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A trip through the prairie with badlands and rock on flat, easy trail.


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Map Key

2.2

Miles

3.5

KM

100%

Runnable

2,648' 807 m

High

2,588' 789 m

Low

63' 19 m

Up

68' 21 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

National Park rules apply.

Runner Notes

Some portions of the trail cross badlands formations which make the trail hard to follow. Stop and take the time to make sure of your path. An entry fee to the National Park is required.

Summer can be brutally hot and dry with no water. Thunderstorms can be dangerous and wet ground is extremely slippery and difficult to navigate. Bison may be present and should be given a wide berth. Watch out for cactus and rattlesnakes.

Description

The Medicine Root Trail is a generally rolling trail connects with the Castle Trail near the Old Northeast Road and again at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass Trail. Trail users are provided the opportunity to explore the mixed grass prairie while enjoying views of the Badlands in the distance. Watch for cactus and rattlesnakes. Continue on into the prairie and possible sightings of bison. This trail also turns to the south and passes along beds of rocks that were deposited by a glacial stream. The trail ends at the junction of the Castle Trail and the Saddle Pass Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Bison, antelope, rattlesnakes, wildflowers in the spring.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kyle Thompson

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 11 votes

#10783

Overall
  3.9 from 11 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
36%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#36

in South Dakota

#10,783

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,600 Since May 7, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

45%
27%
27%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Twilight along the Medicine Root Trail.
May 12, 2015 near Kadoka, SD
Medicine Root Trail - Badlands, SD.
Jun 7, 2016 near Kadoka, SD
View from the Medicine Root Trail.
Apr 15, 2016 near Kadoka, SD
Intersection of the Castle Trail, Medicine Root Trail and Saddle Pass Trail.
Apr 15, 2016 near Kadoka, SD
Along the Medicine Root Trail.
Sep 19, 2019 near Kadoka, SD
Along the Medicine Root Trail.
Sep 19, 2019 near Kadoka, SD

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