Theodore Roosevelt National Park hiking guide
Painted Canyon Trail
A 4.2-mile out-and-back with 370 ft of climbing in South Unit, rated moderate.
Key facts
- Length
- 4.2 mi (6.8 km)
- Elevation gain
- 370 ft (113 m)
- Route type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Area
- South Unit
- Highest point
- 2,781 ft
- Lowest point
- 2,463 ft
About Painted Canyon Trail
Descend into a colorful canyon carved by the Little Missouri River, where wind and water keep reshaping the landscape. This longer route heads deeper into the park, away from the highway, so wildlife is more likely, and bison can be seen grazing in the fields near the end. Sage fields and juniper frame panoramic views, and wild horses are sometimes spotted along the way. Mud and slick patches after rain call for sturdy footwear.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
