Buffalo Gap Viewpoint Trail
Buffalo Gap Viewpoint Trail (0.6 miles round trip) is a short but steep 600‑foot climb begins right off the campground road and quickly leads hikers up through native prairie grasses to a scenic overlook above the valley. At the top, visitors are rewarded with wide‑open, panoramic views of the surrounding badlands and the sweeping Buffalo Gap. Interpretive panels at the viewpoint share the story of the landscape, local wildlife, and the natural forces that shaped this rugged terrain, making it an ideal quick hike for families, photographers, and anyone looking to experience a classic North Dakota vista.
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Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
Accessibility
Due to the grade, uneven terrain, and lack of firm, stable surfacing, the trail is not considered accessible for most visitors with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices.
General Information
Open year-round, 24/7.
Contact Name: Medora Ranger District
Contact Phone: (701) 227-7800
Address: 99 23rd Ave. W., Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 227-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: Medora.RD@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
The Buffalo Gap Viewpoint is located near the main entrance road of the Buffalo Gap Campground.
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Opportunities
Viewing Scenery Info
From the top of Buffalo Gap Viewpoint, the landscape opens into a wide sweep of the Little Missouri National Grassland. Rolling prairie, scattered buttes, and distant ridgelines stretch toward the horizon, shifting in color with the light. The dark, reddish‑orange scoria underfoot contrasts with the soft greens and tans of the grassland below, creating a vivid overlook of one of North Dakota’s most open, expansive vistas.
General Hiking Info
The hike up to Buffalo Gap Viewpoint is a brief but steep climb on dark, reddish‑orange scoria gravel, rising quickly to a broad overlook above the Buffalo Gap Campground. At the top, a bench and interpretive panels offer a place to rest and take in wide views of the Little Missouri National Grassland.