Trail Overview
This scenic 30-mile route through the Little Missouri National Grassland is ideal for intermediate offroaders seeking a mix of rolling prairie landscapes and rugged badlands terrain just north of ND-68. The journey begins on a well-maintained, wide dirt road suitable for most vehicles, but quickly transitions into a tighter, technical two-track trail as it winds through the dramatic clay buttes and coulees of western North Dakota. With elevation ranging from 1,917 to 2,447 feet, drivers will navigate over 2,450 feet of cumulative elevation gain, tackling several steep climbs and descents that require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Deep ruts, severe erosion, and off-camber sections along the ridge lines demand careful line selection and occasionally a spotter to avoid underside damage.
A minor water crossing and unpredictable mud after rainstorms add to the technical challenges, making high-clearance four-wheel-drive SUVs, trucks, and SxSs the preferred vehicles for this trail. Outstanding dispersed camping opportunities and panoramic overlooks of the badlands are scattered along the route, particularly near the Sather Lake area just off the highway. Due to the high clay content of the soil, the trail becomes impassable when wet, meaning it is best traveled from late spring through fall when dry conditions prevail. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient, carrying recovery gear and plenty of water, as cell service is highly spotty throughout this remote and rugged grassland corridor.
Access Description
The route traverses public lands within the Little Missouri National Grassland managed by the US Forest Service. No permits or fees are required for recreational driving, but all vehicles must be street-legal or possess appropriate off-highway vehicle (OHV) registrations. The clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slick and virtually impassable when wet; travel should be avoided during or immediately following rainstorms.
