When most people think of national parks in the United States, iconic destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, or Yosemite often come to mind. However, some of the most rewarding experiences can be found beyond the well-known parks. One such hidden treasure is the often-overlooked North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
As part of our Ultimate South Dakota and North Dakota Road Trip: 15 Unforgettable Stops, we discovered that Theodore Roosevelt National Park was one of the unexpected highlights of our journey. Before visiting, be sure to check out our Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: Visitor Guide & Hidden Gem for everything you need to know about planning your trip.
The North Unit is one of the more remote sections of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and honestly, we underestimated it. It quickly became our favorite area for adventure within the park. Compared to the Badlands of South Dakota, the North Unit offers a different landscape experience with more vivid geological formations, colorful rock layers, rolling green prairies, and spectacular views overlooking the Little Missouri River.
Every trail seemed to reveal another side of the park’s geology, wildlife, and dramatic badlands scenery.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “I never would have been president if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.” His time in the Dakota Territory profoundly influenced his outlook on conservation and shaped the ideas that would later guide his efforts to protect America’s natural landscapes. The rugged badlands, wildlife, and solitude he experienced here played an important role in inspiring the conservation legacy that continues today.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in a more remote area of western North Dakota, but the drive is straightforward.
From the north, the park entrance is approximately 15 miles south of Watford City, North Dakota, along U.S. Highway 85.
From the south, travel north on U.S. Highway 85 from Belfield, North Dakota. The route is about 50 miles north of Belfield and can be accessed from Exit 42 off I-94.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here.
North Unit Visitor Information
Note: It is important to note that the North Unit operates on Central time, while the South Unit operates on Mountain time.
Know Before You Go: North Unit of Roosevelt National Park
- Park Hours & Fees: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Entrance fees apply and are valid for both the North and South Units. The current fee is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders (valid for 7 days). Visitor center hours are seasonal, and services may be limited.
- Consider an Annual Pass: If you plan to visit multiple national parks or federal recreation sites, the America the Beautiful Pass is a great value. For $80, it provides access to thousands of federal recreation sites across the country.
- Services Are Limited: The North Unit is remote, and there are no gas stations, restaurants, or lodging facilities inside the park. The closest full services are available in Watford City. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and any essentials you may need before entering the park
- Time Zone Difference: The North Unit operates on Central Time, while the South Unit operates on Mountain Time. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
- Pets: Pets are welcome in some areas of the North Unit but have restrictions. They are allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, parking areas, and along roadsides. Pets are not permitted on hiking trails, inside buildings, or in backcountry areas. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and owners must clean up and pack out all waste.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall (May–October) is the best time to explore the North Unit. June through September offers warm temperatures, green landscapes, and active wildlife viewing. Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful colors. Summer provides the best access to roads and trails but can be hot. Winter visits are peaceful but may include snow, limited services, and possible road closures.
Why Visit the North Unit?
While many visitors experience only the more accessible South Unit near Medora, the North Unit offers a completely different perspective of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Its remote location, rugged badlands, colorful geological formations, and sweeping views of the Little Missouri River make it a favorite for those looking for solitude and adventure.
For a complete comparison of the North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit, see our Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: Visitor Guide & Hidden Gem.
First Stop is the Visitor Center
Near the entrance is the North Unit Visitor Center, a small facility housed in a trailer. Restrooms are available in the adjacent building.
This is always our first stop when visiting any national park. Here, you can check current weather and road conditions, obtain a backcountry permit, receive your park passport stamp, browse the bookstore, and watch the park film before exploring the exhibits.
Before heading out, pick up a park map or download our NPS Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit map to help plan your route and hiking stops.
Drive the Remote Scenic Road through the North Unit of Roosevelt National Park
The 14-mile scenic drive through the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best ways to experience this remote section of the park. The paved road winds through rugged badlands, rolling prairie, and along the Little Missouri River, with numerous pullouts and overlooks offering opportunities to stop, explore, and take in the scenery.
The dramatic landscape changes around every curve, from colorful rock formations and towering buttes to sweeping views across the North Dakota badlands. Wildlife sightings are also common along the route, including bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, and other native species.
Major stops and overlooks along the North Unit Scenic Drive include Longhorn Pullout, Slump Block Pullout, Cannonball Concretions, Long X Trail, Caprock Coulee, River Bend Overlook, Bentonitic Clay formations, Man and Grass, Edge of Glacier, and Oxbow Overlook.
Cannonball Concretions Pullout
This may be one of the most extraordinary geological formations I have ever seen. These unusual spherical boulders look like giant cannonballs scattered across the landscape, giving them their name. Some rest among the sagebrush flats, while others remain partially embedded in the eroding badland cliffs.
