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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Adventures Don’t Always Go as Planned

Take the Faroe Islands, for example. The scenery was jaw-dropping, sheer cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic, winding ridgelines, and trails that seemed to disappear into the clouds. But those same stunning landscapes can also be treacherous. High winds, slick rocks, and remote locations mean that a simple misstep could turn into a serious situation.

In Costa Rica, the challenge was different. Between rainforest hikes, river crossings, and waterfall rappels, we were constantly surrounded by wild, unpredictable terrain. A slip on wet ground or a sudden illness far from medical facilities can escalate quickly.

Even in North Dakota, where I was hiking across open prairie, the remoteness surprised me. It doesn’t take a mountain range to feel isolated, when you’re miles from the nearest road with unpredictable weather rolling in, you realize how vulnerable you can be. When I was hiking on sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, I noticed that certain times of year the trail may be impassible due to snow, ice, high water and mud.

Why Group Travel Insurance Matters

No matter how prepared you are, travel involves risk. Group Travel Insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind if something goes wrong. It can cover things like:

• Emergency medical evacuation from remote areas
• Hospitalization and medical expenses abroad
• Accidental death or dismemberment benefits
• Transportation back home for further care
• Support for family members if needed

For adventurers like me, this isn’t just about being cautious, it’s about being responsible. Whether I’m filming for Epic Trails or exploring off-camera, I want to focus on the experience, not worry about “what ifs.”

Emergency Evacuation Insurance: A Key Layer of Protection

A solid Travel Accident Insurance plan often works hand-in-hand with Emergency Evacuation Insurance. If you’re injured somewhere far from adequate medical care, evacuation coverage is what gets you to the hospital, whether that means helicopter rescue, specialized ground transport, or even a medical flight home. Be sure to look for Emergency Evacuation Insurance if you a looking to purchase Group Travel Insurance to remote areas.

Redpoint Travel Protection is a sponsor of BackpackingTV. And we couldn't be happier about it because whether we're exploring the backcountry or traveling the world, reliable insurance is a must. 

Redpoint offers three tiers of coverage, but our audience will want to take a good look at the Ripcord package. It applies to “remote destinations with limited communications or medical facilities.” In other words, backpacking adventure

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How to acclimatize to high altitude

Many enticing hikes around the world are at high altitudes. For example, the ones I'm doing in Peru are between about 10,000 to 15,000 feet-above-sea-level. I flew in from a much lower elevation. I made sure to block off a few days in a little spot called Chachapoyas, which sits at about 8,000 feet.

Chill out up high

It's important to allow yourself at least a bit of time to adjust to the new setting. Chill out, go for some easy walks around town, and just breathe in that fresh, but thin, mountain air. This extra time is also beneficial for shaking off any jet lag / standard travel fatigue. Spending time in town is good for appreciating the new food, culture, and routines while becoming acclimatized.

Don't just jump right in

Jumping straight into an intensive hike in a foreign environment can be a big shock to the system and might take you out of the game early. I learned this lesson the hard way during a previous expedition. Never again. 

What's the difference between international trekking and backpacking? 

international trekking is usually associated with having support. In my case, the three treks that I'm doing here in Peru are Huayhuash, one just outside Cusco (but not the Inca Trail), and another one in the Amazonas region. All three Peru treks will be done with the help of porters, guides, and general organizations. They take care of travel, food, setting up camp, and working through any barriers that might arise.

Downside is cost

The obvious downside is that this will be a more costly approach. However, in places like Asia and South America, you can find a range of options to suit your budget. There are usually bare-bones levels that will still work for shoe-string travelers. 

Backpacking is cheaper

Backpacking, on the other hand, is self-supported. This makes sense on more accessible hikes or in areas that you are personally more familiar with. You may still be able to stay in local shelters, inns, or rent gear locally. All of this, plus the logistics en route, will have to be sorted out if you are going backpacking self-supported internationally. 

How do you organize an international trek? There are three basic ways.

All-inclusive international trekking tour booked online

First, you can book an all-inclusive tour online through a reputable company. If you're new to international trekking and you have a generous budget, this is the best way to kick-off these kinds of adventures. This approach will include things like:

1. Food, gear, lodging, transportation, etc.

2. Porters and horses/donkeys to carry all the equipment (you will usually just carry a day-pack).

3. Chefs to prepare excellent 3-course meals at camp. 

4. English-speaking guides to help you learn about the trek/culture/history and navigate any uncertainties.

Naturally, this will be the most-expensive approach but it will also be the safest and least stressful style of trip. 

