Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
274.00 ft (83.52 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.50 mi (4.02 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the rugged badlands of western North Dakota, offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Named after the 26th U.S. president, who cherished the region's beauty and solitude, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and rich history.

Sperati Point within the park, is an easy trail that rewards hikers with big vistas.  The trail starts at the end of the scenic drive and hikers will follow the Achenbach Trail for majority of the hike.  Hikers should be prepared to see wildlife, specifically Bison and should maintain 200 yards to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the animals.   A general rule is for hikers to hold their thumb out in front of their body and if their thumb covers up the bison, they have maintained a safe distance.

Hikers will start out along the connecting trail that will almost immediately run into the Achenbach Trail.  Hikers will need to turn right on the Achenbach trail and along this portion of trail they will meander through the prairie landscape.  For the initial part of the hike, hikers will have intermittent views of the river valley.  

Hikers will follow the trail and will come across a trail junction at roughly 1mile where they should continue straight along the trail, hikers looking to continue along the Achenbach Trail will take a left at this junction.  From this point hikers will have stunning views of the oxbow along the Little Missouri River.  Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the river valley and continue along until the trail ends. 

Once hikers are ready, they can return the way they came.  When they get back to the trailhead, they should enjoy the Oxbow River Overlook that will be up the hill from the parking lot.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Big Vistas. Wildlife.

Cons

Bison can block trail. Minimal Shade.

Trailhead Elevation

2,404.00 ft (732.74 m)

Highest point

2,551.00 ft (777.54 m)

Features

Wildlife
Family friendly
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Northwestern Great Plains, North Dakota

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