Buckhorn Trail Loop

This moderate loop, covering approximately 17.87 kilometers (11.1 miles), generally takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes to complete. However, your actual time may vary depending on your pace, stops for wildlife viewing, and photo opportunities.

The Buckhorn Trail Loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers incredibly diverse terrain. You'll traverse wide, sage-filled flats, open prairies, and prairie dog towns, then descend into narrow, treed coulees and river bottom scenes. Expect to navigate steep ravines, badlands formations, and sections winding through trees and rock formations. Some parts may have steep descents and can be pockmarked with bison hoof prints.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife. On the Buckhorn Trail Loop, you have a high chance of encountering bison, especially in the open prairie sections, and prairie dogs in their towns. Keep an eye out for other park residents as well, such as wild horses, deer, and various bird species.

Yes, the trail itself is a highlight, offering a comprehensive experience of the park's diverse ecosystems. You'll pass by the Buckhorn Trail and can also observe unique geological formations. While there isn't a single named viewpoint, the varied landscape provides numerous panoramic vistas of the badlands, layered hills, and strangely shaped rock formations that President Theodore Roosevelt himself described as 'so fantastically broken in form and so bizarre in color as to seem hardly properly to belong to this earth.' You'll also pass by the Cannonball Concretions.

While rated as moderate, the trail's length (17.87 km) and varied terrain, including steep sections and potential for difficult-to-follow paths, might be challenging for absolute beginners. Hikers with some experience and a good level of fitness will find it rewarding. It's a strenuous yet comprehensive experience of the park.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to hike the Buckhorn Trail Loop. Temperatures are milder, and the scenery is vibrant. Summer can be very hot, and winter brings snow and ice, making conditions more challenging. Always check current weather and trail conditions before you go.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails within the park. You'll spend a significant portion on the Buckhorn Trail, but it also passes through parts of the Little Missouri Nature Trail and the Bentonite Trail.

The Buckhorn Trail Loop is located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Portions of the trail run alongside the park's Scenic Road, suggesting multiple access points. Specific trailhead parking information can typically be found on the official National Park Service website for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's advisable to check their site for the most current details.

In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, pets are generally permitted only on paved roads, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. They are typically not allowed on hiking trails, including the Buckhorn Trail Loop, to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check the current pet regulations on the official National Park Service website before your visit.

Yes, Theodore Roosevelt National Park charges an entrance fee. This fee grants access to the park for a set number of days. Annual passes and other federal recreation passes are also accepted. You do not need a separate hiking permit for the Buckhorn Trail Loop itself once you have paid the park entrance fee. For detailed fee information and to purchase passes, please visit the official National Park Service website for Theodore Roosevelt National Park: nps.gov.

Given the trail's length and varied terrain, it's essential to be well-prepared. We recommend bringing plenty of water, snacks, a map (and possibly a GPS device as some prairie sections can be hard to follow), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), layers of clothing suitable for changing weather, and sturdy hiking boots. Binoculars for wildlife viewing are also a great idea.

Due to sections that can be hard to follow in the prairie, carrying a GPS or a detailed map is highly recommended to stay on track. Starting early in the morning can help you avoid the midday heat, especially in summer, and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Be prepared for potential encounters with bison and give them plenty of space.