Arrange the international trekking in the destination country

If you have a bit more free time and are a confident traveler then the second approach you can take is to arrange the trek when you arrive in the country through one of the local tourshops. These can be easily spotted around town by looking for pictures/posters of the country's highlights. It is also common for hostels to either have their own version of this or to be partnered with someone close by.

Avoid tedious logistics

This method is still a great way to pass off a lot of the tedious logistics. Plus the prices will be much lower compared to booking from home. There is room to barter even lower if you're savvy like that. I strolled down a street in Chachapoyas and found 4 different tour shops that organized all kinds of trips/treks, including the Huayhuash trek that I have coming up. There are always guides and buses ready to go so you can typically expect to pay for the trip one day, and leave the next. 

Guides for backpacking

If your priority is pinching pennies but you still want some support, then you can go the unofficial route by hiring a local, but unaccredited guide. Here in Peru, these people are known as arrieros, which loosely means “horse-master”or “donkey-master.”

Arrieros will be able to take you through essentially the same trek while carrying your gear, but they generally don't speak English, so knowing a bit of the local language is a huge asset if you go down this road.

I myself have done it this way a number of times. It's a neat experience because it's basically just you and one other guy backpacking through the mountains. You should expect to provide him with food and cover any bus fares, or things of that nature. But even still, this is the cheapest way to tackle a major international trek. 

Unsupported backpacking trip

And finally, you can opt to just go on an unsupported backpacking trip. As long as the trail you're aiming for doesn't require a guide (which is sometimes the case) then you can go through the same motions, only carrying all of your own gear, cooking your own meals, and handling all other components from start to finish. This approach is best suited to competent backpackers and confident travelers. 

For the last two DIY methods, keep in mind that you might need to buy some of your camping gear, like fuel for cooking, on-site. Thankfully, in areas that offer these trekking tours, there are usually adventure shops that sell backpacking essentials, particularly the stuff that is difficult (or illegal) to travel with. 

How do you get around in a foreign country?

If you go with the all-inclusive tour packages then this will all be handled. Not only will they pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation, but every step of the way, your transportation will be covered. You just show up where you need to be and the rest will be easy. But for all other traveling approaches you will be able to choose from a number of transit options, depending on your comfort level.

Taxis, hotels, hosts

Taxis are pretty much everywhere these days, but expect to pay more, especially from the airport. Many hotels also have shuttles that either run on a set schedule or can be arranged in advance. Friendly AirBnB or guesthouse hosts sometimes offer to pick you up or take you where you need to go the next day. And then there are bus/train stations to work off of, or the super-cheap, informal collectivo or microbus approach. Just remember that with scrappier transportation, cash is king. 

Why can't you drink water in foreign countries?

Sometimes you can, but it varies from place to place and so it doesn't hurt to play it on the safe side. You can check online or ask around locally, but oftentimes water sources throughout the world contain pollutants, contaminants, and viruses. Our guts are simply used to the specific biochemical makeup of our hometown brew and so even if the water abroad is technically safe to drink, it may still upset your system.

Water purifiers

So the best thing to do is to travel with a good water purifier, have some way to treat the water, or simply stick to bottled water. I made a video recently about some of the best, inexpensive water filters/purifiers on the market. Just a quick reminder, water purifiers zap viruses and are therefore the better option for international travel. 

Final thoughts on international trekking

International trekking is actually a lot easier and way less scary than first-timers might realize. I highly recommend you give it a shot. It's a big world out there. Joining these kinds of expeditions can take you to places you'd be hard-pressed to even dream of, offer new perspectives, and enrich your life. So I hope you are feeling inspired. Stay tuned for part 2, and in the meantime, check out BackpackingTV for more gear talk, hiking tips, and fun adventures.

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Even though I had never used it before and the idea of hauling a raft deep into the wilderness was fairly novel, I couldn't say no.

South Fork of the Flathead is a premier river

The South Fork of the Flathead is by all accounts one of the world’s premier rivers. It's pristine. It's remote. And it runs through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. The Bob Marshall is one of the most beautiful and beloved wilderness areas in all the US. But, this pristine wilderness is rather difficult to explore. And for a long time, pack animals were about the only way to effectively support a trip out here. That is, until packrafts came along.

Our route required fifteen miles of backpacking through rugged terrain to get to our put-in on the river. We had to cross mountain passes, ford creeks, and haul way more gear than a normal backpacking trip. Packrafts are designed to be incredibly light and packable. They typically get as small as a sleeping bag. But with my penchant for hauling heavy camera equipment, as well as needing a life vest, a paddle, and six days worth of food, I was hauling quite the load.

The hiking plan for our packrafting trip

Backpack fifteen miles to the put in. Float fifty five miles of river over five days. Then exit the river corridor and hike out three miles to a car waiting on the other end. One day of acting as a beast of burden meant five days of the most fun and enjoyable way possible to explore a wilderness area.

