Near Medicine Root Loop
Medicine Root Trail - Badlands, SD.
Near Medicine Root Loop
Twilight along the Medicine Root Trail.
Near Medicine Root Loop
View from Saddle Pass. Credit: Familyrambling.com
Near Medicine Root Loop
View from the Saddle Pass Trail.
Near Medicine Root Loop
View from the Medicine Root Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Medicine Root Loop

3.9 (11 Ratings)
A trip through the prairie with badlands and rock on flat, easy trail.
2.1
mi
Distance
62
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
National Park rules apply.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.14mi
Distance
62ft
Elevation Gain
64ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
2,649ft
High Point
2,584ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Medicine Root Trail is a generally rolling trail connects with the Castle Trail near the Old Northeast Road and again at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass Trails. Trail users are provided the opportunity to explore the mixed grass prairie while enjoying views of the Badlands in the distance. Watch for cactus and rattlesnakes. Continue on into the prairie and possible sightings of bison. This trail also turns to the south and passes along beds of rocks that were deposited by a glacial stream. The trail ends at the junction of the Castle Trail and the Saddle Pass Trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
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Contributors
Kyle Thompson