Petrified Forest Loop

Overview

This remote backcountry loop links the North and South Petrified Forest areas via a connector on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. The full loop is about 10.4 miles total, with roughly 1,000 feet of cumulative gain and a typical outing of a little over 4 hours. If you only want the good stuff, each petrified area sits about 1.5 miles from the trailhead—perfect for shorter out‑and‑backs. Expect upright stone tree stumps with visible rings, scattered trunk sections, and wide‑open views across badlands and prairie.

What You’ll See

The North area generally has the largest and most impressive concentration of petrified wood, plus one notably steep descent/ascent as you drop into and climb out of a badlands drainage. The Maah Daah Hey connector crosses open grassland with big sky and long sightlines; many hikers find this middle prairie stretch scenic but repetitive compared to the wood areas. Wildlife is a real possibility here: bison routinely wander the trail, prairie dogs chatter from their towns, and wild horses and coyotes are occasionally spotted. Give all wildlife plenty of room and detour around any animals on or near the path.

Trail Feel and Difficulty

Underfoot, it’s unpaved singletrack with sections of narrow tread, uneven footing, and steep, eroded slopes. Clay soils become slick and hazardous when wet, so avoid this hike right after rain. There is virtually no shade anywhere on the loop. Bring sturdy footwear (trekking poles help on the steeper pitches), plenty of water, sun protection, and a wind layer.

Getting There and Navigation

Access is not from the park’s main scenic drive. You’ll reach the Petrified Forest Trailhead via a network of gravel Forest Service/county roads west of Medora. Road conditions and the exact driving route can change; don’t rely on generic navigation apps. Check current directions with the visitor center, allow extra time, and be prepared for ruts and washboards—conditions can vary with weather. There are no services at the trailhead or on the route. On trail, follow posts and junction signs; some segments can be faint. Download an offline map before you go.

How to Hike It

• Short and sweet (2–4 hours): Hike to the North Petrified Forest and back (about 3 miles round trip, plus extra wandering), or visit both North and South as separate out‑and‑backs. If you only pick one, the North usually wins for quantity and size of specimens.
• Full value (half day): Do the entire 10.4‑mile loop: North Petrified Forest → Maah Daah Hey → South Petrified Forest (or reverse). Expect more elevation change on the North segment and open, exposed prairie on the connector.

Rules and Respect

This area protects one of the nation’s larger concentrations of petrified wood. You’re free to look closely, but leave everything exactly where you find it—removing any wood, rocks, or fossils is illegal. This is a backcountry hike; service animals are allowed on a leash up to 6 feet.

Best Time to Hike

Aim for spring or fall or a cool, dry day. Start early in warm months for tolerable temps, softer light, and a better chance at wildlife activity. Skip this trail when the clay is wet—traction is poor and falls are easy.