| Cottonwood Trail |
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A nice loop, combining the 3.1 mile Bennett Trail (Bennett Campground Access), the 7.1 mile Cottonwood Trail, and 4.9 miles of Maah Daah Hey Trail for a total distance of approximately 15 miles. The 7.1 miles of the Cottonwood follows follows the Cottonwood Creek drainage, winding through stands of cedar, aspen, ash and other trees. This is a more shaded, wind protected trail than most of the badlands trails. Choose to ride the Maah Daah Hey leg forward or back, depending on weather conditions.
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| Long X Trail |
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View from Long X divide of Little Missouri River bottom - [larger view]
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This 5.8 mile trail follows the Little Missouri River bottom southwesterly from CCC Campground, then climbs the Long X divide generally following the original route of the early era cattle drives. As you break out of the trees, at different points throughout the climb, there are breath-taking vistas of the badlands and Little Missouri River. Follow the trail through the flat grasslands to connect with the Maah Daah Hey and loop back to CCC Campground (approx. 5 miles).
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Picture of Long X marker post
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| Summit Trail |
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Excavator constructing trail along cliff face - [larger view]
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Four mile trail connects Summit Campground to the Maah Daah Hey. A long portion of this trail combines hogbacks and cliffside trail with drops of 400 plus feet, making it a challenge for those who are uncomfortable with heights. Not a trail for wet conditions. Panoramic views of deep cut chromatic badlands throughout.
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Riders near same point right after construction - [larger view]
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| Aspen and Ice Cave Trails |
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 Short 1.5 mile trail connecting Ice Cave scenic area to the Maah Daah Hey. Most years find ice and snow in the hole in the ground type caves throughout the summer. Take Aspen .3 mile trail connector to see a nice example of a large native stand of Aspen trees.
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| Buffalo Gap Trail |
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A short distance beyond the two mile point of the Maah Daah Hey Trail is the southern intersection of the Buffalo Gap Trail. Take this trail approximately 7 miles to Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch for a meal or refreshment or another mile to Buffalo Gap Campground intersection where you may take that spur to Buffalo Gap Campground. Continuing on will take you to the northern intersection of the two trails (near the Maah Daah Hey Trail mile marker 14), a total distance of 18.9 miles. |
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