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Big Plateau Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (3)
  1. Areas
  2. ND
  3. …Western N. Dakota
  4. …Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  5. South Unit
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“A straight trail across a plateau atop the badlands that traverses a prairie dog town and has amazing views. ”

Ricky Holzer
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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.1

KM

Point to Point

2,692' 821 m

High

2,258' 688 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

434' 132 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Description

This trail travels between the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Ekblom Trail across a giant plateau on top of the badlands in the wilderness of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Nearly the entire length of the trail traverses a prairie dog town, and these cute little animals will bark and scurry into their tunnels as you pass through. The two ends of the trail are steeper and the middle is very gently sloping. There is absolutely no shade, so bring lots of water and wear sun protection.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Theodore Roosevelt

Shared By:

Ricky Holzer
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#7

in South Unit

#10306

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#7

in South Unit

#25

in North Dakota

#10,306

Overall
2 Views Last Month
825 Since Dec 27, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Views into the badlands from the Big Plateau Trail
Dec 26, 2018 near Medora, ND
The giant prairie dog town you cross on the Big Plateau Trail
Dec 26, 2018 near Medora, ND
Near the start of the Lone Tree Loop Trail
May 18, 2018 near Medora, ND
Dashes of mineral color can be viewed from the Big Plateau Trail.
May 25, 2017 near Medora, ND

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jul 19, 2022
Alex Maietta
Aug 29, 2020
Scott S
Jun 28, 2019
Myndi Timothy Clements
We didn't go the whole way since kids along - just to the prairie dog town on the top. Views from the top were amazing! Had to cross the Little MO. 1.9mi — 12h 00m
Sep 17, 2018
Ricky Holzer
So many prairie dogs!
Jul 30, 2018
Steve Dietz
Jul 14, 2018
Justin Holstein
Jun 10, 2018
Darsha Maxson

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