Where the Maah Daah Hey Trail Connects Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs from Medora to Watford City, North Dakota.
It links the north and south units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This connection lets adventurers explore some of the park’s most scenic and untouched landscapes.
Start at either end and you’ll discover rolling hills, painted cliffs, and wide-open skies.
Wildlife sightings are common—bison, prairie dogs, and eagles often appear along the trail.

The terrain shifts constantly. Expect steep climbs, twisting descents, and long, flat stretches perfect for biking or backpacking. Many trailheads and access points make it easy to plan your route. Choose a full thru-hike or a shorter day trip, each offers unforgettable views.

When to Visit the Maah Daah Hey Trail

North Dakota’s four seasons create very different experiences on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Late spring and early summer are best, with mild weather and fewer bugs.
Summer can be hot, but nights usually cool down fast, so pack layers. Winter brings snow—sometimes over 50 inches—making travel difficult but breathtaking. The trail becomes quiet and still, covered in white beauty. Spring and fall can be unpredictable, so prepare for sudden changes in temperature or weather.

Camping and Gear Essentials on the Maah Daah Hey Trail

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Outside of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, dispersed camping is allowed for a true backcountry feel. Inside the park, you’ll need a permit to camp overnight. There are also developed campgrounds for those who prefer amenities.

The landscape offers little shade, so be ready for full exposure. Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water. A water filter is essential for longer trips. Trekking poles help on rocky terrain, and a lightweight puffy jacket keeps you warm at night.

Be aware of wildlife and insects. Rattlesnakes, ticks, and mosquitoes live here, so bring bug spray and wear long socks. Before your trip, make sure you’re ready for North Dakota’s changing weather. Check out our guide on Hiking Gear That Can Save Your Life for smart packing tips.

Logistics & Access

The Maah Daah Hey offers multiple access points and trailheads, making it flexible for shorter outings or long haul trips. For example, official maps list trailheads at the CCC Campground (north end) and Burning Coal Vein Campground (south end). Shuttle services are also available from nearby towns such as Medora, which is useful for one-way thru-hikers or cyclists. Because the trail is point-to-point, plan your transport accordingly. Also check the recent trail condition alerts on the official association site.

Water & Camp-Spacing Realities

One of the most critical logistical issues on the Maah Daah Hey is water. While nine or more developed campgrounds along the route have hand-pumped potable water (seasonal), outside of those you must treat wild sources or cache ahead. The trail’s official map lists eight designated water-cache box sites for thru-hikers. Because segments between reliable water and camps can stretch 18–25 miles, you’ll need to carry extra water, especially in hot/dry conditions. Also, note that some traditional water sources (springs, tanks) may be unreliable or non-potable.

Terrain and Difficulty Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park Badlands

The terrain on the Maah Daah Hey is wildly variable: you’ll find steep climbs and descents across bentonite clay soil, rolling prairie tops, canyon rims, and badland terrain adjacent to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park units. While many sections are rideable for experienced mountain bikers (trail is IMBA “Epic” rated) North Dakota Tourism hikers still should expect strenuous segments, and dynamic weather: high heat in summer, significant snow in winter, frequent exposure to wind and sun. For best conditions aim for late spring/early summer or early fall—these seasons provide milder weather and fewer bugs.

Mountain Biking the Maah Daah Hey Trail

Start at trailheads like the Buffalo Gap Campground (south end) or the CCC Campground (north end). These give easy vehicle access into the system. The nearby access roads are mostly gravel and suitable for standard vehicles — but high clearance helps.

Some of the most popular mountain-bike friendly sections include:

• The stretch from Buffalo Gap to Wannagan, which rides open and rolling through prairie and badlands terrain.
• The section from Elkhorn to Magpie, which features the scenic river crossing of the Little Missouri River and views from Devil’s Pass.
• The northern segment near the China Wall and Bennett Campground. This section is rugged, remote and highly scenic for experienced riders.

Important note: Bicycles are not allowed inside the boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt National Park along the trail, so make sure to use the alternative detours around the park units when biking.

Let me know if you’d like a detailed map of the key bike sections with parking coordinates for your ride.

Why the Maah Daah Hey Trail Is Worth the Journey

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is more than a physical challenge—it’s a journey through time and wilderness. Its landscapes inspired the spirit of the Old West and the vision of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Standing among the colorful buttes and endless skies, you feel history come alive.

From glowing sunsets to friendly faces in Medora, every mile tells a story.
Whether you hike, bike, or backpack, the Maah Daah Hey Trail offers adventure, solitude, and wonder.

Learn more about the Maah Daah Hey Trail and North Dakota

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Catch all the Arkansa trails from the beginning—read Exploring the Ozarks of Arkansas.

