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A short, quick, out-and-back ride from Magpie Campground with a lot of scenery and wildlife.


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Map Key

10.9

Miles

17.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,562' 781 m

High

2,218' 676 m

Low

626' 191 m

Up

626' 191 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a nice area to ride that not a lot of people know about. It's a seldom-traveled, completely singletrack trail. It is almost guaranteed that you won't meet anyone along your way which means that it can be a good one to bring the dog along on.

Nearing the end, you'll experience some epic views as you climb your way back to the Ice Caves. Be careful of rattlesnakes in this part as they are prevalent. Also watch out for the short-horned lizards, which are also everywhere; try not to run the little guys over as they are pretty slow.

Need to Know

It depends on the time of the year, but Magpie Creek can be fairly high requiring a detour. Take a right at the creek and continue along until you come to the bend under a huge cliff. There is a crossing there that is very shallow.

Description

This ride is a nice, little out-and-back that you can either start at the Ice Caves Trailhead or from Magpie Campground.

From Grassy Butte, head north on Main St. or US-85, until you hit Beicegel Creek Road (Hwy 50). Turn left on Hwy 50, which is the only paved road around. Take that west, until you get to Scairt Woman Rd., turn left and go south eight and a quarter miles.

The road goes into a "Y" about seven miles in, stay to the right on Road 806. Take a right at these coordinates 47.323536, -103.387676 and this road goes to the trailhead with a sign. There are no signs at all for the Ice Caves until you are at the trailhead.

The dog and I did this trail 3/30/2016 and it was in very good shape. A good amount of ascent and descent with some technical spots, but nothing too bad. This is a perfect ride for a beginner, with a little over 10.5 miles for the out-and-back.

History & Background

Ice Caves were popular back in the early 1900's as a spot to take a break from traveling. This was a popular spot for travelers to make ice cream.

Contacts

Shared By:

Adam Eyman

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#2381

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in North Dakota

#2,381

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3,344 Since Mar 31, 2016
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Photos

Cliff in the North Dakota Badlands. with permission from DeVane Webster
Apr 1, 2016 near Medora, ND
Epic singletrack of the Maah Daah Hey trail winding through the painted hills of the badlands.
Jul 20, 2013 near Medora, ND
Bentonite cliff in the North Dakota Badlands. with permission from DeVane Webster
Apr 1, 2016 near Medora, ND
Suhei Eddy on the trail. Crossing the creek was only knee deep and easy!
Jun 14, 2023 near Medora, ND
Ice Cave, North Dakota Badlands. with permission from DeVane Webster
Apr 1, 2016 near Medora, ND
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 6, 2020
Anil Karmacharya
10.9mi — 1h 00m
Jul 28, 2018
Eric Volk
Nice terrain, course needs some upgrades and maintenance 15.2mi
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