Easy hikes and walks in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
4.7
(11)
218
hikers
29
hikes
Hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers exploration of a unique badlands landscape shaped by the Little Missouri River. The park features deeply eroded terrain, colorful rock formations, and expansive prairies. Petrified forests and grasslands contribute to the diverse ecosystems found across its three units.
Best easy hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- The most popular easy hiking route is Petrified Forest to Overlook, a 2.5 miles (4.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 8 minutes to complete. This route offers views of ancient petrified trees and the surrounding badlands.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Caprock Coulee Trail, an easy 4.2 miles (6.8 km) path. This trail winds through colorful badlands formations and offers views of the Little Missouri River.
- Local hikers also love the Ekblom Trail, a 1.2 miles (1.9 km) trail leading through prairie and open terrain, often completed in about 29 minutes.
- Hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is defined by badlands topography, the Little Missouri River, and vast grasslands. The network offers options for various ability levels, including many easy hiking trails.
- The routes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.12km
01:07
70m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.92km
00:29
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1.55km
00:24
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
53
hikers
6.83km
01:54
130m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
29
hikers
766m
00:12
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Other adventures in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Tips from the Community
The Upper Caprock Coulee trail continues where the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail stops. After a short but steep climb from the nature trail, you'll find yourself in the quietest section of the Caprock Coulee Loop and views start to open up over the badlands.
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This nature trail (part of the overall Caprock Coulee loop) doesn't have much elevation gain, so it makes a great warm-up or a short run in and of itself. It's very popular with hikers, though, so your best chance of an uninterrupted run is getting out here early or late, or maybe during the week. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bison, which are fast and dangerous — you don't want to end up running sprints with one of those behind you.
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There's a prairie dog town right about here, but the "town" is actually a series of underground tunnels — so you're best off watching for the prairie dogs themselves, which look much like fat little squirrels with short, stubby tails. Often, the easiest way to spot them is by watching for movement when they dash for the cover of one of their many burrow entrances, or listen for their chirping alarm calls. You might see lots of other wildlife here too, drawn by the prairie dogs.
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There's a prairie dog town right about here, but the "town" is actually a series of underground tunnels — so you're best off watching for the prairie dogs themselves, which look much like fat little squirrels with short, stubby tails. Often, the easiest way to spot them is by watching for movement when they dash for the cover of one of their many burrow entrances, or listen for their chirping alarm calls. You might see lots of other wildlife here too, drawn by the prairie dogs.
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The Upper Caprock Coulee trail continues where the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail stops. After a short but steep climb from the nature trail, you'll find yourself in the quietest section of the Caprock Coulee Loop and views start to open up over the badlands.
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Wind Canyon Nature Trail is one of many short but beautiful hikes along the Scenic Loop Drive in Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit. The path winds along the Little Missouri River to provide you with dramatic river views.
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This section of the North Achenbach Trail is elevated from the rest of the trail right next to Scenic Loop Road. Because of the higher elevation of the trail at this section, you'll be rewarded with beautiful river and valley views.
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Caprock Coulee Nature Trail is a 0.8-mile section of the Caprock Coulee Trail Loop, making it a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike if you don't feel like hiking the entire loop. The Nature Trail section also has the least amount of elevation change of the entire loop making it more accessible. Like most 'Nature Trails' the NPS has provided signs to give you more information about the area along the trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a good selection of easy hiking trails. There are 17 easy routes available, allowing you to explore the unique badlands topography and diverse ecosystems at a comfortable pace.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The easy trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore these routes, often praising the unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Are there family-friendly easy hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes, several easy trails are excellent for families. For instance, the Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail is a short, easy walk where you can observe prairie dogs up close. The Ekblom Trail is also a gentle option through open prairie.
Can I see petrified trees on an easy hike?
Yes, you can explore ancient petrified forests on an easy hike. The Petrified Forest to Overlook route is a 2.5-mile trail that offers views of these unique fossilized trees and the surrounding badlands.
Are there easy trails with good viewpoints of the badlands?
Absolutely. Many easy trails offer stunning views. The Wind Canyon Trail provides impressive vistas of a wind-sculpted canyon and the Little Missouri River. Additionally, the Painted Canyon Visitor Center and Painted Canyon Overlook offer panoramic views of the colorful badlands topography, and the Ridgeline Nature Trail Overlook is another great spot.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on easy trails?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is rich in wildlife. On easy trails, you have a good chance of spotting bison, wild horses, mule deer, and numerous prairie dog towns. Bird species like bald eagles and hawks are also common. The park's diverse ecosystems, from badlands to prairies, support this abundant animal life.
Are there any easy loop trails in the park?
Yes, there are easy loop trails available. The Caprock Coulee Trail, for example, is a 4.2-mile easy loop that winds through colorful badlands formations and offers views of the Little Missouri River.
Do I need a permit for hiking easy trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Generally, you do not need a special permit for day hiking on easy trails within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, standard park entrance fees apply. For the most current information on fees and any specific regulations, it's always best to check the official National Park Service website: nps.gov/thro.
What are some interesting natural features to look for along the easy trails?
Beyond the dramatic badlands, keep an eye out for the Little Missouri River, which carves through the landscape, and the vast prairies and grasslands. You might also encounter unique geological formations like Cannonball Concretions, which are spherical rock formations.
Are there any visitor centers or facilities near the easy hiking areas?
Yes, the Painted Canyon Visitor Center is a key facility that also offers one of the best scenic views in the area. It's a great starting point for exploring nearby easy trails and overlooks.
What is the best time of year to hike the easy trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, requiring plenty of water, while winter can bring snow and ice, making some trails more challenging. Always check current weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any short, easy trails for a quick walk?
Yes, for a quick and easy walk, the Ekblom Trail is only 1.2 miles (1.9 km) and takes about 29 minutes. The Wind Canyon Trail is even shorter at 0.7 miles (1.1 km), offering great views in about 12 minutes.
Most popular routes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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