North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park, theodore roosevelt national park, trail riding in north dakota, trail riding in theodore roosevelt national park, trail riding, trailriding
Adventures�
Story and Photos by Kent and Charlene Krone
Ride the Badlands
North Dakota’s Theodore
Roosevelt National Park
through the Badlands is one of
the few places you can ride your
horse cross country among freeranging
wild buffalo. You may
also spot wild horses, elk, deer,
mountain sheep, and prairie
dogs.
Inside tip: Before entering the
park, stop at the visitor center
for a detailed National Geographic
Trails Illustrated Map
of the park. Inquire about trail
conditions and any trail closures.
Camping information is
also available.
Ready to hitch up and go?
Here are five top places in the
park to ride and camp.
Theodore Roosevelt’s original cabin from his Maltese Cross
Ranch; it’s now relocated to the visitor’s center.
Roundup Horse Camp. Roundup
Horse Camp has four spacious
corrals, a loop drive, several
picnic tables, and a large covered
kitchen area. We sat by
our campfire and watched the
sun slide behind the Badlands,
leaving streaks of color in its
wake. Reserve your spot early.
Lone Tree Spring Loop. For our
first ride, we selected the 10mile-long
Lone Tree Spring Loop
behind Peaceful Valley Ranch.
(If you don’t have your own
horse, Peaceful Valley Ranch
maintains a full schedule of
trail rides and hosts bed-andbreakfast
rides.) This trail crosses
the Little Missouri River. We
passed several buffalo herds.
Bar X Ranch. Bar X Ranch is
located outside the park, just
south of Medora. This private
camp provides cabins, campsites,
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electrical hookups, showers, and
corrals in a peaceful flat dotted
with cottonwood trees. There’s
even a hot tub to soothe weary
bones after a long ride. You can
ride on the ranch’s private land,
along the Maah Daah Hey Trail,
and over to Sully Creek State Recreation
Area.
Painted Canyon. The Painted
Canyon is located a few miles
east of Medora on I-94. Painted
Canyon has a visitor center and
beautiful views of a small but
Kent Krone rides through
the Eye of the Needle. Buffalo herd at rest.
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