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North Unit Scenic Drive, North Dakota Badlands, North Dakota
Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives North Dakota North Dakota

North Unit Scenic Drive

Scenic Loop Drive, Scenic Drive · North Unit Visitor Center → Oxbow Overlook

Twisty13.3 mi35 min1,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,500 ftOne way
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The drive

The North Unit Scenic Drive runs from the visitor center into the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit. It is almost entirely paved, with one gravel stretch, and it's open to cars, RVs and cyclists. The park says to plan at least an hour and a quarter for the full round trip.

Midway along, the road climbs out of the canyon to River Bend Overlook, which the park calls the North Unit's most iconic view. From there it's an easy drive along the badlands rim to Oxbow Overlook, where the road ends.

It's a dead end, so you return the way you came. Bison are often visible at any time of day, mule deer mostly at dawn and dusk, and bighorn sheep may appear on steep cliff edges.

Along the way

  1. North Unit Visitor Center
  2. Oxbow Overlook
Elevation
1,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,500 ft
North Unit Visitor CenterOxbow Overlook
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
North Unit Visitor CenterOxbow Overlook
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There's a park entrance fee, and the park is cashless: electronic card payments only.
  • Keep a safe distance from bison and other wildlife; they use the road.
  • Check the park's conditions page before you go, since road status can change.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Theodore Roosevelt conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is the North Unit Scenic Drive?

The drive from the North Unit Visitor Center to Oxbow Overlook is 13.3 miles and takes about 35 min one way. The park puts the round trip at 28 miles.

Is there an entrance fee for Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit?

Yes. A private vehicle pass is $30 and is good for 7 days, and the park does not issue timed entry permits.

Can RVs drive the North Unit Scenic Drive?

The park says the road is open to motor vehicles including RVs, and it lists no size limits. It is almost entirely paved, with one gravel stretch.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of North Unit Scenic Drive, from North Unit Visitor Center to Oxbow Overlook