Starting in Jasper, Arkansas: Food and Views

The adventure began in Jasper, a small town with a big personality. At the Ozark Café, I tackled the infamous Excalibur Burger. They take two patties stacked with all the fixings and sandwich them between grilled cheese buns. It was equal parts delicious and overwhelming, the kind of fuel you need before hitting the trails.

Just minutes outside of Jasper lies Round Top Mountain. This easy trail is perfect for families and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Ozarks. Not every Arkansas hiking experience has to be extreme—sometimes a short hike with a stunning overlook is exactly what you need.

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch: Climbing, Ziplines, and Adventure

For a more adrenaline-filled outing, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is the place to be. Known as an outdoor adventure hub in the Ozarks, it offers rock climbing, via ferrata routes, mountain biking, and one of the tallest and fastest ziplines in Arkansas.

The Via Ferrata at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (a guided climbing route using cables and rungs) was a highlight. Safe yet exhilarating, it’s a great way to experience vertical terrain without needing advanced climbing skills. Crossing suspended bridges and scaling the rock face, I felt the perfect mix of challenge and excitement. The finale—flying through the fall canopy on a zipline—was an unforgettable Arkansas hiking and adventure experience.

Rock Climbing in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains

The North 40 section of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is home to some of the state’s most iconic climbing routes, with over 500 established climbs. Climbing here felt like solving a puzzle, each move a combination of strength, focus, and balance. For anyone looking to expand their Arkansas hiking trip into new activities, climbing in the Ozarks is both accessible and rewarding.

Fly Fishing on the White River in Arkansas

To balance out the action, I spent a day fly fishing on the White River, one of the premier angling destinations in the U.S. With a patient guide, I learned the rhythm of casting, the thrill of hooking a trout, and the joy of catching a fish that would later be prepared fresh at Gaston’s White River Resort. The calm waters and quiet beauty made this a peaceful counterpoint to the high-energy hiking and climbing of the Ozarks.

Why Arkansas Feels Like a Hiking Playground

What struck me most about this trip is how diverse Arkansas hiking and outdoor activities can be. In one week, I experienced everything from casual family trails to technical climbs, ziplines, and fishing. Locals describe the Ozarks as a playground, and after hiking, climbing, and fishing my way through Jasper and beyond, I couldn’t agree more.

Arkansas hiking isn’t just about the trails—it’s about the variety of experiences that make every day an adventure. If you’re looking for a destination where you can eat well, hike through stunning scenery, and try something new, the Ozarks are waiting.

The post Arkansas Hiking: Exploring Jasper, the Ozarks, and Beyond appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Trail That Balances Beauty and Accessibility

Let’s start with the scenery. Picture yourself winding past mirror-still lochs, through storybook forests, and out onto rugged, alien hillsides that look like they belong on another planet. The West Highland Way offers hikers cinematic views and dramatic terrain, all without the brutal elevation gain found on other world-class trails.

What Makes the Scotland West Highland Way Special

The West Highland Way is a hotspot for tourists, and a rite of passage for locals – meaning that the trail is well maintained. Expect rolling hills instead of steep climbs. Some areas are more popular—like around Loch Lomond—but if you venture even a few miles off, you’ll often find yourself totally alone in the wilderness.

That balance between social and solitude is what makes it such a great trek. When you're heading into remote areas, especially in another country, its important to prep for more than just the trail. Read more about some travel safety tips.

Freedom on the Trail

One of the things that really makes hiking in Scotland unique is that trails often cross private land, including working farms full of cows, sheep, and goats—but it’s all accessible (as long as you’re respectful). It adds a surreal but beautiful layer of authenticity to the journey.

Easy and Scenic Camping

Camping is also easier than you’d expect. With the right to roam comes a fair bit of freedom, and there are designated spots along certain parts of the West Highland Way if wild camping is restricted during peak seasons. Just be sure to check regulations ahead of time and get the proper permits.

Warm Culture, Big Meals, and Sharp Wit

And then there’s the culture: the witty, sarcastic humor of the locals, the cozy pubs that are older than most U.S. cities, the massive plates of haggis (which, by the way, is delicious), and the laid-back pace of life. The people here are more than comfortable having a chat with strangers, and you'll likely find yourself involved in some hilarious conversation.

Add Scotland West Highland Way to Your Bucket List

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or new to long-distance hiking, the Scotland West Highland Way is one of those trails that doesn’t just challenge your legs—it fills your soul. You’ll walk away with stories, photos, and probably a craving for another round of haggis and a pint in a centuries-old pub.

So yeah—go to Scotland. Walk the West Highland Way. And prepare to fall in love.

