Riding North Dakota’s 22-Mile Roughrider OHV Trail
A 22-mile route can sound simple until you are juggling a trailer, uncertain trail conditions, a fuel plan, and questions about where the route actually begins and ends. This guide explains how to plan a Roughrider OHV Trail ride between the Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort Rice areas, choose suitable equipment, check access, and make the day safer and less stressful.
Understand the Roughrider OHV Trail
What the 22-mile route means in practice
The Roughrider OHV Trail is commonly described as a roughly 22-mile route along the Missouri River corridor, linking the Fort Abraham Lincoln area south of Mandan with the Fort Rice area. That mileage is useful for planning, but it is not a promise that every rider will travel the same distance in the same conditions. Access points, temporary closures, detours, and the location where you park can all affect your actual ride.
Think of the number as a route-planning reference, not a guaranteed out-and-back distance. If you ride from one end toward the other and return the same way, your total distance could be much greater than the headline mileage. A group that uses a shuttle or meets at separate access points has a different plan from a family that wants to start and finish at one trailhead.
Before you head out, check an official trail map and current status information. The route and its access points are easier to understand when you can see where the trail runs in relation to Fort Abraham Lincoln, Fort Rice, the Missouri River, and nearby roads. For a closer look at the route’s length and general setting, see [Roughrider OHV Trail's 22 Miles Along the Missouri River].
Why the trail feels different from an open play area
The Roughrider is a point-to-point corridor rather than a large riding area where you can turn in several directions and explore at will. That distinction matters. On an open play area, you may be able to stop early, change loops, or ride near your staging location. On a long corridor, your distance from the starting point keeps changing, and turning back may mean retracing much of the route.
The route’s river setting can make the ride feel scenic and open, but a beautiful view does not mean the trail is isolated from practical concerns. You still need to watch for changing surface conditions, other trail users, gates, posted boundaries, and access rules. A route that looks straightforward on a map may have turns, narrow spots, or approaches that are less obvious on the ground.
It helps to treat this as a planned outing, not an improvised lap. Decide in advance how far you want to go, when you will turn around if you are not using a shuttle, and what you will do if a machine develops a problem. The route is more enjoyable when your group understands that a scenic trail ride can involve steady attention and good time management.
Plan your route and starting point
Choosing a trailhead and deciding how far to ride
The Fort Abraham Lincoln end is a natural starting point for many visitors because it is a recognizable destination near Mandan and Bismarck. The Fort Rice end can work better for riders whose lodging, camping plans, or vehicle arrangements are closer to that side of the route. Each choice changes your drive, parking plan, and how you will get back to your starting point.
A one-way ride requires a realistic shuttle plan. That may mean leaving a tow vehicle and trailer at the finish, arranging a second driver, or coordinating with another group. Do not assume you can leave a vehicle anywhere that looks convenient. Confirm that the parking location is permitted, that it is suitable for your trailer, and that your group has permission to use it.
A there-and-back ride is simpler to organize but asks more of the group. Riders need enough time and fuel for the return leg, and everyone should be comfortable covering the planned distance twice. If your party includes young riders, new operators, or a machine with uncertain range, consider setting a conservative turnaround point instead of making the far end the day’s fixed goal. The trail connection between the two ends is described in [Roughrider OHV Trail Links Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort Rice].
Reading maps before you leave home
Start with an official map or information from the trail manager, then use a phone map as a secondary navigation aid. Look for the trail’s beginning and end, approved access roads, parking areas, and any sections where a road crossing or trail connection could be easy to miss. A route line by itself is not enough if you do not know whether your machine is allowed on every segment.
Download or save maps before leaving reliable service. Even if your phone displays a route at home, it may not load the same information once you are away from a strong signal. Keep a written note of the trailhead name, the vehicle location, the planned turnaround point, and the phone number or status resource you intend to use if conditions change.
Apps such as onX Offroad can help riders view route context and keep track of their position, but an app should not replace current official rules or closure information. Compare the route you see in an app with the official material, and do not treat a displayed line as permission to ride beyond a marked boundary. For more preparation, browse [North Dakota OHV Trail Map Downloads] and [Checking Roughrider Trail Status by Phone].
Choose a machine and prepare for the ride
Matching your ATV or UTV to the route
A properly maintained ATV or UTV can make a corridor ride comfortable, but machine size is only one part of the decision. Consider the trail’s width restrictions, access rules, surface, and the needs of the riders in your group. A large side-by-side that fits comfortably on a wide road may be a poor choice for a narrow or restricted trail segment. Confirm current machine eligibility before you haul it to the trailhead.
For a UTV, check the width of the machine as equipped, including accessories that extend beyond the body. Mirrors, aftermarket bumpers, tires, and other additions can affect clearance. Also consider how much room the driver needs to turn around or pass another group safely. For an ATV, inspect tires, steering, brakes, throttle return, lights, and the condition of the drive system before the trip.
