Trail

Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit

Trail

A short, flat walk to the foundation stones of Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch, one of the most remote corners of the park. The 0.7-mile mowed trail crosses a 218-acre site where Roosevelt retreated after personal tragedy, offering solitude and badlands views. No cabin remains—only the footprint—but that's the point: this is pilgrim terrain, not a tourist spectacle. Plan for a 90-minute drive to reach it.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.7
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Walk in the park
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.7
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Walk in the park
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
30 minutes for the trail itself; plan 3–6 hours including the 90-minute drive each way.
Trail Surface
Mowed dirt/grass
Trail Features
  • Roosevelt's cabin foundation stones
  • Little Missouri River valley views
  • Badlands buttes and plateaus
  • Historic ranch site
  • Prairie landscape
Trail Highlights
Stand among the foundation stones of Roosevelt's retreat and read his own words about the Elkhorn. The cabin is gone, but the solitude and historical weight remain.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Elkhorn Ranch Parking Area (off Forest Road 2, ~90 min from North or South unit entrance)
Shuttle Required
0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits or reservations required
Fees
$30 entrance fee (Private Vehicle, valid 7 days) or $15 per person (non-motorized). America the Beautiful annual pass $80.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Park open 24/7, but gravel access road may be impassable during winter storms (November–March). Summer typically most reliable access.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Dry trail—carry all water from vehicle. Creek exists but no safe drinking sources listed.
Accessibility
Flat, mowed trail with minimal obstacles. 0.7-mile distance accessible to most fitness levels. Parking area provides no facilities; no paved accessibility infrastructure noted.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Slippery ground after rain
  • Badlands sun exposure
  • Remoteness—help is 90+ minutes away
  • Wildlife (bison, elk, prairie dogs)
  • Weather-dependent road access
Hazard Details
Ground becomes treacherous when wet; boots with grip essential. Badlands sun will burn you fast—hydrate aggressively. Remote location means no cell service and no immediate rescue; fuel vehicle fully and inform someone of your itinerary. Bison and elk present—maintain 25 yards distance; never get between mother and calf.
Cell Service
Unreliable to absent. Assume no signal and plan accordingly.
Crowd Level
Ghost town
Peak Crowd Times
Summer (June–August) may see occasional day-use visitors; most days are empty
Best Season
Spring, Summer, Fall; accessible year-round but road conditions vary
Best Time To Visit
Late May through mid-October. Avoid April–May when spring snowmelt makes the trail slippery; skip November–March when gravel road access becomes unreliable. Start early to beat badlands heat.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 2L water minimum—no sources on trail and badlands sun is relentless.
  • Vehicle must have fuel for 90-min return drive; no services at trailhead.
  • Wear hiking boots with grip; wet ground is treacherous.
  • Check weather before departing; heavy rain can close the gravel access road.
  • Tell someone your route and expected return time; cell service is unreliable.

More details

Park Area
Elkhorn Ranch Unit (remote unit between North and South units)
Trail Markers
Well-defined mowed trail; nearly impossible to get lost on 0.7-mile route to cabin site
Dogs Allowed
No; pets are not permitted. Service animals allowed if leashed (max 6 feet).
Shade Level
Full sun. Badlands exposure with zero tree cover. Hat and sunscreen mandatory.
Emergency Contacts
North Unit Visitor Center: (701) 842-2333. South Unit: (701) 623-4730. If emergency, call 911 and provide GPS coordinates or Forest Road 2 access point.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Snowfall likely November–March; park remains open, but gravel access road may require high-clearance vehicle or chains. Check road status with rangers before departing.
Mud Season
April–May: spring snowmelt creates muddy, slippery conditions on mowed trail
Wildflower Peak
June through July; prairie wildflowers peak in badlands
Fall Colors Peak
Late September through October; cottonwoods along Little Missouri turn gold
Bug Season
Mid-June through August: mosquitoes heavy near river, especially at dawn/dusk
Insider Tips
  • Stand directly on one of the foundation stones and read Roosevelt's own words from 'Hunting Trips of a Ranchman'—they perfectly describe what you're standing in.
  • The remoteness IS the reward; most visitors skip it for the main units. Go when you want genuinely empty badlands.
  • Visit when ground is dry after rain; wet soil becomes slick mud that defeats boots.
Recent Updates
No recent trail changes reported
Family Friendly Notes
Short, easy trail suitable for families and children. Trail surface is flat and well-defined. Major caveat: 90-minute drive each way may exhaust young passengers; plan activities for vehicle time or limit to older kids. No trailhead amenities (restrooms, water, shade) for rest breaks.
Nearby Facilities
Nearest supplies in Watford City, ~45 miles from trailhead. No facilities at parking area. USFS Elkhorn Campground nearby (day-use available). Fill fuel tank before leaving park.
Review Summary
Hikers and Roosevelt scholars prize this site for its solitude and historical weight, not for difficulty or scenery. The 90-minute drive filters out casual visitors, leaving only those committed to quiet reflection. Most who make the trip describe it as a pilgrimage to Roosevelt's personal refuge.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this worth the 90-minute drive?

Yes—if you value history and genuine solitude. Most who make the trip find it unforgettable. The remoteness is the entire point.

Is the trail difficult?

No. It's 0.7 miles, completely flat, mowed. Families with kids and older adults can manage it easily.

What if the ground is muddy or wet?

Avoid it. Mud on a mowed trail is treacherous. Check weather; wet conditions after rain make boots essential. Visit when it's been dry for 24+ hours.

Are there bears or dangerous wildlife?

Bears are rare here. Bison and elk are present. Keep 25 yards away. Never step between a mother and her calf. Make noise as you walk.

Do I need a permit?

No permits or reservations. Just pay the park entrance fee ($30 for a 7-day vehicle pass). No advanced booking required.

Will my phone work out here?

Cell service is unreliable to absent. Assume zero signal. Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time before leaving.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not permitted. Service animals must be leashed (max 6 feet). Check with rangers on current pet policies.

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Badlands hub. Access rugged terrain with flexible loop and out-and-back routing options.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.