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Daypack Features to Look For

I'm gonna start by saying that this should not be cost prohibitive. Daypacks shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, ESPECIALLY if it's your first one. There are a lot of options out there, and the “best” backpack may come with a few features that would be tough to notice unless you were very experienced. Diminishing returns is a real thing, look it up.

But what kind of features should you consider? Here's what I would look for, based on my preferences.

• Hydration bladder compatibility – Do you plan on using a hiking bladder? I don't use these, so I don't pay extra for them. I'm a bottle dude.
• Weight – Is paying more to reduce weight worth the cost? Sometimes less weight means less padding/carry capacity.
• Carry Capacity – One mistake I often see if people buying bags that they never fully utilize. Keeping it simple and small often means staying more comfortable on the trail. Why suffer a sweaty back when you can opt for something smaller?

What to Avoid in a Pack

Spending Too Much: I personally wouldn't spend a ton on your first daypack. Use this as an opportunity to get something that will always be an option for you, even if you choose to buy something nicer down the road. I have an ultralight Gossamer Gear Loris pack that I enjoy bringing out on day trips…. but guess what? I'm not bringing it in a cave. I'm not climbing through barbed wire or muck with it. It's too nice for that! I will always have my OG Kelty daypack for that sort of activity.

Multipurpose Bags: Some bags are do it all, and feature things like laptop sleeves while going a little lighter on some of the more hiking-focused features. I personally wouldn't spend more on a bag that has less real-estate that I can use for dirty clothes, water, rain gear, etc.

My Top Daypack Recommendations

Here are a few packs I’ve personally used and would recommend:

Gossamer Gear Loris 25: Ultralight and functional. Includes a removable sit pad (great for breaks). $135 and totally worth it.

Gregory Citro 30: On the pricier side ($160), but worth it for quality and comfort.

Gregory Arrio 22: Cheaper and smaller than the Citro but still high quality.

Salomon Trailblazer 20: Budget friendly ($75). Lightweight and great for casual hikes.

Osprey Talon 22: high-end feel and function. Retails for $160, but often on sale- definitely worth hunting down.

Kelty Asher 24: Reliable and budget friendly. No frills, but gets the job done.

Cost: Stick with the Mid-Range

While it's tempting to grab the cheapest bag or splurge on a high-end pack, I recommend sticking with mid-range options between $80 and $150.

Cheaper packs may leave you wanting more and upgrading sooner than you’d like.

Premium models are great, but not always necessary for beginner hikes. Again. Diminishing returns.

Aim for value and longevity—there’s a sweet spot right in the middle!

Which Daypack is Right for You?

When it's all said and done, the “perfect pack” you spend your time stressing about will be a thing you throw on your back and stuff your stuff into. You may feel tempted to compare stats and statistics, and you may labor over what feels to be such an important decision… but at the end of the day, your pack is gonna be covered in mud and dust soon regardless. So don't stress!

Get something that will work for a long time, but more importantly, get yourself outside!

Check out some other reviews of the most popular daypacks.

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If you're looking for something that can handle longer hikes then check out the Gossamer Gear Loris 25.

Coulee 20L & 30L Backpacks are for Day Hiking

There is a 20 liter and a 30 liter option, either of which can be perfect for a day hike of any kind, depending on how you like to pack for your favorite activities. These packs are perhaps a little hardcore for true beginners, but they will give you something to grow into.

Experienced hikers and more rough and tumble folks will certainly be stoked with what Coulees offer. The other day I went out on a Montana backcountry/bear-country solo mission with nothing but my fully stocked Coulee 20 and a tripod. Here's what I can tell you about how it feels and how it performs. 

Mystery Ranch Coulee 20 Specs

Price: $179 (USD)

Capacity: 20 L / 1220 cu-ins

Weight: 2.6 LBS / 1.2 KG

Harnessing Style: Framed 

Now, I'll admit that the Mystery Ranch Coulee 20 is at the upper end of the price range for a day hiking backpack. But if you're a weekend warrior, or love escaping the office early to set off into the woods, then it is so worth it to treat yourself to a stellar turtle shell. Aside from footwear, a day pack might be the most important purchase for most hikers. Let's delve into why $179 (USD) is a good investment for the Coulee 20.

You may have heard of Mystery Ranch's Coulee backpack before, but the one I'm talking about today is the updated, redesigned model of this old favorite. The first thing that jumped out at me is that Mystery Ranch was able to use recycled nylon for the new series. This shows how they've upped both their manufacturing and sustainability game. As an avid outdoorsman, I love hearing about the eco-friendly approaches that the top brands are taking. 

