TRNP has been on my “need to see” list for a long time. I finally planned another road trip to North Dakota and South Dakota so I could re-visit Badlands and the Black Hills, but also see and explore new places. This was springtime before temperatures were too hot, unlike my last trim in the middle of summer.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has 3 different units: North and South, which are about 1.5 hours of driving apart, and the Elkhorn Ranch area, which is the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s ranch. I camped at Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit. Along the Scenic Loop Drive there are many short hikes, including Peaceful Valley Ranch, Biocourt Trail, Buck Hill, Wind Canyon, and Coal Vein Trail. Twice I saw the herd of wild horses near Biocourt. I love catching early morning light, which I certainly did here.
The Little Missouri River winds its way through part of the park, with some beautiful views down into the river valley. I imagine what it would have been like to see millions of bison roaming these lands, before humans with no morals or integrity killed them for sport and nearly extincted them.
Thankfully, there were many bison, including up close and personal in the campground. On the first morning, groggy from waking, I ran into one very handsome and huge bull between my trailer and the restroom. The next morning I found huge hoof prints just a few feet from my trailer. There were also a few times I had to stop in the road to let a herd cross, which is just fine because it’s a treat to watch these majestic animals. This is their home, we are just the visitors.
Another fun place to visit in the South Unit is a short drive from the main entrance, where there is another visitor center at Painted Canyon. And yes, more bison. I had time so I hiked a couple of miles down into the canyon/valley, with beautiful views, formations, and colors. It’s impossible to capture the light and colors through photographs, just note that it’s well worth a hike if this is your kind of thing.
