Pulling up to Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s entrance station, a park ranger smiled as he leaned toward me from the window. Although late in the season, I purchased an annual park pass to cover this visit along with other planned stops along my road trip. As I headed into the park, I looked forward to hiking in the heart of the Badlands.
Skyline Vista
It wasn’t long before I made my first major stop at Skyline Vista. I traversed a short trail near the parking area. Running right along Johnson’s plateau, this trail delivered a stunning, panoramic view of the Little Missouri River Valley.
Halliday Well Trail
I continued my sojourn towards Peaceful Valley Ranch, where I made a quick stop to visit the horses. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I ran into friend and fellow blogger Kelly McDermott of A Path Less Taken near the Peaceful Valley Ranch Trailhead. What a surprise! She, too, embarked on a solo road trip from Milwaukee through the Badlands. Whereas I chose to stay in a nearby hotel, she opted to camp in the park’s campground. She’s every bit as hardcore as I strive to be. She inspires me, and our surprise connection drove me push myself a bit harder on this adventure.
After snapping a few photos and chatting with Kelly, I ambled down a short gravel road to Halliday Well. The trailhead appeared desolate. No parking lot, no cars, and no signs of human life. I haphazardly parked my car along the edge of the road and threw on my daypack before hitting the trail.
Within a few minutes, I rounded a bend in the trail to find myself standing in the middle of a bustling prairie dog town. Savoring this moment of solitude, I bathed in the cool breeze as soft clouds passed overhead. Grasshoppers sung as they hopped to and fro. Prairie dogs nuzzled, scampered, and barked in this city of burrows. I relish these restorative moments.
I trudged through the muddy trail into the Badlands. As I trekked toward the horizon, Mother Nature unveiled a colorful canvas of prairie grass, butterflies, and sweeping vistas.
Jones Creek Trail
After an hour or so, I wrapped my hike at Halliday Well and drove onward. Ready to tackle my next adventure, I parked my car near the Jones Creek trailhead. Venturing into the wilderness, I discovered that this muddy trail ran right alongside Jones Creek. Vibrant autumn flowers such as sunflowers, asters, and rabbitbrush ornamented the path.
Within a few minutes, the meandering trail opened up to reveal gorgeous, breathtaking vistas.
Trail conditions deteriorated in the wake of recent rains. My feet felt heavy as they sunk deeper into thick mud along the trail. I turned around. Moments later, a large pile of fresh bison scat stopped me dead in my tracks. I looked to my left. I looked to my right. I looked back behind me. No bison. With dense thicket to my left and a craggy wall to my right, I had no way of knowing what was sitting up around that bend ahead. My hair stood on end, and my heart slammed in my chest. What to do, what to do. With a deep breath, I pushed forward. I never did see that bison, but I bet he saw me.
Boicourt Overlook Trail
I continued down the Scenic Loop to Boicourt Overlook Trail. This satisfying hike took me less than 15 minutes out and back. In fact, I didn’t even need to go on the full hike to take in an early view of this scenic vista!
As I walked comfortably along the dirt trail, I glanced down the grassy embankment toward the rugged canyon terrain.
Traversing the narrow ridgeline, this trail culminated in a grand view of Boicourt Canyon. As I surveyed the canyon, I stood awestruck by the colorful layers of sedimentary rock. Forces of nature deposited layers of sediment over 70 million years to create this vast and beautiful landscape.
Badlands Overlook
After my stop at Boicourt Canyon, I hopped back in my car. Thanks to a previous landslide, the Scenic Loop terminated at Badlands Overlook forcing an abrupt turnaround. Before heading back, I clambered out of my car to take in the scenery!
Bountiful, Brawny Bison
Driving back toward the park entrance, I found a bison herd taking respite in a prairie grass field near the road. From the safety of my car, I watched these brawny bison sit, snort, and snack.
Before leaving the park, I toured by Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin near the Visitor’s Center. As I walked about this small ponderosa pine cabin, I imagined Teddy reading in his rocking chair, writing at his desk, and resting peacefully in his bed.
After a long day of hiking at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, I headed back to Medora for dinner and some well-deserved relaxation.
More From This Road Trip
- Road Trip Planning for Solo Travel
- On The Wisconsin Cheese Trail
- World’s Biggest Everything
- Dinosaurs & The Rough Riders
