Guest Blogger: Shelby Huber, Montana Dinosaur Trail Coordinator

In Southeast Montana, history isn't tucked away behind velvet ropes. It is etched directly into the ancient clay, sandstone spires, and banded badlands beneath your hiking boots.

For active outdoor enthusiasts, this region offers a rare and thrilling connection: the chance to trek across the exact geological strata where apex predators like Tyrannosaurus rex, horned Triceratops, and duck-billed hadrosaurs once roamed. By weaving together scenic trail networks with four stops along the Montana Dinosaur Trail, you can build an unforgettable itinerary where world-class paleontology and outdoor adventure go hand in hand.

1. Makoshika State Park & Glendive: Prehistoric Canyons and Exposed Fossils

As Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika (pronounced Muh-KO-shih-kuh) encompasses over 11,000 acres of dramatic, weather-carved badlands. Its name derives from a Lakota phrase meaning "bad earth," but for hikers and trail runners, it is pure paradise.

Before or after hitting the park's trail network, you can explore two official Montana Dinosaur Trail stops located right in Glendive. Stop by the Frontier Gateway Museum to view full fossil casts, prehistoric plant remains, and regional homesteading history. Then, visit the Makoshika State Park Visitor Center at the park entrance to examine a full-size T. rex fossil cast and a Triceratops skull before tying up your hiking boots.

Once on the trails, the 1-mile Diane Gabriel Trail winds through deep coulees and climbs a steep series of badlands steps. The highlight of this route is passing directly by an exposed sandstone outcrop where preserved hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) vertebrae remain embedded right along the path. For sweeping geological views, take the 1-mile Cap Rock Trail across a natural bridge surrounded by towering caprock pillars and hoodoos shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion.

2. Medicine Rocks State Park & Ekalaka: Sandstone Spires and Pioneer Paleontology

Located just north of Ekalaka, Medicine Rocks State Park features a mesmerizing landscape of 80-foot-tall sandstone spires perforated with porous wind caverns. Theodore Roosevelt famously described it as one of the most fantastically beautiful places he had ever seen. A web of easy-to-moderate trails loops around and between these massive monoliths, where sharp-eyed hikers can spot ancient Native American rock art and historic carvings left by early cattle drivers. As an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, it is also a world-class spot for stargazing after a full day on the trail.

Just minutes down the road in Ekalaka sits the Carter County Museum, an iconic stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. As Montana’s first county museum, this facility houses extraordinary specimens including Wyrex (a remarkable T. rex with fossilized skin impressions), complete duck-billed dinosaur skeletons, and exhibits from its famous annual Dino Shindig. Pairing a morning museum tour with an afternoon hike among the spires at Medicine Rocks makes for a perfect day in Ekalaka.

3. Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area: Rugged Backcountry Solitude

For hikers seeking off-the-beaten-path solitude between dinosaur trail stops, the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area offers raw, unfiltered Montana backcountry. Carved over millennia by the Yellowstone River, this landscape features dramatic mesa overlooks, sandstone arches, and silent, labyrinthine coulees that showcase the region's ancient geological layering.

Access the Calypso Trail by crossing the historic Milwaukee Road railroad bridge over the Yellowstone River. This primitive route takes hikers deep into the heart of badlands strata, making it an exceptional destination for wilderness day hikes, backcountry photography, and spotting golden eagles or prairie falcons. For panoramic views without a long trek, drive up to the Terry Badlands Overlook to gaze across miles of multi-colored rock layers spanning deep time. Just keep in mind that the clay surface turns slick when wet, so always check local BLM weather reports before heading out.

4. Roundup & Musselshell Valley: Where Central Meets Eastern Strata

As you travel western gateway routes across Southeast Montana, the scenic Musselshell River valley around Roundup offers another essential link between outdoor exploration and paleontology.

At the Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, an inviting stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail, visitors can explore the popular "Dino Depot." This collection highlights local fossil finds unearthed in surrounding central and eastern Montana rock layers, including prehistoric turtle shells, plant fossils, and dinosaur teeth displayed alongside coal mining and pioneer heritage. It serves as an ideal cultural kickoff before taking a relaxing walk along local river trails or setting out across the surrounding prairie landscapes.

Essential Tips for Your Badlands Hiking and Dino Adventure

• Leave Fossils in Place: Federal and state laws protect paleontological resources on public lands. If you spot a fossil on the trail, take photos, mark your GPS coordinates, and notify park rangers or museum staff.
• Pack Water and Sun Protection: Badlands environments reflect heat, and shade is scarce. Bring plenty of water, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.
• Get Your Prehistoric Passport: Pick up a Montana Dinosaur Trail Prehistoric Passport at any participating facility to collect stamps as you explore all four Southeast Montana stops!