We left the trailhead with bright spirits and a few clouds overhead. But by mid-afternoon, the few clouds turned into a downpour and we hiked the last five miles under a steady, soaking rain. Thoroughly exhausted and sopping wet, we had made it to our put in. We set up camp, ate a hot meal, and crawled into our respective tents, giddy for the more relaxing adventure that lay ahead.

In the morning, we packed up camp and headed to the banks of the river. After a little debate about if we needed to keep hiking downstream, we unpacked our rafts and set out on the river. Our concerns were that if we put in too early, we might find ourselves plunging over a series of waterfalls or caught in one of the many logjams in the early portion of the river. Luckily we encountered no waterfalls. But the logjams were a different story. Every twenty minutes we had to pull to the side of the creek and portage around strainers and massive piles of fallen trees barricading the river.

Is packrafting dangerous or can it be safe?

I was very nervous when we first put in to the river. I had never gone packrafting before and I was intimidated floating on such a tiny vessel along a remote and wild river. Luckily my fears of drowning subsided and I started to get the hang of it after a few miles of negotiating through small rapids and narrow passages in the river.

As the miles floated by, my fear and anxiety turned to elation and joy. I couldn’t believe how amazing the experience was. There were some flat sections that required a little bit of paddling effort. But for the most part, the river did all the hard work. With every passing moment I was being whisked deeper into the wilderness. My chief objectives were to sit back, enjoy the scenery and camaraderie, and feel a connectedness with the river.

Setting up a packrafting camp

As evening descended we searched for a suitable camp. After a few minutes we pulled to the side of the river and set up camp on a beautiful green grass meadow. While the wood was soaked from the recent rain, I eventually got a fire going while Jacob fished for trout. Our crew dried out our soaking gear as Jacob landed a few beautiful trout. He foraged some wild chives that grew along the river bank and that night, we ate the most delicious trout I’ve ever had in my life.

The following days, more drainages fed into the creek and the volume of the river grew significantly. Soon, we were no longer on a small creek, but a full fledged river. We bumped our way through a section of a narrow gorge with several miles of rapids. The rapids were big enough to dump you and your tiny craft if you weren’t careful. It was intimidating at first. But it was also a hell of a lot of fun.

There was a certain rhythm to the days. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Drink coffee. Paddle. Float. Laugh with friends. Get a little scared at rapids. Enjoy the scenery. Find a beautiful camp. Make a fire. Sleep well.

Packrafting is rewarding

For someone who is more accustomed to backpacking, where every day is a knee-grinding mission, I had never experienced the casual joy that comes with packrafting. You get all the rewards of a self-supported expedition, without the blisters and daily exhaustion of the trail. I was loving every minute of it.

Our fourth night on the river, we pulled off on a rocky beach and made camp right next to the river. The river valley was more wide open here, allowing for vast views of the surrounding mountains and a beautiful sunset. We made a nice fire nestled in the rocks and watched the sun go down. The four of us sat in silence next to the crackling fire, simply enjoying the moment.

That night, I crawled into my tent. It was the first night the weather really cooperated, so I didn’t put a fly on. I left it by my side in case a storm rolled in during the night. But no storm came. I stared through the mesh of the tent and watched the stars pass overhead. I felt thankful and blessed to be in such a beautiful and untouched landscape. With no roads for miles around, the only people within fifty miles of our party were there because they had worked for it. The Bob Marshall is a landscape that doesn't allow people to pass through easily.

Last day packrafting

On the last day, only fifteen miles of river remained ahead of us before the river became too wild to navigate with packrafts, at least with my limited whitewater expertise. By now the volume of water was significant. The emerald waters transported us effortlessly. I felt like I never wanted the adventure to end.

I heard a roar of whitewater as we rounded the bend. This was our take out. If I missed the pullout and went into the rapids, I would be cast past the point of no return, hurled into an exit-less gorge with a series of challenging whitewater rapids that were well beyond my skill to navigate. I paddled hard to the bank, and made it with a sigh of relief, just above the rapids.

Fifteen miles of hiking and 55 miles of river lay behind me now. We packed up our gear on the sunny river bank, letting everything dry out as much as possible before hauling it out the last three miles to our car.

Without six days of food, our packs were much lighter and smaller. But the hike out was still a bit sad. We were leaving behind a remote and wild river. The Bob Marshall Wilderness had left a profound impact on me. I am lucky enough to have traveled all over the world. But this little trip with a few friends had become one of my top adventures I'd ever done.

