Makoshika Dinosaur Trails | Glendive

Makoshika Dinosaur Trails is a network of hiking paths located within Makoshika State Park near Glendive, Montana.

The trails traverse badlands formations composed of sandstone, mudstone, and claystone, exhibiting varied geological strata.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape is characterized by eroded buttes, mesas, and canyons. Dominant colors include shades of tan, brown, and red in the rock formations, with sparse green vegetation consisting of prairie grasses, sagebrush, and juniper. The terrain is rugged and uneven.

Location & Access Logistics

Makoshika State Park is situated approximately 4 miles southwest of Glendive, Montana. Access is via State Highway 16 South. The park entrance is clearly marked. Ample parking is available at the visitor center and at trailheads throughout the park. No public transport services the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The badlands formations at Makoshika are the result of millions of years of erosion acting upon sedimentary rock layers deposited during the Late Cretaceous period. This geological period is significant for the presence of dinosaur fossils, including those of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex, which have been discovered in the area.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is the primary activity. Specific trails include the Mesozoic Trail (1.5 miles loop, moderate difficulty), the Badlands Trail (2.5 miles loop, strenuous difficulty), and the Caprock Nature Trail (0.5 miles loop, easy difficulty). Fossil hunting is prohibited. Interpretive signs along the trails provide information on geology and paleontology.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the visitor center and at designated picnic areas. Limited shade is present along some trails, primarily from juniper trees. Cell phone signal is intermittent within the park, with 4G/5G coverage generally unavailable on the trails. No food vendors operate within the park; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for hiking is from late spring (May) through early fall (October). Mid-morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting for photography due to lower sun angles. Summer months (June-August) can experience high temperatures, making early morning or late evening hikes advisable. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

Makoshika State Park is Montana's largest state park. The name "Makoshika" is a Lakota word meaning "bad land" or "land of the bad spirits." A notable discovery within the park was a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skull.

Nearby Landmarks

• Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum: 4.5km Northeast
• Yellowstone River: 3km North
• Makoshika State Park Visitor Center: 3.5km Northeast