Painted Canyon Loop Trail

Overview

This is the quick, photogenic sampler of Theodore Roosevelt’s badlands. The loop drops from the Painted Canyon rim into the gullies and juniper, then climbs back to the overlook. It’s short—0.9 miles total—but not a flat stroll. Expect a steep descent on log steps, a rolling floor, and a stout climb to finish. Plan on 30–45 minutes depending on photo stops and trail conditions.

What you’ll see

From the rim you’ll look over a maze of multicolored buttes capped with red “clinker” (baked rock from burned coal seams). Down in the canyon you can get nose‑to‑rock with layered sandstones, siltstones, and bentonite clay. Juniper and seasonal wildflowers line parts of the path, and hikers occasionally spot petrified wood beside the trail. Wildlife does wander through—bison tracks and droppings are common, and actual bison sometimes use the trail.

Trail feel and conditions

Footing is mostly packed dirt and clay with some narrow sections. After rain, the bentonite becomes slick like grease; this is the #1 way people end up sliding around. The descent includes a steep run of log steps, and the return climb punches back up roughly 250–300 feet. In summer there’s little shade—bring water and sun protection. The path can be brushy in places, with poison ivy edging parts of the corridor.

Best time to hike

June through September is prime for dry, passable tread and vivid colors. Go early or late for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer people on the narrow sections. If it’s just rained (or is about to), save this one for another day or bring trekking poles—you’ll thank yourself. Facilities at the overlook make this an easy leg‑stretch stop on a road trip any time they’re open.

Rules and etiquette

Give all wildlife space (at least 25 yards). If bison are on the trail, wait them out—do not go off‑trail to skirt them. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails. Leave rocks, fossils, wood, and artifacts where you find them; this landscape is both fragile and protected.

If you want more

Craving a longer outing from the same area? There’s a separate Painted Canyon Trail (about 4.1 miles out and back) that dives deeper into the badlands with a bit more elevation and bigger views.