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Background of Lake Powell

Lake Powell, a man-made lake, is a strange place. It is undeniably beautiful and is amazing for recreation. But it also submerged one of the nation’s most beautiful canyon networks, not to mention a vast amount of cultural history (cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, kivas, and more). Many people in the Southwest have a strained relationship with the place.

Newsworthy for more than just conservationists, Lake Powell is now at its lowest point since the dam that flooded the cherished Glen Canyon was constructed in the 60’s. Severe drought, along with some poor planning in the first place, has left Lake Powell’s future in limbo, as water seeps into the sandstone bed, and its massive surface area combined with the hot environment make it a poor water retention area.

With lake levels dropping massively over the last year, it has meant there is a new opportunity for exploring the canyons as they emerge out of the muddy bottom of the lake. In January, I organized an expedition with three of my friends to explore two canyons that lead in and out of Lake Powell. What we experienced was truly incredible! I was so enthralled, I decided to return a month later with Epic Trails in order to film an episode.

Start of the Packrafting Trip

Joined by my friend Jesse Weber and Max Stussi, the Director of Photography for this episode of Epic Trails, we set off for the Escalante area of Utah to film these canyons that, up until a year ago, were under water.

We planned our trip with packrafts in mind, in order to fully explore these canyons. Packrafts are small boats that pack down into a backpack and weigh just a few pounds. They’re incredible tools for adventurers to explore some of the most challenging and inaccessible areas.

The three of us loaded up with four days’ worth of gear, food, and packrafting kit. It doesn’t make for a small pack, and our entry point was a notoriously narrow canyon. These two factors do not play well together.

Day 1 Packrafting through Slot Canyons

On day one, we slogged and scraped and crawled our way through a long slot canyon. It was painfully slow, and a delightful adventure. At many points the canyon was far too narrow to walk through with our packs on our backs. Sometimes we’d hoist them over our heads, or carry them sideways. Once, we even had to break down our packs entirely to get them to fit through the narrowest of spaces.

It was slow and arduous work. But we were happy. It was a proper adventure.

After a full day in the canyon, we had managed to hike only two miles! As night was descending, we finally emerged from the narrowness of the canyon and into the wider box canyon that allowed us to hike, more naturally, through the deep sand.

Day 2 Packrafting was Slow Hiking

Quickly into day two, we learned the canyon would throw another challenge our way; a network of overgrown tamarisk and willow that were nearly impossible to hike through. The canyon was choked out and, yet again, we made impossibly slow progress. We hiked all day, encountering massive canyon walls with the biggest alcoves I’ve ever seen. At no point did the canyon allow for easy passage.

That night we camped under the roof of one of these alcoves, where a bend in the canyon gave us a stunning view.

Day 3 Paddling Around on Lake Powell

On day three, we finally reached the lake. It had retreated and exposed several miles of canyon that were underwater as recently as a few months ago. The only thing that stood in our way was fifty yards of quicksand.

The quicksand provides a surface that feels like you’re hiking atop a waterbed. It’s gelatinous and inconsistent. You can also break the surface tension at any time and sink up to your knees, or worse, without any warning. It’s terrifying to hike upon, and simultaneously a hilarious game.

It turned out that I was the lone hiker to succumb to the quicksand. As we were getting our packrafts onto the water, the sand finally gave way, and I sank up to my thighs in an instant. With thoughts of a watery grave swirling through my head, I felt the nothingness below me. It was impossible to say how deep I would have sunk had I not been able to flop onto my boat. The packraft gave me enough support to extricate myself from the quicksand, but not without the soupy concoction getting all over me.

Jesse, Max, and I paddled through miles of glorious canyons. Even though it was chilly, the sun-filled canyons felt wonderful. We stopped for lunch atop a small rock island that had recently emerged before continuing our journey.

We turned up another canyon, leaving behind the larger channel of Lake Powell. This charming slot canyon holds a unique formation, Gregory Bridge. For decades, the bridge has been submerged. Just last summer, the Salt Lake Tribune published an article musing on if the bridge would, one day, be seen again. Fast forward a few months, and the bridge is now a marvel that paddlers can actually paddle under.

Natural Bridge and Low Water

I saw this exact bridge in January, but the water level was significantly higher. In just a couple weeks, the water had dropped an additional six feet and revealed even more of the fantastic span of rock. The three of us paddled back and forth gawking at the incredible feature. It is one of the most interesting natural features I’ve seen anywhere. To be able to experience it by paddling quietly underneath its massive arching span was a wonder to behold.

That night we camped once again under the protection of a giant alcove. Only a sliver of sky could be seen through the gap in the towering walls.

On our last day, we hiked through a few more miles of narrow gorge before the canyon widened and dried out. At long last, and after significant effort, we toasted to our adventure atop the van.

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