4.6 km away
Coal Vein
A short, self-guided loop highlighting the geological history of the badlands.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Ascent
- 11 m
- Descent
- 11 m
Ridgeline Nature Trail
A short, family-friendly overlook hike with breathtaking views of the badlands and their native wildlife.
Hiking Moderate
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Ascent
- 46 m
- Descent
- 46 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 812 m
- High Point
- 840 m
- Gradient
- 4˚
The Ridgeline Nature Trail is a short, sub-30 minute hike along Scenic Loop Rd. with expansive views of the badlands and their accompanying grasslands. Numbered waysides highlight the unique ecology and geology of the ridge, and "kids will enjoy hiking the trail, dashing through the grasslands and leap-frogging ahead to the next numbered post to find out what they are looking at," according to this source. Wildlife, including bison and redtail hawk, among many others, can often be seen nearby.
Description
The Ridgeline Nature Trail (or simply, the Ridgeline Trail for short) is considered one of the easier trails in the park, though there are some steeper sections and stairs that may prove challenging. Remnants of wildfire can also be seen throughout, and "some junipers even show bare patches where bison scratched an itch," as noted by this source.
Parking is located about 11 miles past the park's southern entrance near Mendora. There are no restrooms or facilities at the trailhead, though the large pull-off can accommodate RV's, busses, and larger vehicles. A detailed PDF trail brochure is also available to accompany your hike, courtesy of the NPS - or you could grab a print copy from the trailhead kiosk.
Sources: National Parks Traveler NPS
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Picturesque
- Wild flowers
- Family friendly
- Forestry or heavy vegetation
Similar routes nearby
5.3 km away
Jones -> Talkington -> Paddock Loop
A long circuit through remote badlands with multiple access points and plenty of options to shorten or lengthen your hike.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 230 m
- Descent
- 230 m
5.4 km away
Skyline Vista Trail
A paved path to an impressive vista looking west over the Little Missouri River.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 410 m
- Ascent
- 2 m
- Descent
- 2 m
5.6 km away
Buck Hill Trail
An easy and accessible hike to the top of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 634 m
- Ascent
- 23 m
- Descent
- 23 m
6.3 km away
Biocourt Trail
An awe-inspiring overlook hike, and a ranger favorite for watching the sunset.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 559 m
- Ascent
- 8 m
- Descent
- 8 m
6.8 km away
Painted Canyon Nature Trail
A "moderate challenge with massive rewards," and the one-stop introduction to the stunning beauty seen throughout Theodore Roosevelt NP.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Ascent
- 76 m
- Descent
- 76 m
7.6 km away
Wind Canyon Trail
A short hike to the self-proclaimed "best view of the Little Missouri River the South Unit has to offer."
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 761 m
- Ascent
- 18 m
- Descent
- 18 m
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
Guidebooks in this area
4 routes · Hiking
4 Spectacular Overlook Hikes in Theodore Roosevelt NP
10 routes · Hiking
10 Classic Hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- •
- •