Redetzke Ridge and Valley View Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

This scenic loop in Fort Ransom State Park travels along several trails for the best scenery in the park.

The hike starts at the Redetzke Ridge Trail parking area. The loop can be done in either direction.

Starting with the Redetzke Ridge Trail, the path winds through oak forest going uphill. Turn left at the intersection ahead to take the Valley View Trail, which gradually ascends to a viewpoint with a bench overlooking the river valley below.

The Valley View Trail ends at a parking area with an overlook of a grassy valley with many glacial erratics—large rocks normally found near the Canadian Rockies that were transported a long distance during the last ice age. Find the North Fork Trail at the north end of the parking lot to continue the loop. This next section goes through prairie grasslands and is entirely shade-free.

Take a sharp left to continue on the North Fork Trail, then the trail will begin a gradual descent until it ends across the road from the parking area.