elkhorn ranch site

...especially if you seek solitude. While you can find many areas in TRNP that offer peace, natural beauty, and quiet, the probability is high that you may experience the Elkhorn Ranch unit all to yourself (or your group!). Located approximately 35 miles north of Medora, most visitors just don't have time in their schedule to visit both the North and South Units, AND the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The "easiest" way to get here is to travel on I-94 west from Medora and get off at Exit 10. Travel north on County Road 11 (on Google Map it is also denoted as 161st Ave. SW) and follow until you see the street sign for Westerheim Road. Follow the twists and turns of Westerheim. Then look for a left turn at an intersection for Belle Lake Road. Follow this to FH-2 where you will turn right. Follow this to the parking area of the undeveloped Elkhorn Unit. The trip length from I-94 takes about one hour. The entire route is unpaved; much is hard packed. The route meanders every possible direction as well up and over hills. FH-2 I think is the most challenging part of the route as it descends toward the Little Missouri River. The road here is softer and thus muddy when wet. Returning up the FH-2 is the challenge. Obviously, an AWD or 4WD vehicle is recommended; however, I made the trip out and back without incident in a front-wheel drive vehicle. Conditions were dry; and FH-2 had sections of deep ruts (softer, yet dry). Check with the park office at the South Unit before embarking on this trip. While the aforementioned route passes by beautiful vistas of farmland and the edges of the Badlands (the entire route is very scenic; however, not in the same awe as either the South or North units), please note you will see several oil well rigs, pads and sites. In fact, you may encounter several oilfield trucks and tankers driving at speeds that appear excessive. BE CAREFUL and drive defensively. The Elkhorn Ranch site is an approx. 0.5 to 0.75 mile hike in from the parking area. The NPS is keeping the site undeveloped to give one a sense how it looked when Teddy wandered around. You can see a few of the foundation stones of the buildings; there are a few information plaques. Nice views of the river and the surrounding hills. Fans of TR will love it here, as you walk in the footsteps of our "conservation President." If you seek solitude, there is a good chance you will find it at TR's Elkhorn Ranch site.

Can be hard to get to in the winter but the park is amazing.