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Theodore Roosevelt Scenic Loop Drive, North Dakota Badlands, North Dakota
Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Theodore Roosevelt Scenic Loop Drive

Scenic Loop Drive, East River Road · Medora → Loop junction

Twisty28 mi1 hr 15 min2,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,700 ftOne way
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The drive

The Scenic Loop Drive is the South Unit's paved road through the Little Missouri badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and it starts at Medora. The park calls it the 36 Mile Scenic Drive. It winds across rolling badlands with many overlooks and trailheads, and the park says to allow at least two hours for the whole loop.

Wildlife is a big part of it. The park says bison, mule deer, prairie dogs and horses are readily visible along the drive, and that driving is often the best way to see them.

A stretch of the loop collapsed and was closed for years before repairs to two stretches of unstable soil. This drive goes round the loop by Wind Canyon first, to where the loop closes, and you retrace that stretch back to Medora.

Along the way

  1. Medora
  2. Wind Canyon
  3. East side of the loop
  4. Scoria Point
  5. Loop junction (Peaceful Valley)
Elevation
2,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,700 ft
MedoraLoop junction
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
MedoraLoop junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There's a park entrance fee: $30 for a private vehicle, good for 7 days. The park is cashless.
  • Bison and other animals share the road, so expect to stop and keep a safe distance.
  • Check the park's conditions page before you go, because closures and repairs have changed this road recently.

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 does the Theodore Roosevelt Scenic Loop Drive take?

Medora to the loop junction at Peaceful Valley is 27.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min without stops. The park advises at least 2 hours for the full loop.

Is the South Unit Scenic Loop Road open?

Yes. The Scenic Loop Road is open again after repairs to a stretch that collapsed. Check the park's conditions page for current status.

Is there a fee to drive the Scenic Loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes. Every visitor needs an entrance pass, and a private vehicle is $30 for 7 days.

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 Theodore Roosevelt Scenic Loop Drive, from Medora to Loop junction