Last updated: March 6, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike Wind Canyon Trail
NPS Photo/W. Archer
There are many beautiful vistas in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but perhaps none are more dramatic than the view from Wind Canyon trail. This short loop trail travels along wind eroded cliffs above the Little Missouri river, before climbing up to a dramatic lookout point.
A perfect place for a short hike or to watch the sunset over the badlands, no trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is complete without stopping here.
Hikers should wear proper footwear and keep away from steep cliff edges.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
A perfect place for a short hike or to watch the sunset over the badlands, no trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is complete without stopping here.
Hikers should wear proper footwear and keep away from steep cliff edges.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Details
Duration
5-30 Minutes
The Wind Canyon trail is a 0.3 mile loop, with scenic views along its length.
Activity
Hiking
The Wind Canyon Trail is an unpaved trail which may occasionally have loose gravel or uneven footing. There are steep sections, some of which have widely spaced log steps. Proper footwear is recommended. Most of the trail is along steep cliffs, and ground may be unstable near cliff edges.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.
It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are welcome in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, they are only allowed in certain areas.
Leashed pets may be walked along roads and road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas.
More information: Visiting with Pets.
Leashed pets may be walked along roads and road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas.
More information: Visiting with Pets.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Wind Canyon Trailhead
The Wind Canyon trailhead is located approximately 10.5 miles into the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located on the west side of East River Road. The parking lot has spaces for cars and RVs, including accessible spaces. This parking lot also acts as a large vehicle turn-around.
The trail begins just off the west side of the lot, near the trailhead sign.
The trail begins just off the west side of the lot, near the trailhead sign.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Trail conditions may be dangerous or slippery due to inclement weather. Speak to a ranger for more details.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Wind Canyon Trail is an unpaved trail which includes uneven footing, steps, and potential slip hazards. There is a very small seating area approximately halfway along the trail. Proper footwear is recommended. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.