Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Painted Canyon

Panoramic canyon views and hiking trails are found at Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Painted Canyon Visitor’s Center.

Located just right off of Interstate 94 at Exit 32 is the Painted Canyon Visitor Center and Overlook. This was our first chance to see Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

This summer, I am detailing our road trip to the Dakotas and Mount Rushmore as a series for a family adventure you might want to do! The visitor’s center was a stop we made before heading to the hotel we reserved in nearby Medora, N.D.

The park honors former President Theodore Roosevelt's work in the conservation and development of national parks. — *The park honors former President Theodore Roosevelt’s work in the conservation and development of national parks.*

OUR TIME HERE

We parked here and went into the visitor’s center and found maps and information on the park.

*Learning how the canyon was created along the trail.*

Next, we walked along the trail that goes to overlooks that has informational signs about the canyons.

Here the canyon colors and light add vibrancy to the views. Little Missouri River created the canyons and badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Wind and water still shape the canyons, light, and shadows add depth and contrast to define character.

If you come here at dawn, the sun brightens the canyon and in the evening introduces soft blue silhouettes, and purple shadows fade beneath the start.

Looking off into the distance along the trail. — *Looking off into the distance along the trail*.

We hiked around the top staying near the fence line. Evidence of bison is traced to the amount of poop around, so watch your step.

Longer trails go to the east and west of the visitor’s center with both descending into the canyon. This was probably more than we wanted to do with our young son.

*View incorporating evergreens along the ridges.*

Although, you can do plenty of walking going back and forth across the top of the canyon.

TRAILS AT PAINTED CANYON OVERLOOK

Painted Canyon Nature Trail

A .9-mile trail that goes from the rim and into the canyon where you can gain a closer look at the rock layers and be among the junipers and wildlife. Remember, every step-down means a step back up on the return.

Painted Canyon Trail

An extremely steep 4.2-mile out and back trail that goes into the canyon ending at Upper Paddock Creek Trail. It starts a few hundred yards east of the visitor center past the Painted Canyon Overlook. If you combine this trail with the Upper Paddock/Talkington Loop this is a 19.4-mile hike.

*Painted Canyon Visitor Center has its own exit off Interstate 94 and is only connected to the rest of the park by a trail.*

DETAILS

Drive From St. Louis: Take Interstate 70 to Kansas City then go north on Interstate 29 and then in Fargo make a left onto Interstate 94. Look for the entrance to Painted Canyon Visitor Center just off the interstate after Belfield, North Dakota.

Painted Canyon Visitor Center Hours: May 6-May 27 — 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday- Monday; Closed, Tuesday- Thursday; Summer Hours 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Daily.

Admission: This section of the park is free. The North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Fees: Private Vehicle — $30 per vehicle and valid for 7 days; Motorcycle $25 per motorcycle and valid for 7 days; Individual $15 per person for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel; National Park Annual Pass $80. Active Military and dependents are FREE. Check the National Park Website for information on discounts.

Address: Exit 32, Belfield, ND 58622

*The historic hotel where former President Theodore Roosevelt stayed.*

STAYING IN MEDORA

Rough Riders Hotel

We Checked into the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit Visitor’s Center.

Address:

301 3rd Ave, Medora, ND 58645

EARLIER SITES ALONG THE TRIP

Seeing Mount Rushmore and Exploring the Black Hills

Staring up at the iconic presidents carved in stone was a day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial about 30 minutes south of Rapid City, S.D. Mount Rushmore National Memorial features 60-foot sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the memorial covers 1.278.45 acres and sits 5,725 feet above sea level.

Badlands National Park: East Side Hiking

In Badlands National Park you can see unusual rock formations and canyons with vibrant colors and plenty of hiking trails to explore.

Badlands National Park: West Side Hiking

At Badlands National Park we took short hikes along the Loop Road checking out fossils and going up into the Badlands along a trail. We also stopped at the many overlooks for different views of the canyons and spires we drove by.