Medicine Root Loop
The Medicine Root Loop makes for a moderate day hike over rolling hills and prairies.
Plan Around Medicine Root Loop
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Medicine Root Loop Details
The Medicine Root Loop makes for a moderate day hike, passing through rolling, mixed-grass prairie with the Badlands in the distance. This trail loop connects with the Castle and Saddle Pass trails. Park in the Saddle Pass trailhead parking lot off of the Badlands Loop Road and follow the blue posts for the Saddle Pass Trail over the bridge. Continue on Saddle Pass until you reach the junction with the Medicine Root and Castle trails. From this junction, follow the green posts over rolling mud hills and through the prairie. Make sure to keep your binoculars ready to look for bison and bighorn sheep on the buttes to the south. After four miles, you will reconnect with Castle Trail. Head west to get back to the Saddle Pass Trail and your car.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
4 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Medicine Root Loop
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Medicine Root Loop
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0.0 mi away
Saddle Pass
With a view over the White River Valley, Saddle Pass is a difficult yet worthwhile hike.
1.6 mi away
Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater
The Night Sky Program at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater offers visitors a spectacular look at the universe Friday through Monday nights.
1.6 mi away
Cedar Pass Lodge and Campground
Providing food, lodging and food service, the Cedar Pass Lodge is open from April until mid-October.
1.7 mi away
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
At the park headquarters you'll find information, ranger talks and hikes, educational programming and activities.
1.7 mi away
Paleontology Lab
From May until September, visitors can visit the Paleontology Lab at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
