Roundup Trail

Overview

Roundup Trail is a 3.3-mile, unpaved connector in the South Unit that links East River Road to the Jones Creek Trail. It’s an easy-to-intermediate walk across classic Badlands terrain—eroded slopes, rolling hills, and big-sky views—with very little shade. Expect a true backcountry feel despite its modest mileage.

Route and Terrain

From the unsigned north end on East River Road, the path drops into a valley, crosses the park’s main road briefly, then climbs to a ridgeline. Beyond the ridge, the tread can fade with multiple beaten paths (thanks, bison), but it ultimately winds past a watering hole and reaches the Jones Creek junction. Many hikers pair a segment of Jones Creek (3.5 miles) to extend the day or set up a one-way shuttle.

Access and Parking

The northern trailhead is unmarked and has no real parking. Look for a simple wooden post on the right shortly after Roundup Horse Camp Road splits left. Most folks avoid the hassle and instead start from signed Jones Creek trailheads along the scenic drive, or arrange a shuttle for a one-way.

Wildlife and Scenery

This is prime wildlife country. Bison and wild horses regularly use the corridor; it’s not unusual to find them standing squarely on the trail, which may force a turnaround. The payoff is intimate wildlife encounters (at a safe distance) and sweeping views over multi-colored badlands formations.

Best Time to Hike

Spring through fall is the window here. Aim for cool mornings or late-day light—shade is scarce and summer heat hits hard. After rain, Badlands clay turns to slick “gumbo,” making footing treacherous and messy. Build flexibility into your plan for wildlife delays or detours.

Tips and Etiquette

Carry an offline map—navigation gets sneaky after the ridgeline where paths split. Yield to horseback riders, and give bison and horses a very wide berth; never try to push through animals on the trail. Dogs aren’t allowed on park trails.