5 North Dakota Hikes That Shine at Sunset

If someone were to ask me what my favorite states in the U.S. are, one of the first ones to come to my mind is North Dakota. It's an astonishingly wonderful place, full of friendly folks, incredible hiking trails, stunning state and national parks... the list goes on for seemingly ever. One of the most underrated aspects of living in or visiting North Dakota is our incredible sunsets. Every day, we get the honor of witnessing another, and I've compiled a short list of five of my all-time favorite sunset hikes in North Dakota.

1. Boicourt Overlook Trail - Theodore Roosevelt National Park

It's tough to understate the majesty and wonder of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but the Boicourt Overlook Trail at sunset is one way to illustrate it. The park's rolling hills and valleys are nothing short of magnificent, offering breathtaking views of seemingly the whole world as golden sunlight spills over the horizon and into the Badlands. At just under a mile long (0.8 miles to be exact), this hike is pretty easy, and the whole family ought to adore it.

2. Little Missouri Loop - Little Missouri State Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park isn't the only North Dakota park where you can hike to a view where the sunset is especially incredible; there are plenty of options all over the state, like the ones at Little Missouri State Park. The seven-mile adventure known as Little Missouri Loop is nothing short of an incredible experience, and watching the sun go down from the tops of the hills is exquisite. Bonus points: In the spring and summer, the wildflowers are to die for.

3. Maah Daah Hey Trail - Sully State Recreation Area

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is actually way more than just a little hike at Sully State Recreation Area. Rather, it's a whole thing, popular among backpackers and adventurers from across the nation. This segment of the hike is just 5.8 miles (the whole trail is an incredible 145 miles long) and rated as moderately challenging thanks to some hills and dips (and occasional mud), but you can absolutely do more (much more) if you want to. Watching the sunset from just about any lookout point along that 145 miles is second to none.

4. Fort Stevenson Loop - Fort Stevenson State Park

The breathtaking Fort Stevenson Loop Trail is found at the legendary Fort Stevenson State Park, near Garrison, North Dakota. To say that it's beautiful is a bit of an understatement: This 10.7-mile adventure is nothing short of epic, and at sunset, the beauty of the region especially shines. The trail views of Lake Sakakawea are absolutely incredible, and when the sun sets over the trail, the light hitting the water is simply stunning.

5. Buffalo Gap Campground Loop - Sentinel Butte

Nestled in the hilly plains of Sentinel Butte, North Dakota, you'll find the epic Buffalo Gap Campground Loop, a delight especially as the sun sinks below the horizon. It's easy, and at just 4.4 miles long, it makes for an excellent option. If you don't make any stops, it should take an hour and a half - but what's the fun in that? You'll definitely want to linger and watch the sunset over this one; it's awe-inspiring.

These five incredible hiking trails in North Dakota are just the beginning: outrageously beautiful and just waiting to be discovered, the great outdoors awaits. But if you're looking for even more trails or other adventures in the area, use our itinerary planner to find additional local recommendations!