No. Terrain is uneven but not steep. Difficulty is moderate and driven by sun exposure and heat, not climbing. Most fit people finish in 2 hours.

Long X Trail - Historic Badlands Route

Q: How much water do I really need?

Minimum 2 liters, better 3. No water sources on trail. Badlands sun is intense and dehydration sneaks up fast. Run dry here and you're in real trouble.

Q: Will I see the longhorn cattle?

Yes, likely. The park maintains a display herd. Best odds are early morning (before 9 AM). Keep 25+ yards distance; treat them as wild animals and don't approach.

Q: What's the real story of the Long X Trail?

19th-century cattle drovers used this route to move cattle from southern ranges to the Montana–North Dakota prairies. Roosevelt himself didn't use it, but the park reconstructs that history with the display herd.

Distance

1.5 mi

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Est. Time

1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and cattle viewing

Route Type

Out-and-back

Best Season

May through September

Overview

About This Trail

The Long X Trail is a historic cattle route through Theodore Roosevelt's North Unit badlands. You'll traverse terrain once traveled by 19th-century cattlemen moving livestock through the challenging Northern Little Missouri landscape. The park maintains a display herd of longhorn cattle visible along the route. This is a scenic, educationally-focused badlands walk that pairs ranch history with stark badlands terrain.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

Walk the same route used by cattle drovers in the 1800s, and see the park's longhorn cattle display herd grazing the badlands. The educational payoff is the overlap of human history and wildlife management.

Insider Tips

• Look for the longhorn cattle herd early morning (6–9 AM) when they're most active; afternoon heat sends them to shade • Badlands wind increases through the day—start before it does • This is equal parts history and nature; take time to imagine the cattle drives that carved this route • The stark, colorless terrain can feel monotonous—bring the history context to keep engagement high

Best Season to Hike

May through September

Hiking Tips

Bring at least 2–3 liters of water; no sources on trail and sun exposure is intense
Wear hat, sunscreen, and light long sleeves for UV protection
Watch for uneven terrain and prairie dog burrows that can twist an ankle
Stay 25+ yards from the longhorn cattle herd; treat them as wild animals
Check current conditions at the visitor center before starting

Family Info

Suitable for kids aged 7+ who can manage 1–2 miles on uneven ground. No shade or on-trail facilities—this requires sun discipline. Longhorn cattle viewing is compelling for kids but requires close supervision; these are wild animals. Plan for early morning start and early finish before midday heat peaks.

What Hikers Say

Hikers value this trail for its compact length and educational payload. The longhorn cattle display is a unique draw. Most say the badlands terrain is stark rather than dramatic, and sun exposure requires respect. Few complain; most appreciate it as a solid half-day historical experience.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 ft

Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and cattle viewing

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt and hardened badlands terrain with loose scree in places

Getting There

Trailhead: North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (47.6044°N, 103.3445°W)

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required. Park entrance fee applies.

Fees: $30 per private vehicle (valid 7 days); $25 motorcycle; $15 per person on foot, bicycle, or horse

Shuttle Available

No shuttle. Drive to North Unit and park at trailhead.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail. Carry all water from the visitor center or parking area.

Shade: Full sun with zero shade. Badlands offer no relief once you're on the trail.

Hazards:

Badlands sun is unrelenting; you will feel it. Terrain is uneven and rocky with potential prairie dog burrows underfoot. The longhorn cattle display herd is wild and unpredictable—treat them with respect and keep distance. Wind can be strong and sudden. Afternoon heat can spike to dangerous levels by 2 PM in summer.

Emergency: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Rangers (North Unit); main park line or visitor center

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to light; fewer crowds than South Unit trails

Peak Times: Summer weekends and July–August holidays

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Uneven, rocky badlands terrain. Not wheelchair accessible.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, for kids 7+ who can walk 1–2 miles on uneven terrain. Bring extra water and plan an early start. Longhorn cattle viewing is compelling but supervise closely—these are wild animals.

How much water do I really need?

Will I see the longhorn cattle?

Is this a hard hike?

What's the real story of the Long X Trail?

📖 National Park Service — The Long X Trail (official page) (checked 2026-07-08) 📖 National Park Service — Theodore Roosevelt National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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