Drive through the badlands with a location-triggered audio guide that points out historic cabins, river vistas, and prairie wildlife. Pre-download the GuideAlong tour for offline GPS narration and explore the park at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off a quietly humming highway and the badlands rise up like a folded map, colors scoring the slopes as wind carves the gullies. In the car, a pre-downloaded audio voice primes you—stories, turn-by-turn cues and local lore—while the Little Missouri River threads below, daring you to stop and look closer.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours (self-paced; half-day to full-day possible)
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for driving and short walks; accessible viewpoints are short, gentle paths.
Wildlife
History
The park commemorates Theodore Roosevelt’s cattle-ranching years and early conservation work; CCC structures and Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin link the landscape to late-19th and early-20th-century history.
Conservation
Stay on roads and designated trails, pack out all trash, and maintain distance from wildlife; the park’s fragile badland soils and prairie grasses recover slowly from disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Self Guided Audio Tour of Theodore Roosevelt National Park today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pre-download the tour
Download the GuideAlong app and the audio tour over Wi‑Fi before arriving — no cell service required inside the park.
Bring a car charger
Use a USB/C car adapter in the auxiliary outlet to keep your phone charged and avoid Bluetooth pairing issues.
Watch for wildlife from a distance
Pull fully off the road into designated turnout areas — bison and pronghorn are unpredictable and should be observed from afar.
Time your visit for soft light
Early morning or late afternoon reduces heat and increases wildlife activity and photo quality along overlooks.
Smartphone with GuideAlong app
Hosts the downloaded audio tour and GPS narration so you can play commentary offline.
Car charger (USB/C)
Keeps your device powered for GPS and audio over a multi-hour drive.
Binoculars
Helps you spot distant bison, pronghorn and birds from overlooks and pullouts.
Plenty of water & sun protection
The open prairie offers little shade; hydration and sun protection are essential.
summer