North Dakota · Hiking

Ice Caves

3.0 mi
round trip
403 ft
climb
2,580 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Ice Caves 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.

Ice Caves is a 3-mile out-and-back hike in the Medora Ranger District of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands in North Dakota, on Forest Service land. The trail rises from about 2,360 feet to a high point of 2,580 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 400 feet on the way up and the same on the way back. The route is moderate in difficulty, and the steepest stretch comes at about half a mile in, with a grade of about 14 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. A nearby weather station records typical July highs around 83°F with lows near 55°F, while winter brings highs in the mid-20s and regular snow days from December through February. The trail is open year-round and takes about an hour to complete. It has a natural surface and is open to both horses and bikes, which makes it a good choice for riders and horseback travelers. Aspen is the closest trail, about half a mile away. Magpie and Magpie Campground are about 2.7 miles off, and the Maah Daah Hey - North Dakota hike lies roughly 8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Ice Caves

    Best months: May–September. 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

      24° / 6°

      7 wet · 7 snow

    2. Feb

      28° / 10°

      6 wet · 7 snow

    3. Mar

      41° / 19°

      7 wet · 6 snow

    4. Apr

      55° / 30°

      8 wet · 3 snow

    5. May

      66° / 40°

      11 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      75° / 50°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 55°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 54°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 45°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 32°

      7 wet · 2 snow

    11. Nov

      39° / 20°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    12. Dec

      27° / 10°

      7 wet · 7 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Grassy Butte 2ene, ND, 11.5 mi away at 2,670 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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