When I taught earth science, my students learned about the process of mineral cementation, which immediately came to mind when I first saw these formations. Cannonball concretions formed millions of years ago when mineral-rich groundwater moved through layers of sediment. The minerals collected around a core material, acting like a natural cement that hardened and preserved the surrounding sediment into these unusual spherical shapes.
As we explored the ravine canyon, we also noticed vertical pipe-like formations carved into the softer rock layers of the badlands. Over time, erosion removed the less resistant material while the harder caprock above helped protect sections of the formation below. The result is a fascinating landscape filled with caves, channels, and other unusual geological features.
Walking among these formations feels like exploring another world, and it is easily one of the most memorable stops along the North Unit Scenic Drive.
Riverbend Overlook-The View that Launched a Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has many incredible viewpoints, but River Bend Overlook is easily one of the most impressive. Nowhere else in the park captures the dramatic combination of badlands formations, the Little Missouri River, and the surrounding prairie quite like this overlook.
Of the three units within the park, the North Unit quickly became our favorite. The combination of solitude, colorful geological layers, and sweeping river views makes this area feel truly special.
Construction of the stone shelter that stands at the overlook began in 1937, during the period when the Civilian Conservation Corps was developing many park facilities across the country. Built with natural materials, including rocks quarried within the park, the shelter blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape and remains one of the most recognizable viewpoints along the North Unit Scenic Drive.
A Breathtaking View of the North Dakota Badlands
From the overlook, the view of the Little Missouri River valley is simply breathtaking. The badland buttes rise above the lush green floodplain, creating a stunning contrast of colors and textures. During our visit, spring rains had turned the river a muddy brown, while wildflowers and fresh vegetation filled the valley below. Even under cloudy skies, the layers of red, tan, and gray rock formations displayed incredible colors.
The photographs we captured cannot fully convey the experience of standing here. The scale of the landscape, the quietness of the valley, and the endless views are what make River Bend Overlook unforgettable.
We also kept our eyes on the steep slopes hoping to spot bighorn sheep. Luckily, we found two resting near the base of the cliffs not far from the shelter. Seeing these magnificent animals in this setting was one of the highlights of our visit, especially since we had not encountered bighorn rams on our previous national park adventures.
End of the Road-Oxbow Overlook
The final stop along the North Unit Scenic Drive is Oxbow Overlook, where a short climb to the top rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the Little Missouri River valley. This is an incredible location for sunrise or sunset, when the changing light highlights the colorful canyon walls and endless badlands landscape.
Standing above the river bend puts the scale of Theodore Roosevelt National Park into perspective. The vast landscape stretches in every direction, and it is easy to feel small among the towering buttes and wide-open prairie.
The overlook gets its name from the dramatic bend in the Little Missouri River below. Over thousands of years, natural forces have shaped this landscape as the river slowly carved through the badlands, creating the winding channels and valleys we see today. During the last ice age, glacial activity altered the course of the Little Missouri River, helping create the unusual landscape found throughout this region.
Oxbow Overlook is also the starting point for one of the North Unit’s most challenging adventures: the Achenbach Trail. To reach the Achenbach Trail junction, follow the Sperati Point Trail for approximately 1.2 miles. Both trails offer little shade, so bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Restroom facilities are available at the Oxbow Overlook parking area.
Note: Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails anywhere in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Hiking Trails in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to some of the park’s most spectacular hiking trails. From short nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience the colorful badlands, wildlife, and geological formations hidden beyond the scenic drive.
If you want to explore more of the North Unit’s trails, check out our complete guide to the best hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including everything from the Caprock-Coulee Nature Trail to the challenging Achenbach Trail.
What to Bring Hiking in the North Unit
The North Dakota Badlands can be a challenging environment, especially during the warmer months. Many trails have little shade, limited water sources, and uneven terrain, so come prepared.
Bring:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A ball cap or wide-brimmed hat
- A lightweight, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
- Bug spray to help protect against biting insects and ticks
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Trekking poles for steep or uneven trails
Be aware that poison ivy is common along some trails, and prairie rattlesnakes are native to the park. Always watch where you step and give wildlife plenty of space.
Remember: Bring at least one gallon of water per person. There is no reliable filterable water available along most trails, so plan ahead before starting your hike.
Our Favorite North Unit Hike In TRNP- Deserted Caprock Coulee Loop Trail
Of all the trails we explored in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit, the Caprock-Coulee Nature Trail was our favorite. This 4.4-mile loop climbs nearly 600 feet and is rated moderate to strenuous, but the effort is rewarded with incredible views of the North Dakota badlands.
The trail takes you through grassy buttes, rugged ravines, and some of the most impressive geological formations in the park. Along the way, we discovered colorful rock layers, caprock formations, and large pieces of petrified wood scattered throughout the landscape.
