Glendive sits at 2,064 feet on the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana, the seat of Dawson County and home to 4,873 people. This is badlands country—eroded buttes, hoodoos, cap rocks, and exposed Late Cretaceous formations up to 65 million years old. Makoshika State Park (2 miles), Montana’s largest state park at 11,500 acres, dominates the landscape south of town. With 7 viewpoints within 7 miles, 6 campgrounds, 6 lakes, 5 wildlife refuges, 2 state parks, and 11 museums, Glendive offers a hiking experience unlike anywhere else in Montana—open, arid, fossil-rich terrain where dinosaur bones erode from canyon walls. For the full town profile, see our Glendive guide.
At a Glance
- 40 recreation sites within 50 miles
- 7 viewpoints within 7 miles (all inside Makoshika State Park)
- 6 campgrounds within 50 miles
- 5 wildlife refuges within 50 miles
- 2 state parks within 50 miles (Makoshika, 2 mi)
- 1 formal trailhead: Vista View Trailhead, 5 miles
- No wilderness areas—this is prairie and badlands, not mountains
- Best seasons: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October)
- Hazards: Extreme heat, rattlesnakes, limited water and shade
Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park (2 miles from Glendive) is Montana’s largest state park, covering 11,500 acres of badlands terrain. The name comes from the Lakota word meaning “bad land” or “bad earth.” The park exposes Late Cretaceous geology—formations dating back 65 million years, when this landscape was a subtropical floodplain bordering an inland sea. Fossils of Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex, and other dinosaurs have been found eroding from canyon walls and buttes throughout the park.
Hiking in Makoshika is unlike mountain hiking in western Montana. The terrain is open and exposed—eroded buttes, deep coulees, cap rock formations, and hoodoos sculpted by wind and water. Seven named viewpoints lie within 7 miles of town: Caines Coulee Overlook (3 mi), Eyeful Vista Point (4 mi), Pine on Rocks Vista (4 mi), Kinney Coulee Vista (4 mi), Caprock Vista View and Trail (4 mi), Artists Vista (6 mi), and Sandcreek Coulee Overlook (7 mi). The Caprock Trail at 4 miles from town takes hikers through signature cap rock formations. The park also features a disc golf course and an archery range.
Vista View Trailhead
Vista View Trailhead (5 miles from Glendive) is the only formal trailhead in the area’s recreation data. From here, hikers access panoramic views across the badlands—layered buttes stretching to the horizon, with the Yellowstone River valley visible to the north. The trail traverses open terrain with little shade, so carry plenty of water and start early in warm weather.
State Parks
Two state parks lie within 50 miles of Glendive. Makoshika dominates outdoor recreation in the immediate area, offering maintained trails, campgrounds, and visitor facilities within a badlands landscape found nowhere else in Montana.
| State Park | Distance from Glendive |
|---|---|
| Makoshika State Park | 2 mi |
| Medicine Rocks State Park | 35 mi |
Trails Near Glendive
| Trail / Trailhead | Distance from Glendive |
|---|---|
| Vista View Trailhead | 5 mi |
Seasonal Guide
Spring (April–May): The best season for badlands hiking near Glendive. Temperatures are mild, wildflowers bloom on the prairie, and the landscape is green before summer heat sets in. Trails in Makoshika State Park are accessible by early April. Spring storms can bring brief but intense rain—clay soils become extremely slippery when wet.
Summer (June–August): Extreme heat dominates. Glendive has recorded temperatures as high as 117°F. Hiking in July and August requires early morning starts—finish by mid-morning. There is virtually no shade on badlands trails. Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. Rattlesnakes are active. Dawn and dusk offer the best conditions.
Fall (September–October): Many consider fall the finest hiking season near Glendive. Heat breaks, skies are clear, and the badlands take on warm autumn tones. Wildlife viewing is excellent. Hunting season begins in September—wear blaze orange on trails during hunting season.
Winter (November–March): Cold and wind limit hiking, but mild days can offer good conditions in the badlands. Snow is typically light in this part of eastern Montana. Makoshika State Park remains open year-round, though the scenic drive may close temporarily after snow or ice.
Trail Safety
Badlands hiking near Glendive presents hazards different from mountain hiking in western Montana. Heat is the primary danger—carry far more water than you think you need. Rattlesnakes are present; watch where you step and place your hands. The terrain offers no shade and no water sources—bring everything you need. Clay soils become treacherous when wet. Cell service can be unreliable in coulees and canyons. Carry a paper map or downloaded offline maps.
For more outdoor activities, see our Glendive fishing guide and the Glendive weekend itinerary.