Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Hike Wind Canyon Trail

moderate Sunset ChasersPhotographersFamilies
0 mi Distance
30 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type

What to Expect

Wind Canyon packs a remarkable punch for a trail you can knock out in half an hour. From the parking area, you'll follow a well-worn path along the rim of wind-sculpted cliffs — the kind of eroded formations that look like they belong on another planet. The trail climbs moderately to a lookout perched above the Little Missouri River, where the badlands unfold in every direction like a crumpled topographic map. The exposed sandstone underfoot can be slippery, and there are no guardrails at the overlook, so you'll feel the edge. The canyon itself is a textbook example of wind erosion — smooth, scooped walls that glow gold in late-day light. This is the trail for anyone who wants a jaw-dropping vista without committing to a full day on the trail. Photographers, sunset chasers, and families with older kids will find it irresistible.
Sunset ChasersPhotographersFamiliesQuick DetoursFirst-Time Visitors

Safety Advisory

The overlook has no railings or barriers, and the drop-off is severe. Keep a firm grip on children and stay well back from crumbling cliff edges, especially when it's windy — and it's almost always windy here.

The exposed sandstone and clay surface becomes dangerously slick when wet. After rain or snowmelt, the moderate climb can turn treacherous. Check with a ranger if conditions look questionable.

Trail Details

Difficulty moderate
Estimated Time 30 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Not allowed
Season Trail conditions may be dangerous or slippery due to inclement weather. Speak to a ranger for more details. 
Trailhead Hike Wind Canyon Trail
Trail Tips
  1. 1

    Time your visit for the last hour before sunset — the low-angle light turns the canyon walls deep amber and the Little Missouri catches the color like a mirror. This is widely considered the single best sunset viewpoint in the entire South Unit.

  2. 2

    The trail is wheelchair accessible at the start but gets rougher as you climb toward the overlook. If you're pushing a stroller or using a chair, the initial canyon views are still worth the stop even without reaching the top.

  3. 3

    Park at the Wind Canyon trailhead lot on the Scenic Loop Drive rather than trying to pull off the road — the lot fills up fast around golden hour, so arrive 45 minutes before sunset to guarantee a spot.

Photos

A bend in the river and a trail above it are seen at sunset. Buttes and prairies line the river.NPS Photo/W. Archer

Getting There

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Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park

3 campgrounds, 35 trails, 733K annual visitors

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