Gunner's Ridge

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · Geological Significance · Views

The Gunner's Ridge Trail is a great intermediate run or hike for those looking to feel every kind of terrain under their feet that Makoshika State Park has to offer! This trailhead is near the entrance of the park and is perfect for those camping nearby or stopping at the Visitors Center. Bring a camera for some great shots of fossil littered creek beds and caprock formations that will guide you to the overlook that will prove as your destination.

You may encounter a bit of flat terrain if you start this trail at the Visitors Center or your campsite, but if you choose the amble parking at the trailhead you'll be delighted with a bit of singletrack from the get-go! After a few miles of a creekbed scramble, including a scurry over a large sandstone hill, you'll be greeted by a small climb to a plateau overlooking the vast badlands of eastern Montana and Makoshika State Park. You can choose many different spurs to explore from a junction 1.5 miles in but many choose to climb a bit longer to then enjoy a long mile of flat grassy singletrack to the bench overlook.

If one does find themselves off trail due to the substantial amount of gawking that could take place, you can always look for the blue trail markers to find your way back on track!