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

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

🥾 Trail

Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit

Q: Is the trail difficult?

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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Elkhorn Ranch Unit (remote unit between North and South units)

Distance

0.7 mi

Est. Time

30 minutes for the trail itself; plan 3–6 hours including the 90-minute drive each way.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring, Summer, Fall; accessible year-round but road conditions vary

Overview

About This 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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Walk in the park

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Spring, Summer, Fall; accessible year-round but road conditions vary

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 0.7 miles

Duration: 30 minutes for the trail itself; plan 3–6 hours including the 90-minute drive each way.

Difficulty: Walk in the park

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Mowed dirt/grass

Getting There

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

Requirements

Permit Required

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.

Shuttle Available

Not applicable

Trail Rules

Dogs: No; pets are not permitted. Service animals allowed if leashed (max 6 feet).

Trail Markers: Well-defined mowed trail; nearly impossible to get lost on 0.7-mile route to cabin site

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Dry trail—carry all water from vehicle. Creek exists but no safe drinking sources listed.

Shade: Full sun. Badlands exposure with zero tree cover. Hat and sunscreen mandatory.

Cell Service: Unreliable to absent. Assume no signal and plan accordingly.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: 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.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Ghost town

Peak Times: Summer (June–August) may see occasional day-use visitors; most days are empty

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

What if the ground is muddy or wet?

Are there bears or dangerous wildlife?

Do I need a permit?

Will my phone work out here?

Can I bring my dog?

📖 National Park Service — Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit (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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