Itinerary · 2 days · North Dakota
2 Days in Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Theodore Roosevelt National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jun–Sep. Closest major airport: Bismarck (BIS), about 2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Find wild horses in the South Unit. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Drive the North Unit Scenic Drive.
- Evening: See Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Look out from Painted Canyon Overlook.
- Afternoon: Hike the Caprock Coulee Trail.
The North and South units are about 70 miles apart. The North Unit is quieter and more dramatic.
When to go
The best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is June–September.
Best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: find wild horses in the south unit and drive the north unit scenic drive on day one, then look out from painted canyon overlook on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Theodore Roosevelt itinerary?
Go in Jun–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. June and September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Theodore Roosevelt in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss look out from painted canyon overlook. Two days is the sweet spot.