Montana Badlands

Friday, July 3 – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Overview of Makoshitka SP in eastern MT.
Rare shot over Beth's shoulder...

We started the morning off riding the 27 mile park loop in the opposite direction.   Again we saw plenty of wildlife including a pair of pronghorns, several male bison alone along the road and a herd of bison with calves in one of the grassy areas.

After our ride it was then time to move on, crossing into Montana.  We stayed at a “Cowboy Garth” campground  (click the link to read about the Cowboy Garth reference) in Glendive.   An RV park was here in the past, then the land was bought and an Astoria hotel built.  However, behind the hotel, Larry was working on reconstructing the RV park.  Electric, water and sewer hookups were available but we were one of only four campers there.

Saturday, July 4 – Makoshika (ma KO she ka) State Park

"Lonely bike" shot

We have Beth’s Mom to thank for finding this park.  It was in Country magazine (a subscription from Mom) as a “Hidden Gem”.  Just outside of Glendive, the park is considered one of the most impressive badlands areas in America and the largest state park in Montana.  Ten species of dinosaur fossils have been discovered here, including Tyrannosaurus rex.  This park is considered the eastern entrance to the Montana dinosaur trail.

We spent the morning riding the gravel roads (15% grade in some areas) and hiking to fabulous viewpoints.   Pictures just can’t convey what the eye sees.  As we rode back into town from the park we got to join the last 100 yards of the local parade down the mainstreet of Glendive..  What a glorious way to spend the 4^th of July.