An adventure into the geologic past will be the focus of the first Wilderness Hike of the summer season this Sunday in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
The backcountry ranger will lead the hike into the petrified forest area of the park’s North Unit, traveling to a remote and seldom visited area of the park.
“Theodore Roosevelt National Park contains the third-largest concentration of petrified wood in America,” said Superintendent Valerie J. Naylor. “Visitors often don’t realize that both the North and South Units contain significant petrified forest areas.”
In addition to observing geologic features, visitors will experience the natural history and solitude of the wilderness. Depending on group size and weather, the outing will last from three to six hours, and will cover two to six miles. Hiking may be strenuous at times; participants should wear attire appropriate for wilderness travel, especially sturdy boots and durable clothes.
Hikers should meet at the picnic area in the Juniper Campground at 9 a.m. CDT. Participants should bring plenty of drinking water, food, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Binoculars, cameras and a favorite poem or quote are also encouraged.
In the case of extreme weather, the hike may be cancelled; please call the North Unit Visitor Center at 701-842-2333 for the latest information.
Additional wilderness hikes are scheduled for the first Sunday of the months of July, August and September. (July 7, August 4 and September 1).
Comments
This is a spectacular part of the park. Believe me, you get to see a lot of petrified forest and bison when you're wandering around lost up there for six hours.
I wish I could be there. The road was closed due to slumping eleven miles in when I was there last year.