Lone Tree Loop
Remote trail in the northwest wilderness area of the South Unit near the petrified forest.
Plan Around Lone Tree Loop
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Lone Tree Loop Details
The ten mile Lone Tree Loop is a less frequently traveled trail in the northwest wilderness area of the South Unit. It can be accessed from Peaceful Valley Ranch via Elkblom and Maah Daah Hey Trails or from near the park boundary at I-94. These trails are unmaintained and it is not hard to miss trail markers not only because of tall grasses covering the markers but bison break them when used as a scratching post. The western part of the loop is clearly marked on the map as Lone Tree Trail and then actually connects to the South Petrified Forest Trail, Maah Daah Hey Trail and back to Elkblom if you started from Peaceful Valley Ranch. Big Plateau Trail is also an option and goes through a prairie dog town.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
9.6 miles
Estimated time
6 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Lone Tree Loop
Compare nearby parks around Lone Tree Loop when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Lone Tree Loop
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lone Tree Loop while the map context is still fresh.
1.1 mi away
Cottonwood Campground
A Wheelchair-accessible campground on the west side of the park along the Little Missouri River.
1.6 mi away
Peaceful Valley Ranch
Established in 1918, this was one of the first dude ranches in the area.
1.7 mi away
Jones Creek Trail
Easy trail following a creek bed and meeting the Scenic Loop Drive at either end.
2.1 mi away
Skyline Vista
A scenic viewpoint in the southwest corner of the park.
2.2 mi away
Beef Corral Bottom
A large cattle corral from the late 1800s has now become a prairie dog town.
