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Upper Caprock Coulee Trail
A favorite trail dubbed a 'four-in-one' attraction thanks to its diverse landscapes and geology.
Plan Around Upper Caprock Coulee Trail
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.
Upper Caprock Coulee Trail Details
The Upper Caprock Coulee Trail is a loop that extends beyond the guided Caprock Coulee Nature Trail. If you don't have a lot of time for hiking during your park visit, go on this one. It is a favorite because so much is packed into its 4.1-mile loop. You will plunge into a shady forest and across grasslands, and up, across, and over bare rock ridges with dramatic views. Besides the trail diversity, you will also enjoy close-up views of badlands geology, including "slumps" and other erosional features. You will come across areas with bentonite clay, coal veins, and petrified wood. Bison also roam this area of the park, so be on the lookout as you traverse the grasslands or from the higher vantage points. Another perk of this trail is the River Bend Overlook its a welcoming rock shelter, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. The shelter not only offers shade but sweeping views of the Little Missouri River and the North Unit of the park.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
4.1 miles
Estimated time
2.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Upper Caprock Coulee Trail
Compare nearby parks around Upper Caprock Coulee Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Upper Caprock Coulee Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Upper Caprock Coulee Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail
An easy, short hike delivering you to the doorstep of a prairie dog town.
0.0 mi away
Caprock Coulee Nature Trail
A guided nature trail with a longer, optional loop.
1.0 mi away
River Bend Overlook
Breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River and North Unit section of the park.
1.3 mi away
Juniper Campground
Wheelchair accessible campground in the North Unit.
1.4 mi away
Achenbach Trail
A long loop through the park's wilderness areas and crossing the Little Missouri River.
