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

The post Maah Daah Hey Trail Guide: Thru-Hike North to South in Theodore Roosevelt National Park appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Inca Trail After a Long Wait

On a mission to seek adventures less traveled, the Epic Trails team began a month-long Peruvian adventure. A weeklong mission exploring the central area of the Cusco Region. This trip was three years in the making, as our tickets were originally for early April 2020. Borders began to close at the beginning of the pandemic. It had been a long wait, and we were ready.

Lesser Known Portion of the Inca Trail

We enjoyed lunch at Calle del Medio, with guides Porfirio and Alberto of Apumayo Expediciones. The Epic Trails crew quickly learned we were in great hands as we ran through our plans for the week. The goal was to follow the route of the escaping Incans. The Spaniards had taken Cusco and the Incas fled. This is a unique and lesser known portion of the Inca Trail.

Peru rafting adventure

Exploring the main square and heart of Cusco right out the door of our accommodations at Hotel Andina was motivating. We ventured North by van along mountain roads flanking ravines carved by glacier-fed rivers. Happy to explore the rivers up close, we met with Pepe Lopez, owner of Apumayo Expediciones.

Rafting the Uramba River

We went on a rafting adventure on the Urbamba River. The put in was just below the town of Ollantaytambo and paddled some adrenaline pumping Class III+ rapids. We were able to see Incan ruins along the banks right from our raft. This was a very cool perspective that not all get to experience. We ended our day at El Mangal Lodge, a remote hostel, restaurant and agrotourism (cocoa plantation) getaway all in one. There we got to participate in all phases of cocoa production. We rested before the multi-day hike.

A broken-down truck caused a delay. We enjoyed the views of peaks and passes covered in stunning lupin flowers. We watched dusk slip away as we were welcomed to the trailhead by a local family with a cuy (guinnea pig) dinner. 

Support for hiking Inca Trail in Peru Mountains

Embarking on the hike, it was clear from the numbers of porters and pack animals that we were going to be well supported. After a scenic river crossing, the uphill began. As we pushed our trekking limits, the team of porters, cooks and arrieros (horse and donkey masters or muleteers) always amazed us. They hastily sped ahead to set up elaborate meals. We thoroughly enjoyed the catered break after a tiring day of hiking the elevated areas in the region. The Apumayo team spared no expense or effort. 

“With three, four, and five course meals prepared regularly, it felt like I was on a luxury cruise liner hiking through the mountains…” – Eric Hanson

High altitude pass on the Inca Trail

The next day was the biggest day for high altitude. We were crossing a mountain pass to get to another valley. Along this pristine section of the Inca Trail we did not see masses of tourists. A shepherd greeted us on our way up to a 15,000 ft pass in the mountains. It was at this pass that our guide Porfilio sang a song to honour his father and family. The last time Porfilio had walked that trail was with his brother 20 years ago.

Descent down the Inca Trail

On our descent, there were signs of local inhabitants as we crossed farmers fields where the Inca trail disappeared under the thick soil and grass. This is where we spent the night.

After wrapping up camp we started on our way again, crossing fields and pig farms, encountering a local farmer. He was wielding an old tool for turning soil. Porfilio, a former farmer, enthusiastically encouraged me to try the tool. This made me appreciate my trips to the supermarket all the more. 

We encountered archeological sites, former trade route meeting places, some designed to honor Mother Earth. I learned about and admired the precise Incan stonework. We came to the end of our trek and the last stand of the Inca empire. This was the stunning ruins of Vitcos. 

The Cusco Region is beautiful

The Cusco Region’s beautiful landscapes, mountains, ravines and sacred sites have been welcoming travelers for decades. The terrain seemingly untouched and local experience was so authentic, if felt as if we had discovered it all over again. If you are looking for adventure on the Inca Trail, consider the Cusco Region of Peru.

The post Inca Trail: Backpacking the Cusco Region of Peru appeared first on Hazeadventure.