The next thing that caught my eye about the Coulee backpack, more so from a performance/fit perspective, is that it has a fully adjustable yoke. Not too many day packs have the ability to adjust the torso length. Being able to tailor a pack to your frame is crucial for maintaining comfort across a long day – especially if you're fully loaded.

Granted, some folks might look at the robust yoke system on the Coulee and deem it overkill for such a low-capacity pack. And yes, if you're looking to shave ounces, then that isn't generally where Mystery Ranch puts their focus. Instead, they excel at making extremely comfortable packs.

Comfort is Key for Day Hiking Packs

Throughout my experiences with the Bridger, TerraFrame, and Coulee backpacks, the substantial adjustable yoke has been the shining feature that contributes to comfort. And hey, even though 20 liters pales in comparison to a full-on trekking bag, any weight tends to feel heavier towards the end of a long day if the pack isn't up to the challenge.

Another amazing feature of the Coulee 20 is its unique 3-Zip, Y-shaped opening. I love how it lets you easily flay the front open, and access any item without disrupting the entire packing flow. You can even just grab the top and pull it wide open.

You don't even need to mess around with the zippers if you don't want to (we all know what it's like to get a little impatient on the trail and start manhandling the pack). It has to be the easiest complete-access opening I've used on any backpack. 

Other Handy Features on the Mystery Ranch Coulee

The Coulee 20 has a generous, Nalgene-sized side mesh pocket, cell-phone-sized hip belt pockets, load lifter straps to dial in your exact carrying preferences (depending on the person and the load that day).

It accommodates a hydration bladder, and there are various gear loops and attachment points for additional gadgets, such as my bear spray holder. When in the Montana wilderness, I also carried ice axes, carabiners, trekking poles, a satellite communicator, etc. 

20 Liter Day Pack Sweet Spot

For most hikers most of the time, a 20 liter backpack offers enough capacity to carry all the essentials. I do a lot of filming while out on the trails. I'll lean into that 30+ liter range from time to time.

Climbers would be another demographic that would do well with the extra volume. For casual day hikes, the Mystery Ranch Coulee will accommodate the essential list. Bring plenty of extra layers for sudden weather changes, food for the day, water, first aid kit, bear spray, and any other necessary add ons to fuel your adventure.

Minor Gripes with the Coulee 20 Day Pack

One thing that I don't particularly care for is the angle of the side securing straps. They're part of the hidden wing pockets. I haven't really seen before and are definitely a cool feature. It leaves my trekking poles and tripod flapping in the breeze more than I would like. Maybe in the next version they could bring that strap position up a little bit, which would better secure longer pieces of stowed gear. 

Awesome Mystery Ranch Yoke System

I think the yoke system could be dialed back a touch in order to lighten the pack and improve air flow. Even though the Coulee is a very comfortable and versatile day pack. My back does get a little warm hiking with this guy because of the many points of contact. This won't be an issue in cooler climates. If you're used to sweaty summer hikes, then this would be something worth noting. 

And finally, this is more of a trade off than a gripe, but because of the decision to make that front 3-zip opening, the middle zipper creates two smaller external pockets, rather than one meaty chamber. I do like having that big mesh pocket, like on the Bridger 55, but I also love this zipper system. So I guess I can't have it both ways!

Who is the Mystery Ranch Coulee 20 for?

For the greenest of day hikers, the Coulee 20 might be a bit overkill. Given the price point and robust nature of this day pack, I think it is better suited for people who like to hike a little harder, go a little deeper into the wilderness, and anyone who likes to spice up their adventures with photography, climbing, or anything that requires a bit more gear than a standard stroll entails.

Whoever chooses this backpack will likely never need to buy another day bag again. Mystery Ranch always delivers durable packs – a testament to their history working with firefighters, hunters, and the military. The Coulee 20 review was similar to the other Mystery Ranch backpack reviews,

Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 Review

Price: $189 (USD)

Capacity: 30 L / 1770 cu-ins

Weight: 2.7 LBS / 1,2 KG

Harnessing Style: Framed

Since much of the design is the same as the Coulee 20, my earlier comments will largely overlap with this “older brother” day pack, the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30. I had a chance to use this one extensively while hiking with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Just like with the 20, the Coulee 30 is in that sweet spot for day hiking, particularly for those who like to get after it, and bring more specialized tools. 

On the Coulee 20, I mentioned that the adjustable yoke system might be a little overkill, but on the Coulee 30 day pack, it really starts to shine. Those 10 extra liters create enough weight on the shoulders to where this high-comfort approach comes right into play. 

Daypack Reviews

I hope this review filled your brain with juicy knowledge and visions of clicking off miles on wooded trails. If you're looking for something that can handle longer hikes then check out the Gossamer Gear Loris 25.

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