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South Dakota
Medicine Root Trailhead
2.1 mi
Distance
223 ft
Gain
46 min
Time
We don't cover this trail yet
No agency boundary, access route or field report is mapped to it — so there is no verdict, and we won't guess. We'll tell you the moment this trail has something to say.
Covered nearby
Trails within 25 miles where we do have a current picture.
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Medicine Root Trailhead
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Elevation & route
- Distance
- 2.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 223 ft
- Elevation loss
- 223 ft
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
About this trail
This generally rolling spur trail connects with the Castle Trail on the East near Old Northeast Road and on the West at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass trails. Trail users are provided the opportunity to explore the mixed grass prairie while enjoying views of the Badlands in the distance. Watch for cactus.
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Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Castle Trailhead
~2 min drive
The longest trail in the park travels five miles (ten miles round-trip) between the Door and Window parking area and Fossil Exhibit Trail. Relatively level, the path passes along some Badlands formations. The trailhead is equipped with backcountry camping registration kiosks.
Door Trailhead
~2 min drive
A wheelchair-accessible ¼ mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” to a panoramic view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends and continues onto Badlands bedrock, with yellow posts marking the primitive portion of the…
Cliff Shelf Trailhead
~2 min drive
This loop follows boardwalks and climbs stairs through a juniper forest perched along the Badlands wall. Abundant shade is provided by the junipers and a small pond occasionally exists in the area, which attracts local wildlife. The trail has some boardwalks and stairs…
Saddle Pass Trailhead
~3 min drive
This short trail climbs up the Badlands Wall to a view over the White River Valley. The trail ends where it connects with the Castle and Medicine Root Loop trails. Despite being one of the shorter trails in the park, Saddle Pass is one of the steepest, with approximately 300…
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