North Dakota · Hiking

Buffalo Gap Loop

2.7 mi
loop
70 ft
climb
2,629 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Is Buffalo Gap Loop open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

As of · Source: USFS · Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Buffalo Gap Loop is a 2.7-mile easy hike in the Medora Ranger District of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, managed by the Forest Service. It sits about 0.1 mile from Buffalo Gap Campground, the closest neighbor, and the trail is rated easy with a total elevation gain of 70 feet. The route is a natural-surface loop with a low point of 2,548 feet and a high of 2,629 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.2 miles in, with a 6% grade. Bikes and horses are both allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Medora weather station show July highs around 86°F and lows near 56°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s and 30s with regular snow days. Buffalo Gap Spur is about 0.9 mile away, and Medora Interstate Rocks offers climbing about 3.9 miles off. Square Butte Bouldering is about 6.1 miles away, and Little Missouri National Grassland is about 7.7 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Buffalo Gap Loop

    Best months: May–June and August–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 3°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    2. Feb

      32° / 8°

      5 wet · 4 snow

    3. Mar

      44° / 18°

      6 wet · 3 snow

    4. Apr

      55° / 29°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      67° / 41°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 50°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 56°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 53°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 43°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 30°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      42° / 18°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    12. Dec

      31° / 7°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Medora, ND, 7.5 mi away at 2,268 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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