A Park Less Traveled
Theodore Roosevelt National park is a lesser known park located in the badlands region of North Dakota. It contains large open prairies, miles of intriguing rock formations and even a petrified forest. The park is named after President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt spent a lot of time in this area and cherished the vast and wildness of the badlands. The park is split into 3 sections; the North Unit, the South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch. The southern unit is most popular due to being conveniently located off of interstate 94. There is a lookout that is at a rest stop with a marvelous view of the badlands.
Camping
In the northwest corner of the South Unit there is a wilderness area where camping anywhere is permitted. Those looking to hike among bison and set up camp on the open prairie or in the rocky hills look no further than TRNP. Permits for wilderness camping can be obtained at the south Unit visitors center.
-Camping in the wilderness area.
While camping here (campsite above) i was awaken in the night by a bison. It couldn’t have been more than 2 yards away from my tent as I heard its deep breathing and its heavy footsteps pound the ground. I made sure to stay very still and quiet so as to not startle the massive creature and cause it to charge my tent with me inside. It eventually moved on and continued grazing.
-No shortage of open country to explore
Wildlife
The wildlife is in abundance here. Most can be seen driving the loop road in the south unit. Feral horses (South unit only) and bison can frequently be seen. Other mammals that can be seen are elk, pronghorn, praire dogs and mule der. There are also several praire dog towns. Its very interesting watching the praire dogs bark and run around from one hole to another. Sometimes if you are lucky you can see a coyote hunting in the town.
Rattle Snakes are present in the park and especially around praire dog towns as the dogs are a source of food for the snakes. I haven’t encountered any in my hiking but care still should be taken to avoid getting bitten.
-Lone prairie dog keeping watch for predators
The correct term to define the horses that live in TRNP is feral horses. The term “feral” is used because the horses are actually descendants of domesticated horses brought to North America in the 1500’s by the Spanish.
The horses typically stay in herds of 5-15 with a social hierarchy consisting of a dominant stallion, his mares, and their offspring.
I have seen many feral horses in the park and many while hiking as well. They can be dangerous and potentially charge if you get to close so keep your distance when viewing these animals.
-Feral Horse
Landscape
Thought to be one of the largest petrified forests in the USA the petrified forest in TRNP does not disappoint. You can see many trees that have been turned to stone.
Open prairie and grassland can be explored on several good hiking trails dispersed throughout the North and South Units.
-Petrified tree
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great location to see wildlife and stunning landscapes. I think the south unit is a must see but if you have the time, a trip up to the North unit will definitely be worth while.