Bridges aren’t the only way to cross the Little Missouri River. We found several unusual crossing including a cable car on a cable across the river. But that’s off limits. These three are our favorite unusual crossings that you can access.
VVV Crossing
Normal water levels at the VVV crossing
South of Bowman, in Slope County, is the (Three V) VVV Crossing. It’s not always dependable. For example in March, when we first went there, it was impassable. Later, when the river settled down to the easy life of summertime it’s easy crossing on the raised concrete roadbed. You can get to the VVV Crossing from the Marmarth Road, old highway 16 starting at Sentinel Butte in Golden Valley County.
Near the Elkhorn Ranch site
Head north toward the Historic Elkhorn Ranch.
Just south of the Elkhorn Ranch is the Ellison Creek Crossing. It’s a little unreliable. The sand can get you stuck.
About eight miles north of the Elkhorn ranch are two crossings: Maah Daah Hey and Morgan Draw.
Maah Daah Hey
The narrow trail coming in from the upper right to the river behind the two cows is the Maah Daah Hey trail.
North of the Elkhorn Ranch is the regular crossing for the popular Maah Daah Hey Trail. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders have no problem crossing here. Horseback riders will keep their feet dry. Hikers and bikers? Prepare to get your feet wet.
We went up a trail that extends off of Beaver Creek Road. There, we could look down on the crossing. We picnicked and watched the cattle use the Maah Daah Hey Crossing.
Morgan Draw
Further north is the Morgan Draw crossing. If you are in a street vehicle, don’t try it. You’re likely to take on water at the deepest point of the crossing; the western side is the channel and it’s a shade deeper than the rest of the crossing. A four-wheel drive pickup, especially one that is deemed by the manufacturer to be “off road” will have enough clearance to get you through the water. Something like an SUV or a cross-over may not be able to keep water from seeping under the door. When we crossed, it was about two feet deep in the deepest channel.
Bonus
Bonus: Trails in both units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park cross the Little Missouri River. In the South Unit (Medora) you can cross north (downstream) of the Peaceful Valley Ranch at least two locations. You will get your feet wet. See this?
It sounds like if certain transportation officials get their way, a bridge across the Little Missouri River will be built not far from the Elkhorn Ranch site.
Trip Planning
Want to sample a bit of the North Dakota Badlands? If we know your criteria for a visit (time, distance, activity) we can recommend a travel plan. Road trips are always an option any time of the year.
The North Dakota Commerce Department, Tourism Division has plenty of ideas for you to sample in the Badlands.
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