One Day In Theodore Roosevelt National Park

If you only have one day to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park, don’t worry, you can see a ton of the park in this time. 

I spent a full day visiting both the North and South Units of the park, and it ended up being one of my favorite stops on our Dakotas road trip. 

From colorful hikes to bison traffic jams and a coyote-filled sunset, here’s how I spent one day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

One Day In Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit

We were staying in Medora, which is just a few minutes from the South Unit, but decided to start the day with a drive to the North Unit.

It’s about an hour away and definitely worth the trip if you have time. This part of the park feels more remote and rugged, with dramatic views and fewer crowds.

Note: The South Unit is located in the Mountain Time Zone and North Unit in the Central Time Zone.

Go For A Hike

Our first stop in the North Unit was Caprock Coulee Loop, a 4.4-mile trail with nearly 600 feet of elevation gain. 

This was honestly one of my favorite hikes of the entire trip. The trail winds through colorful badlands, unique rock formations, and open prairie. We visited in early fall, and the trees were just starting to turn, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Short on time or energy? Do the southern portion to River Bend Overlook and turn back. It’s shorter but still incredibly scenic.

Note: If you don’t have time to hike, you can drive to River Bend Overlook and take in the views from there instead.

North Unit Scenic Drive

After our hike, we drove North Unit Scenic Drive, stopped at a few overlooks, and had a quick picnic at Oxbow Overlook.

The drive is only 14-miles, packed with beautiful views, lots of wildlife, and there are plenty of places to stop and soak it all in.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit

Painted Canyon Visitor Center

After lunch, we made our way back toward the South Unit, stopping at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center along the way. 

This is the largest visitor center in the park and has a fantastic overlook out back where we spotted bison grazing in the distance.

It’s located right off I-94, a bit separate from the rest of the South Unit.

Wildlife Watching & Scenic Overlooks

Once inside the South Unit, we took a detour to the Prairie Dog Town overlook, which is exactly what it sounds like — a wide open prairie filled with chirping prairie dogs. They’re seriously adorable. We also saw a coyote wandering through this area, which was such a cool surprise.

Next up was Skyline Vista Overlook. It was super windy during our visit, but the views were still worth it. Not far from there, we had another magical wildlife moment — we spotted a group of wild horses grazing near the road. It was amazing to see.

As we continued driving the South Unit loop, we saw so many bison it was borderline unbelievable. We were stopped in bison traffic multiple times, and even saw baby bisons!

We wrapped up the drive with a stop at Buck Hill Overlook, which offers panoramic views and we ran into — you guessed it — even more bison. 

Maltese Cross Cabin

We had planned to visit the Maltese Cross Cabin, where Theodore Roosevelt once lived (it’s located right next to the South Unit Visitor Center), but it was unfortunately closed by the time we arrived.

This historic cabin was once used by Theodore Roosevelt during his time living in the Badlands. It’s been restored to its original state and offers a glimpse into his rugged life out west.

If you want to swap out some of the activities I’ve listed in this guide, check out The Best Things To Do In Theodore Roosevelt National Park for more ideas.

Sunset From Wind Canyon Trail

After a quick dinner back in Medora, we returned to the park for sunset, and I highly recommend doing the same if you can. Just minutes after re-entering the park, we saw more bison and another group of wild horses.

We ended the day with a short hike up Wind Canyon Trail, which is just half a mile long with a gentle 55 foot elevation gain.

Even though the sunset wasn’t super vibrant this day, the view over the Little Missouri River was still beautiful — and we were treated to the sound of coyotes howling in the distance. We could even see a few of them moving along the ridgeline. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Entry Fee & Reservations

The Private Vehicle Pass for Theodore Roosevelt National Park is $30, which covers 7 days in the park.

There’s modified pricing for pedestrians and motorcycles, and the park accepts all America The Beautiful Passes.

The park is now cashless and will only accept credit cards, debit cards or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees or interagency passes.

No park reservations are required at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Parking & Getting Around

We found parking to be relatively easy throughout the park, especially if you arrive early. There are plenty of designated spots at the visitor centers and major viewpoints, and even space for larger vehicles like RVs at some stops. Check for updates at TRNP Road Conditions.

The North Unit’s 14-mile scenic drive is fully open and offers a more remote feel with fewer crowds.

If you’re visiting during shoulder seasons or winter, keep an eye on weather conditions, snow and ice can cause closures.

Weather In Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Summer: Warm to hot during the day (70’s – 90’s F°), but mornings and evenings can be chilly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Fall: Crisp mornings and sunny afternoons, perfect for hiking.
Winter: Can be harsh and snowy, some roads may close.
Spring: Cool with occasional snow and muddy trails.

Average Monthly Temperatures:

• January – 28° / 4° (Average High / Low F°)
• February – 34° / 10°
• March – 45° / 19°
• April – 59° / 30°
• May – 70° / 41°
• June – 79° / 50°
• July – 87° / 56°
• August – 87° / 54°
• September – 76° / 43°
• October – 61° / 32°
• November – 43° / 19°
• December – 31° / 7°

What To Wear & Pack

You don’t need any special gear in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, comfortable athletic wear or basic hiking gear will do. But don’t forget a jacket; even in summer, mornings and evenings will be chilly and afternoon storms are common.

There isn’t anywhere to get food in the park, so pack lunch and snacks, and as always, it’s important to bring plenty of water.

Be sure to also bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Below are items I’d pack in summer or early fall:

• Shorts or lightweight pants
• Tank top or t-shirt
• Light weight long sleeve shirt or fleece
• Rain jacket or windbreaker
• Closed toe shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks/ lunch
• Binoculars

Those hiking should also consider bringing:

• Hiking boots with good traction
• Wool socks
• Hiking poles
• Backpack
• Small first aid kit

Winter and spring visitors, add insulated layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a warm hat.

Where To Stay Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

There is no lodging in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit or South Unit. Most visitors will stay in Medora, which is located just minutes outside the South Unit.

We stayed at the AmericInn by Wyndham and had a great experience there.

Rough Riders Hotel (historic and charming) and Badlands Motel (budget-friendly) are great options as well.

Watford City is the closest place to stay near the North Unit.

You can find more information on the best hotel options at Top Hotels Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

For those interested in camping, Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit is open seasonally, with first-come-first-served and reservable sites available. 

Juniper Campground in the North Unit is first-come, first-served only.

While RVs are allowed, there are no RV hookups in the park. Check out Camping At Theodore Roosevelt National Park for more information.

Additional Tips For Visiting

Time Zones: North Unit is in the Central Time Zone, South Unit is in the Mountain Time Zone. Double check when planning events or ranger talks.

Pets: Allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, and roads but not on trails. They must be kept leashed —wildlife is abundant here. Check the pet policy at NPS Theodore Roosevelt National Park Pets.

Cell Service: Limited in most areas of the park, especially in the North Unit. Have a plan and download maps before arriving.

If you’re heading to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and only have one day, this itinerary offers a little bit of everything: scenic hikes, wildlife encounters, quiet overlooks, and a peaceful sunset.

Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer road trip or making this a standalone adventure, you won’t regret spending time in this underrated national park.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time! Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Theodore Roosevelt guides or head on over to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

More Information For Your Trip To Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

• Best Things To Do In Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Top Hotels Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Additional Guides:

• 10-day Dakotas Road Trip Itinerary
• South Dakota Guides