This was one of those hikes where every turn revealed something new, making it a highlight of our North Unit adventure.
The trail gets its name from two different geological features. Caprock refers to a harder layer of rock, often sandstone or volcanic ash, that protects the softer layers beneath it. Over time, erosion removes the less resistant material, leaving behind dramatic formations shaped by wind and water. Similar erosion processes created the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, where softer rock layers have been sculpted into towering spires and unique formations.
Coulee refers to a steep ravine or drainage area, a term derived from the Canadian French word coulée, meaning “to flow.” These natural channels help shape the landscape as water moves through the softer layers of the badlands.
One of the highlights of the trail is the petrified wood scattered along the canyon walls. Large pieces of ancient trees, now preserved as colorful stone, protrude from the eroded cliffs and create a fascinating contrast against the rugged badland scenery.
Solitary Trail Over the High Ridge
From River Bend Overlook, the trail continues along a high, narrow ridge offering sweeping views of the Little Missouri River Valley before descending into a quiet juniper forest and completing the loop.
The CCC-built shelter at River Bend Overlook is already a highlight, but this trail provides a different perspective of the North Unit’s rugged landscape. The ridge section can feel exposed in places, so visitors with a fear of heights may want to use caution. I am not particularly comfortable with heights, but I had no problem completing this portion of the trail.
Hidden in Juniper Campground the Little Mo Trail
The self-guided trail brochure or NPS app helps visitors learn about the river bottom habitat, plants, and wildlife along the route. We downloaded the brochure ahead of time and enjoyed stopping at the numbered posts to learn more about the landscape around us.
The trail winds through cottonwood and juniper forests along the Little Missouri River, creating excellent habitat for birds and wildlife. During our visit, we spotted several species, including a soaring Golden Eagle, while other common sightings include Lazuli Buntings, Western Meadowlarks, Spotted Towhees, and Mountain Bluebirds.
As we approached the river, the wildflowers became even more impressive. Bright yellow blooms lined the riverbanks, creating a beautiful contrast against the colorful canyon walls rising above the Little Missouri. During peak wildflower season, visitors can often find blooms from mid-June through mid-August.
Paradise on the Secluded Buckhorn Trail
For visitors looking to venture deeper into the North Unit, the Buckhorn Trail offers a true backcountry experience. This 11.5-mile loop is rated moderate to strenuous and begins near Juniper Campground, across from the Cannonball Concretions pullout.
While the Cannonball Concretions are one of the North Unit’s most unique geological features, the Buckhorn Trail reveals even more of the park’s hidden beauty. The route passes through colorful badlands formations, open prairie, and remote landscapes that few visitors experience.
One of our favorite parts of the trail was the wildlife. Prairie dog towns line portions of the route, and in spring, young pups begin emerging from their burrows. We could have spent hours watching their entertaining antics. We also spotted bison grazing across the prairie, although fortunately none were blocking the trail.
The Buckhorn Trail is a great choice for hikers seeking solitude, wildlife encounters, and a closer look at the rugged landscape of Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit.
View Diverse Wildlife in the North Unit of TRNP
With more than 80% of the North Unit designated as wilderness, the scenic drive only provides a glimpse of this remote landscape. Yet wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, making it one of the best places in the park to observe animals in their natural habitat.
During our visit, we encountered bison, wild turkeys, rabbits, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and even a golden eagle soaring above the badlands. The quieter atmosphere of the North Unit creates incredible opportunities to slow down, watch the landscape, and appreciate the wildlife that calls this region home.
Wildlife Safety Tip: Never approach bison or other large animals. Warning signs that a bison feels threatened include head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. If an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Slowly increase your distance and give wildlife plenty of space.
Tips & Tricks to Know Before You Go to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Always practice Leave No Trace ethics and follow park regulations.
- Cell service can be unreliable, so download maps, GPS, or trail apps before arriving.
- Pets are allowed only in designated areas such as roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and campgrounds. They must remain leashed, and owners must clean up after them. Pets are not allowed on trails, inside buildings, or in backcountry areas.
Final Thoughts on the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
\There are some things a photograph simply cannot capture. The scent of prairie grass, the morning fog, the sound of the wind, and the solitude of this remote wilderness are impossible to fully convey. Standing at the overlooks and looking across the vast badlands landscape is an experience that goes beyond any picture.
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the natural beauty of the Badlands and the wildlife that depends on this unique ecosystem. The park also represents the conservation legacy inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt and his connection to this region.
Our time exploring the North Unit left a lasting impression. From the scenic drive and breathtaking overlooks to the quiet hiking trails and incredible wildlife encounters, this remote section of the park quickly became one of our favorite national park experiences.
It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Have you explored the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park? What was your favorite thing to see or do? Share your experience in the comments below!
