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Makoshika State Park wilderness guide
State Park · MT

Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park, Montana's largest state park, offers a stunning exploration of badland landscapes with unique geological formations and a rich fossil history.

State Park11,5383+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

11,538

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park, Montana's largest state park, offers a stunning exploration of badland landscapes with unique geological formations and a rich fossil history.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Makoshika State Park encompasses over 11,500 acres of awe-inspiring badland formations in eastern Montana. The park is known for its rugged, otherworldly landscapes that include steep canyons, towering cliffs, and scattered hoodoos. Its geology is a window into the Cretaceous period, housing numerous dinosaur fossils, which makes it a significant paleontological site. Not only does the park allure geology enthusiasts, but it also offers extensive recreational opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorns, and over a hundred bird species, making it an excellent location for wildlife observation. Visitors can also explore the visitor center, which provides educational displays on the park's geological and paleontological significance, as well as the local cultural history. With trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, Makoshika provides a chance for adventure in Montana's remarkable natural setting.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Makoshika State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Makoshika State Park★ 8.7⌖ 4 miHiking
Makoshika State Park

Discover Makoshika State Park

Explore Makoshika State Park's interesting rock formations and trails near Glendive, Montana. Great for hiking and fossil hunting, with scenic views. Best visited in spring and fall for mild weather.

Walk Through Time at the Petrified Forest Loop★ 8.5⌖ 52 miHiking
Petrified Forest Loop

Walk Through Time at the Petrified Forest Loop

Explore the 10-mile Petrified Forest Loop near Medora, ND, offering moderate trails through a landscape showcasing ancient petrified woods. Enjoy photography and wildlife watching, with chances to see bison and wildflowers. Best visited in spring and fall.

Maah Daah Hey Trail: A Journey Through Rugged Beauty★ 8.5⌖ 56 miHiking
Maah Daah Hey Trail

Maah Daah Hey Trail: A Journey Through Rugged Beauty

Explore the Maah Daah Hey Trail near Medora, ND, spanning 144 miles with moderate difficulty. Ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, this rugged trail offers quiet, scenic views and wildlife, especially in spring and fall.

Windswept Wonder: Wind Canyon Trail★ 7.5⌖ 58 miHiking
Wind Canyon Trail

Windswept Wonder: Wind Canyon Trail

Explore this short 0.4-mile loop near Medora, North Dakota. An easy route showcasing dramatic views of Little Missouri River and diverse wildlife. Perfect for photographers and wildlife watchers looking for a peaceful escape.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The awe-inspiring vista from the top of the Cap Rock Trail.✦ Exploring the geological formations and fossil sites.✦ The captivating Badlands Amphitheater, ideal for photography.✦ The scenic road leading through stunning landscapes.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Makoshika State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Makoshika State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Park entry fee applies. No special permits are required except for specific activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Makoshika State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Makoshika Campground

Located near the park entrance, this campground offers basic amenities and easy access to trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Makoshika State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Glendive
⌖ 5.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glendive, Montana

A charming small town offering quiet escapes and robust outdoor opportunities in the badlands of Eastern Montana.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Billings
⌖ 56.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Billings, North Dakota

A tranquil destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and connection with nature in the rugged North Dakota terrain.

Medora
⌖ 56.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Medora, North Dakota

An authentic gateway to rugged, badlands adventure and western charm in the heart of North Dakota.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Miles City
⌖ 68.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Miles City, Montana

A historic Montana town offering rugged outdoor adventures with access to rivers, prairies, and nearby badlands, blending Western heritage and natural exploration.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Rhame
⌖ 74.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rhame, North Dakota

A quiet rural town offering peaceful access to wide-open prairies and nearby natural areas for classic Northern Plains outdoor activities.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Amidon
⌖ 75.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Amidon, North Dakota

A quiet, remote gateway to the vast Badlands offering rugged, wide-open spaces prized by outdoor adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Makoshika State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.