Medicine Root Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Some portions of the trail cross badlands formations which make the trail hard to follow. Stop and take the time to make sure of your path. An entry fee to the National Park is required.

Summer can be brutally hot and dry with no water. Thunderstorms can be dangerous and wet ground is extremely slippery and difficult to navigate. Bison may be present and should be given a wide berth. Watch out for cactus and rattlesnakes.

The Medicine Root Trail is a generally rolling trail connects with the Castle Trail near the Old Northeast Road and again at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass Trail. Trail users are provided the opportunity to explore the mixed grass prairie while enjoying views of the Badlands in the distance. Watch for cactus and rattlesnakes. Continue on into the prairie and possible sightings of bison. This trail also turns to the south and passes along beds of rocks that were deposited by a glacial stream. The trail ends at the junction of the Castle Trail and the Saddle Pass Trail.

Bison, antelope, rattlesnakes, wildflowers in the spring.