Montana is home to Glacier National Park and a portion of Yellowstone, which attract some of the biggest crowds in the US. These national parks are a treasure to behold, but the state park system, which boasts 55 park units, is not to be overlooked. Makoshika State Park, in particular, is an outstanding natural wonder that feels like a national park.
Makoshika State Park Covers 11,538 Acres Along the Spectacular Yellowstone River
Known for its outstanding natural beauty, Makoshika is one of the most underrated state parks in the US. It enjoys a remote, scenic location along the Yellowstone River, just outside Glendive. At 11,538 acres, it’s Montana’s largest state park. The park’s history can be traced back millions of years when dinosaurs roamed the area, but its name was derived from a Lakota term, “mako sica,” which means “bad land.”
It Has An Nearly Unmatched Badland Scenery
Once proposed as Badlands National Park, Makoshika State Park’s otherworldly badland scenery is a hiker’s and photographer’s dream come true. The unique and dramatic badland formations, including caprocks, natural bridges, and hoodoos, make it feel like a national park. Getting an up-close view of these whimsical rock formations is a bucket-list-worthy experience.
The State Park Has a World-Class Fossil Bed
In addition to the surreal badland formations, Makoshika State Park is home to a world-class fossil bed. The park’s badlands are part of the iconic Hell Creek Formation, world-famous for being one of the richest known dinosaur fossil deposits. Some of Makoshika’s significant discoveries include the fossil remains of Edmontosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and other prehistoric life.
Enjoy Paleontology Exhibits, Interactive Displays, and Actual Skeletons of Dinosaurs at the Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is a must-visit, especially if you visit Montana’s largest state park with kids. The facility’s highlights include a dinosaur skull exhibit and a nearly complete Scelidosaur skeleton. There are interactive displays and interpretations to keep your kids educated and entertained. The Visitor Center paleo adventure gives you deep insight into one of Montana’s top paleontology sites.
An Interpretive Hike along the Diane Gabriel Trail is a Must-Do!
Makoshika’s terrain is like something from a dream, and the Diane Gabriel Trail is a top hike to discover the park’s best scenery. The 1.5-mile loop trail takes you through expansive badland formations, including sod tabletops and sinkhole caves. The most striking feature of the trail was the vertebrae of the hadrosaur, or duck-billed dinosaur, which, unfortunately, was excavated by the Museum of the Rockies. The trail is still worth exploring; the wildflowers are incredibly stunning.
The Caprock Trail Leads to a Gorgeous Natural Bridge and Plenty of Cap Rock Formations
Cap Rock Trail is one of the best hikes in Makoshika, taking you through magnificent views of the park’s unique badlands. You’ll discover plenty of cap rock formations and a natural bridge. The trail, which stretches for nearly half a mile, is easy to follow but includes sections with steep drop-offs, making it an unsuitable hike for kids.
Enjoy a Rugged Taste of Montana’s Largest State Park along Kinney Coulee Trail
Kinney Coulee Trail guarantees Instagram-worthy scenery throughout the hike. It’s only one mile long but offers the best rugged taste of Makoshika’s badland landscape. The hike takes you to the heart of the coulee with incredible badland formations, including hoodoos and caprocks. The main highlight is, of course, the rugged coulee itself.
The “Twin Sisters” Rock Formations Are a Sight to Behold
The “Twin Sisters” rock formations are some of the most striking badlands in Makoshika State Park. You access the park’s distinctive features via The Twin Sisters Trail, a short, easy hike suitable for all skill levels. Being a less-crowded hike, it’s also perfect for travelers seeking peace and solitude.
Hike Through Prairie Land and Ponderosa Pines along Ponderosa Trail
Ponderosa Trail is a scenic, flat hike through a prairie landscape and ponderosa pines. While you won’t find as many badland formations as on other trails, its lush flora makes it a great hike, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom. Being a less-crowded trail, it’s a perfect option for a relaxing short stroll.
Have Fun at Makoshika State Park’s Disc Golf Course, One of Montana’s Highest-Rated Courses
If you are a disc golf enthusiast, don’t miss the Disc Golf Course, one of the things that make Makoshika unique. Nestled near the park’s entrance, the course, known for its distinctive terrain, boasts a brilliant mix of fun and adventure, with impressive views of the badlands. It allows beginner players to challenge themselves while offering a test for experts.
You Can Explore the Vast Numbers of Wildlife in Makoshika State Park
During your Makoshika adventures, you’ll be delighted by the wildlife that thrives within its natural habitats. If you are a birdwatcher, hike the Bluebird Trail to Birdseye Overlook. There are 40+ bird species, including turkey vultures and mountain bluebirds. Other wildlife at the park include mule deer, mountain lions, and coyotes.
Challenge Yourself on the Park’s Longest Trail, Hungry Joe
No hiker would leave Makoshika State Park without trekking its longest trail. Hungry Joe, which offers a 633-ft elevation gain, winds through some of the park’s most striking badland scenery, especially on the first third of the trail. The terrain is super-fun to explore, and the final climb to the viewing point is a pure thrill.
Camping is a Great Way to Experience the Rugged Beauty of Makoshika
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Montana’s largest state park is camping. Makoshika State Park offers a mix of RV sites, tent sites, and yurts – and you can always bring your furry friend along. Unfortunately, you won’t find showers or sewer hookups at the designated camping spots, but the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere make up for that. There are vault toilets, picnic tables, and a fire pit.
Stargazing is Fun in Makoshika State Park
A designated dark sky zone, this spectacular wonder is just as enchanting after dark, thanks to the beautiful night sky. The park’s alien-like badland scenery makes it an incredibly unique stargazing destination. With minimal light pollution, you’ll observe thousands of twinkling stars in the night sky. Whether you camp through the night or set aside a few hours for stargazing, you’ll enjoy a memorable trip.
The Breathtaking Outdoor Amphitheater Is a Must-Visit
Makoshika State Park’s outdoor amphitheater is a bucket-list-worthy experience. It has a capacity of 200 people and holds multiple events throughout the year, including Shakespeare in the Park, movie nights, campfires, and youth programs. The amphitheater also provides access to some of the park’s most stunning cap rock formations.
