Friday, May 19, 2023 - North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Deb here. I don’t know how many times today I’ve said it, but I LOVE this national park! What a gem. Not heavily used, so much wildlife, and a very relaxing experience. If you haven’t been here, put this park on your list!

After we checked out of our campground this morning we decided to travel the North Unit Scenic Drive, going all the way to the end of the road. It was a beautiful day, and we stopped at several overlooks along the way. So many bison in the fields and near the road. We opted to travel the whole road, and then return to a trailhead to do some hiking.

I’d been in touch with a high school friend, Anne Nesbitt Babcock, who loves this park and has spent a lot of time here. She said that the Caprock Coulee Trail was her favorite in the park, a 4+ mile loop trail that covered some scenic terrain. So after our driving explore we parked at a spot where we could pick up the loop trail, but it was also a scenic viewpoint with a CCC pavilion if Milo decided he didn’t want to go all the way on the trail. We started out together, but after a bit we parted ways, Milo to head back and me to continue on the loop. Anne was right, and it was a gorgeously laid out trail. Along the ridege, down into the canyon, back up, and along another ridge. I’d tweaked my knee in New Zealand and haven’t done much real hiking lately, and it felt so good to be back out there on a trail today.

I completed the loop and found that John had also covered the last bit on the ridge, which he thoroughly enjoyed. A good time was had by all.

After this, we headed to the park’s South Unit. Interestingly enough, both parts of the park are separated by about 55 miles of driving, so we were back out on Rt. 85 once again. Before reaching the South Unit Entrance we stopped at the Painted Canyon overlook and visitor’s center. Then on to the South Entrance and a stop at the visitor’s center there. We also visited Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin, right behind the visitor’s center, which had been Teddy’s first cabin when he decided to establish a ranch here in the late 1800’s. Lots of interesting history.

We headed into the South Unit and our first goal was landing a campsite at Cottonwood Campground. We’d thought that this area might be busier than the north end and we were right, although there were plenty of available campsites once again. $7/night, a spot on the Little Missouri River, dump station, and bathrooms. A pretty sweet deal.

After claiming our spot we drove the scenic road in this end of the park. The theme yesterday and this morning was bison. This afternoon the theme was prairie dogs and wild horses! So much to see and so fun to see the wildlife once again. Did I already mention that I love this park?!

After a full day of exploring and hiking we returned to our campsite for a happy hour overlooking the river, then dinner of ravioli and veggies. All in all a perfect day.

Bison roaming the campsite again tonight!!

Odo = 8117