The best cycling routes in Golden Valley County
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Touring cycling in Golden Valley County, North Dakota, offers diverse landscapes characterized by rolling prairie, agricultural lands, and the Musselshell River system. The region features distinctive badlands terrain, particularly within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with eroded buttes and colorful strata. Cyclists can also encounter unique petrified wood formations and the ecological contrast of the Little Snowy Mountains. This varied topography provides a range of routes for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes in Golden Valley County
- The most popular touring…
Last updated: May 28, 2026
5.0
(1)
8
riders
56.0km
03:36
760m
760m
Embark on a challenging touring bicycle adventure through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the landscape unfolds like a 'painted desert'. You'll navigate unique badlands formations, passing colorful sandstone pillars, hoodoos,…
1
riders
7.81km
00:37
80m
80m
Embark on the Maah Daah Hey and Chimney Park Path Loop for an easy touring bicycle ride through the unique North Dakota Badlands. This 4.9-mile (7.8 km) route offers a…
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51.1km
04:26
630m
630m
Embark on the Badlands loop — Gravel, a difficult touring cycling route that plunges you into the dramatic landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This challenging 31.8-mile (51.1 km) ride…
6
riders
28.2km
02:52
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
28.0km
01:46
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures in Golden Valley County
Tips from the Community
Cottonwood Campground is a fantastic spot, with shaded sites beneath mature cottonwoods and sweeping views of the surrounding badlands near the South Unit entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It offers 76 sites—some reservable, others first-come, first-served—with flush toilets, potable water (seasonal), and a group site. During peak season (May 1–Sept 30), the nightly rate is $20; in the off-season (Oct 1–Apr 30), first-come, first-served sites are available for $10, making it a scenic and affordable overnight for Maah Daah Hey Trail hikers looking to regroup or explore nearby park highlights. **You can reserve a spot here: https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/cottonwood-campground.htm, which also lists site availability and additional fee details.
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This is a beautiful and relatively short stretch spanning 1 to 1.5 miles of quiet, gently rolling terrain that gradually opens into a broad bench. Scattered juniper clusters and sagebrush dot the landscape, creating a subtle transition from the rugged badlands to a more peaceful prairie feel. Wildlife is often active here, so if you're quiet, you'll likely see mule deer, wild turkeys, and meadowlarks moving through the brush.
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The Theodore Roosevelt National Park encompasses 70,446 acres and is the only American National Park named after a single person. The Little Missouri River flows through the park, which is renowned for its scenic drives, foot and horse trails, wildlife viewing, and camping opportunities.
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This road winds back and forth in oxbows not unlike the nearby Little Missouri, or "Little Mo," river. It's also one of the only two paved roads in Theodore Roosevelt National Park; the other is Scenic Loop Drive, which you can access from East River Road. Be on the lookout for wildlife, including bison. The National Park Service warns that cyclists should stay at least 25 yards away from bison, horses and other wildlife — for your safety.
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Great viewpoint of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding areas.
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Great, quiet path out of Medora. It is 2 miles long. It is a wonderful path to get away from the cars on the road and still enjoy the views of the nearby national park.
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Viewing platform to get a great view of the Badlands. There is an information board, but no other services.
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Great view point of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Golden Valley County?
There are 7 touring cycling routes available in Golden Valley County, offering a range of experiences from easy paths to more challenging excursions through diverse landscapes.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, Golden Valley County offers routes suitable for beginners. An excellent option is the Maah Daah Hey and Chimney Park Path Loop, which is an easy 4.8 miles (7.8 km) path leading through a mix of prairie and badlands, providing scenic views without significant difficulty.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Golden Valley County?
Cyclists in Golden Valley County can expect a diverse range of landscapes. These include expansive rolling prairies, agricultural lands, and riparian environments along the Musselshell River system. A significant draw is the dramatic badlands terrain, particularly within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, characterized by rugged, eroded buttes and colorful strata. You might also encounter unique petrified wood formations and the contrasting ecological zone of the Little Snowy Mountains with their ponderosa pines.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, there are several circular routes. For example, the Maah Daah Hey and Chimney Park Path Loop is an easy circular path. Another option is the East River Road – Cottonwood Campground loop from Medora, which is a moderate 25.4 km (15.8 miles) route.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Golden Valley County?
The routes in Golden Valley County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain and the unique natural beauty, especially the badlands and prairie landscapes.
What are some longer or more challenging touring cycling routes in Golden Valley County?
For those seeking a challenge, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park route is a difficult 34.8 miles (56.0 km) trail navigating varied terrain within the park. Another difficult option is the Badlands loop — Gravel, covering 31.8 miles (51.1 km) through badlands terrain.
Can I find routes that pass through or near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Absolutely. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a central feature of the region. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park route itself offers extensive cycling opportunities within the park, showcasing its badlands and unique geological formations. Additionally, routes like the Cottonwood Campground – Wind Canyon Nature Trail loop from Medora also explore areas within or adjacent to the park.
Are there any touring cycling routes that are considered moderate in difficulty?
Yes, there are moderate options available. The East River Road – Cottonwood Campground loop from Medora is a moderate 25.4 km (15.8 miles) route. Another moderate choice is the Rough Rider State Park – Trail to Medora junction loop from Rough Rider State Park, which is 16.4 km (10.2 miles) long.
What unique geological features can be seen on touring cycling routes in Golden Valley County?
Golden Valley County is known for its distinctive badlands terrain with rugged, eroded buttes and colorful strata, especially prominent within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Cyclists can also encounter unique petrified wood formations, particularly along trails like the Petrified Forest Loop Trail (though primarily hiking, nearby cycling routes offer views of this landscape).
What is the best season for touring cycling in Golden Valley County?
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, given the region's characteristics, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers can be hot, and winters can be harsh, making these seasons potentially more challenging for extended rides.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the diverse landscapes of Golden Valley County, including prairies, badlands, and riparian areas, provide habitats for various wildlife. Cyclists might spot prairie dogs, bison, wild horses, and a variety of bird species, especially within Theodore Roosevelt National Park and along the Musselshell River system.
Most popular routes in Golden Valley County
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