Near Caprock Coulee
View of the Little Missouri and southern part of the park.
Near Caprock Coulee
Looking to the southeast at the Little Missouri
Near Caprock Coulee
Looking southwest to the Little Missouri and the direction of travel.
Near Caprock Coulee
Near Caprock Coulee

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Caprock Coulee

4.5 (25 Ratings)
Hike with the Bison and Teddy Roosevelt.
4.1
mi
Distance
636
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
National Park rules and restrictions apply.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.05mi
Distance
636ft
Elevation Gain
636ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
2,448ft
High Point
2,011ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Start at the Caprock Coulee trailhead/parking area. Sign in at the trail register and head left down a short descent. Follow the trail along the bottom of the coulee which is also part of the self-guided Caprock Coulee trail. Once reaching the end of the self-guided trail, turn left and cross a small bridge over a stream. If this section is wet the trail may be hard to follow. Generally head south until you find the wooden steps heading uphill.The trail then enters a section of trees the circles back uphill until you reach an overlook with stunning views of the park. Continue following the trail while taking in the views and looking for bison.The trail then crosses the scenic road and winds along the road until you reach a parking lot for the River Bend Overlook. Here there is a short trail to an old CCC shelter with expansive views of the Little Missouri and south side of the park.Go to the east end of the parking lot where the trail is right next to the guardrail for the road. The trail then heads right and down a steep incline before following a narrow ridge. This section of the trail can be hard to follow, but look for round wooden posts serving as stairs to know you are on trail. Also, a few layers of bentonite are crossed and if they are wet, can be very slippery.Continue onward, trying to not fall of off the trail while taking in the sights. The trail drops steeply downhill until you reach the Scenic road and the parking lot you started at. Don't forget to sign out at the register.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Buckhorn Trail

Hike Route

Buckhorn Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
10.98 mi
+1,056 ft
Achenbach Loop

Hike Route

Achenbach Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
17.72 mi
+2,502 ft
Sunset Trail Loop

Hike Route

Sunset Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
2 mi
+143 ft
Long X to Maah Daah Hey Loop

Hike Route

Long X to Maah Daah Hey Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
10.93 mi
+1,024 ft
Bennett-Cottonwood Loop via Maah Daah Hey Trail

Hike Route

Bennett-Cottonwood Loop via Maah Daah Hey Trail

Less Crowded
extreme
15.18 mi
+1,725 ft
Kate's Walk on the Maah Daah Hey Trail

Hike Route

Kate's Walk on the Maah Daah Hey Trail

Birding
moderate
4.83 mi
+605 ft
Contributors
Erik Jarvi