Long X Trail - Historic Badlands Route

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 200

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 200
Estimated Time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and cattle viewing
Trail Surface: Dirt and hardened badlands terrain with loose scree in places
Trail Features: Historic 19th-century cattle route
Longhorn cattle display herd
Northern Little Missouri Badlands
Stark badlands terrain
Prairie dog colonies
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (47.6044°N, 103.3445°W)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle. Drive to North Unit and park at trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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
Trail Status: Open

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: None on trail. Carry all water from the visitor center or parking area.
Accessibility: Uneven, rocky badlands terrain. Not wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Intense sun exposure
Dehydration risk
Uneven terrain with loose scree
Prairie dog burrows
Longhorn cattle (wild animals)
Wind gusts
Afternoon heat buildup
Hazard Details: 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.
Crowd Level: Moderate to light; fewer crowds than South Unit trails
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends and July–August holidays
Best Season: May through September
Best Time To Visit: Late spring through early fall (May–September) when weather is stable. Start early morning (before 8 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and peak crowds. Summer heat is relentless—bring extra water.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: North Unit
Shade Level: Full sun with zero shade. Badlands offer no relief once you're on the trail.
Emergency Contacts: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Rangers (North Unit); main park line or visitor center
Map Recommended: 0
Bug Season: Mosquitoes may be present near water sources in late summer; not a major issue on dry badlands
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
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

Is this a hard hike?

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.

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.