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Painted Canyon Nature Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. ND
  3. …Western N. Dakota
  4. …Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  5. South Unit
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“This is a loop trail with a steep descent and steep return ascent and beautiful badlands scenery. ”

Karen Ryberg
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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Lollipop

2,780' 847 m

High

2,533' 772 m

Low

262' 80 m

Up

261' 80 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This short trail with great views is located conveniently next to the visitor center.

Pets in the park must be restrained at all times, and are not permitted in park buildings, on trails, or in the backcountry. Be aware that dogs can agitate bison and other animals, creating a dangerous situation.

Overview

Start at the Painted Canyon Visitors Center, open seasonally May through October. If the visitors center is closed, you can still take the exit off Interstate 94 and park on the road in front of the gate and walk through the pedestrian gate. Do not block the vehicle gate as the Park Service needs to access the area for administrative and safety purposes.

Description

Proceed to the Visitors Center and go through the obvious pathway to the north side of the structure to the Painted Canyon Overlook. This is one of the most popular spots for viewing the scenery in the park.

Take the paved trail to your left, and you'll come to the Painted Canyon Nature Trail trailhead. Follow the trail down as it loops downward into the canyon, then back up. The ascent is steep and the maximum grade is 20% but not rated as difficult because of its short length.

Flora & Fauna

Bison, wild horses, juniper, native prairie grasses.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Theodore Roosevelt

Shared By:

Karen Ryberg with improvements by David Hitchcock
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 17 votes

#2

in South Unit

#1521

Overall
  4.2 from 17 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in South Unit

#3

in North Dakota

#1,521

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,397 Since Sep 9, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
6%
71%
12%
12%
0%
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Photos

More of the Bad
Dec 5, 2017 near Medora, ND
There are great panoramic views along the trail that give a sense of the beauty in the area.
Aug 26, 2023 near Medora, ND
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Dec 5, 2017 near Medora, ND
Cactus can be found along the trail, so watch your step.
Aug 26, 2023 near Medora, ND
You can really see how erosion shapes the countryside.
Aug 26, 2023 near Medora, ND
Hiking down into the Canyon allows you to get up close with the formations that make Painted Canyon famous.
Aug 26, 2023 near Medora, ND

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 9, 2024
Evan Lei
Sep 19, 2023
Ron Dianne Majerus
1.1mi
Sep 4, 2023
Brian L
Jul 24, 2023
David Hitchcock
Not a lot of signage, would recommend hiking the other trail.
Jul 18, 2023
Michael Schulz
Jun 16, 2023
Marissa Buckner
1.1mi
Apr 29, 2023
Martin Peterson
Mar 4, 2023
N T

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