valley
Wildlife viewing (bison, bighorn sheep)
Scenic pullouts
Designated wilderness
Prairie dog colony
Geological eroded creek valleys
Trail Highlights: The rugged badlands landscape with dramatic geological formations, frequent bison and bighorn sheep encounters, sweeping river valley views, and access to designated wilderness define this drive.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: North Unit Scenic Drive entrance, just off Highway 85, north of the Long-X bridge.
Parking Lot Size: Multiple pullouts and parking areas throughout the drive; exact total capacity unknown.
Parking Fill Time: Rarely full except peak summer weekends; no formal entrance lot. Pullouts fill unevenly.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Personal vehicle required; no shuttle service available.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required, but entrance fee applies to all vehicles entering the park.
Fees: $30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Trail Status: Typically open; winter sections may close unexpectedly.
Seasonal Closures: In winter, sections of the road may be closed due to snowy or icy conditions. Contact the park ahead of time to check road status.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Bring all water you'll need. No water available along the drive. The Little Missouri River is present but not safely drinkable without treatment.
Accessibility: Two-lane paved road accessible to all standard vehicles. Accessible parking available at most paved parking lots and pullouts. Little Mo Nature Trail (accessible) is located along the drive. Service animals allowed but must be leashed (maximum 6 feet).

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Winter weather and road closures
Wildlife on roadway (bison cross unpredictably)
Full sun exposure at pullouts
Narrow shoulders at some pullouts
Sudden weather changes in badlands
Dehydration risk
Hazard Details: Winter: Road sections close sporadically due to snow/ice without advance notice. Call the park before driving. Wildlife: Bison and bighorn sheep cross the road suddenly. Maintain 25-yard minimum distance; never exit the vehicle. Exposure: Badlands offer zero shade—sun and wind intensify at elevation, causing rapid sunburn and dehydration. Some pullout shoulders are narrow; use caution when parking.
Cell Service: Spotty and unreliable, especially in canyon sections. Do not rely on it for emergencies.
Crowd Level: Moderate; less crowded than the South Unit scenic drive.
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends and July-August holidays.
Best Season: May through September
Best Time To Visit: Visit May through September for stable weather and clear roads. Arrive by 8:30am to beat crowds and heat. Winter: Call the park (+1-701-623-4466) before each trip—closures are unpredictable and sections close for hours or days. Dawn/dusk offers best wildlife activity but worst visibility; mid-day is safest for driving.
Tips Advice: Call the park 24 hours before driving in winter to confirm road status. Sections close without notice.
Fuel up before entering the park—no gas on-site.
Bring minimum 1L water per person, plus extra for the vehicle.
Stay 25 yards minimum from all wildlife; 100 yards from bears (though rare in North Unit). Never exit the vehicle for photos.
Headlights on at dawn/dusk—wildlife crosses the road without warning.
Sunscreen and hat mandatory—zero shade at most pullouts. Badlands sun is brutal.
Don't hike away from pullouts alone or unarmed in grizzly country awareness (though rare here). Carry bear spray if nervous.

More details

Park Area: North Unit
Trail Markers: Well-marked paved road with interpretive signs at pullouts and overlooks. Direction is self-evident; navigation is straightforward.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, if leashed (maximum 6 feet). Allowed on roads, road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, and in campgrounds.
Biking Allowed: Not specified for the scenic drive itself.
Shade Level: Full sun at most pullouts; minimal to zero natural shade. Badlands terrain is open and exposed.
Emergency Contacts: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Headquarters: +1-701-623-4466. Call during business hours or use radio at ranger stations for emergencies.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: November through March (typical winter closure window for North Dakota badlands).
Mud Season: April-May (snowmelt runoff may cause temporary pullout closures).
Wildflower Peak: June-July
Fall Colors Peak: September-October
Bug Season: June-August (mosquitoes and biting flies, especially near water).
Insider Tips: Best wildlife viewing: Early morning (6-9am) or late afternoon (5-7pm). Midday animals retreat to shade.
Best photo pullouts: River Bend Overlook (river valley reflection) and Badlands Overlook (geology).
Pro move: Start at Oxbow Overlook if main parking is full—fewer crowds, solid views.
Check park Twitter/website 24 hours before for winter road conditions.
Full tank of gas recommended. Nearest gas is outside park boundaries.
If weather looks marginal in distance, turn back. The road will still be there tomorrow.
Recent Updates: No recent structural changes. Check NPS website and call the park for current seasonal road closures and weather-related delays.
Family Friendly Notes: Good for families in clear summer weather. Keep children supervised at pullouts; teach them to stay near the vehicle and observe wildlife from a safe distance (25+ yards). No facilities, restrooms, food, or water along the route—plan accordingly. Children under 10 should not wander unsupervised.
Nearby Facilities: Unknown; no facilities specified along the scenic drive. Visitor center and amenities are at park headquarters (contact +1-701-623-4466 for locations).
Review Summary: Visitors praise the rugged landscape and frequent wildlife encounters. The drive is accessible for all drivers, but winter weather is unforgiving—many report turning back when weather deteriorates or road sections close. Best enjoyed in clear-weather months (May-September).

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this drive safe from wildlife?

Yes, if you follow the rules: Stay in your vehicle except at pullouts. Maintain 25 yards from all wildlife; 100 yards from bears (rare here). Never approach animals for photos. Bison are territorial and will charge if provoked.

Can I see bison or bighorn sheep guaranteed?

No guarantees, but odds are good. Both species are common on this drive, especially at dawn and dusk. Patience and binoculars help. Visit in June-September for highest odds.

What if snow blocks the road?

Call the park before driving in winter. Sections close sporadically due to snow/ice. Don't gamble. If the forecast says marginal conditions and you're 2 hours away, call first—wait for a stable day.

Do I need 4WD or special tires?

No. The road is paved and well-maintained year-round (when open). A standard vehicle is fine. Ensure good tread and check weather before winter trips.

How much time should I budget?

2–4 hours total. Allow 1.5 hours for driving if you don't stop. Add 1–2 hours for pullout stops and wildlife viewing. The payoff is in the stops, not the drive.

Are there restrooms or water along the drive?

No. Bring all water you need (minimum 1L per person). Plan restroom breaks before entering. Nearest facilities are at park headquarters.