If you are borrowing or renting a machine, ask about its permitted riding areas and any equipment limitations. Do not assume that a machine is trail-legal just because it is marketed as an off-road vehicle. Registration, permit, insurance, and safety requirements depend on the rider, machine, and use. The broader corridor context is covered in [Which Three Agencies Share the Roughrider Trail Corridor], and riders can review [North Dakota Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides] when checking machine fit.
Fuel, tools, clothing, and basic supplies
Fuel planning should account for the way your group actually rides. Deep sand, slow travel, frequent stops, extra passengers, a loaded cargo box, or cold weather can change fuel use. Start with a full tank, know the machine’s realistic range, and do not plan around a best-case estimate from a short test ride. If the route is an out-and-back, plan for the full distance you expect to cover, not just the distance to your turnaround.
Carry basic recovery and repair items that suit your machine and your experience. A tire repair kit, suitable pump, compact tool kit, tow strap, spare belt where relevant, and a way to contact your group can be valuable. Pack water, snacks, and a first-aid kit where they remain reachable. A phone battery pack is useful, but it is not a substitute for telling someone outside the group where you are going and when you expect to return.
North Dakota weather can change the comfort level of a ride quickly. Wind, sun, dust, rain, and sudden temperature shifts all deserve attention. Wear eye protection, gloves, sturdy footwear, and layers you can adjust. Keep valuables and spare clothing secured so they do not bounce loose over rough ground. A small preparation checklist is often more useful than bringing a large amount of gear you do not know how to use.
| Planning item | What to check before departure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route and access | Official map, open sections, approved trailheads | Avoids wrong turns and closed areas |
| Machine | Width, condition, fuel range, required paperwork | Confirms the vehicle is suitable and ready |
| Group plan | Turnaround point, pace, meeting points, emergency contact | Keeps riders together and expectations clear |
| Weather and surface | Recent rain, wind, temperature, visibility | Helps you decide whether to ride or postpone |
| Return logistics | Shuttle, parking permission, trailer location | Prevents a one-way ride from becoming a recovery problem |
Know the terrain and manage the ride
Surface, visibility, and river-corridor conditions
Trail conditions can vary with recent weather and maintenance. A surface that is comfortable when dry may become soft, rutted, or slippery after rain. In some places, dust can reduce visibility between riders; in others, loose material or uneven ground can make a fast pace uncomfortable. Do not assume that yesterday’s ride report describes today’s trail.
Keep enough following distance to see what the rider ahead is doing and to avoid being caught in their dust. On a UTV, the driver should slow down before a blind rise, bend, or narrow spot rather than relying on a passenger to spot every hazard. Riders should also look for drainage cuts, washouts, exposed roots, loose material, and unexpected obstacles.
The Missouri River landscape is part of the appeal, but it is not an invitation to leave the designated route. Stay on the marked trail and approved access routes. Avoid cutting corners, driving through vegetation, or moving closer to the river for a better view. Those choices can damage sensitive ground, create a safety risk, or put a rider beyond the area where motorized travel is allowed.
Pace, spacing, and group communication
A good group ride is paced for the least experienced rider, not the fastest machine. Agree on a lead rider and a sweep rider before leaving, and make sure no one is expected to navigate alone. The lead can set a steady pace while the sweep checks that the group remains together. Stop at agreed locations where riders can safely pull off without blocking the trail.
Use a simple communication plan. Decide what the group will do if someone stops, loses sight of the riders ahead, or has a mechanical issue. If radios are available, test them before departure and agree on plain language for turns and hazards. If you rely on phones, remember that coverage may vary, so do not make a phone call the only way to reunite the group.
Spacing should leave room to react without splitting the party. A rider too close behind another may be unable to see a sudden stop; a rider too far back may miss a turn. Slow down when the trail narrows, when visibility drops, or when you meet other users. Local expectations for considerate travel are discussed in [North Dakota Trail Etiquette Locals Expect], while [North Dakota Trail Closures After Rain] is useful background for deciding whether wet conditions call for a change of plan.
Understand access, rules, and trail etiquette
Check the rules before riding
A trail ride can involve more than the physical route. Registration, permits, equipment requirements, age-related safety rules, and local access restrictions may apply. Which rules matter depends on whether you are a North Dakota resident or visitor, the machine’s registration status, the rider’s age, and where you intend to operate. Confirm the requirements for your own situation rather than relying on a friend’s paperwork or an old trip checklist.
Do not assume that permission to ride one section automatically applies to nearby roads, fields, shorelines, or other public land. Boundaries can be easy to misunderstand when you are watching the trail rather than the map. Follow posted signs and barriers, and use only designated access points. If you encounter a closed gate or a trail notice, do not go around it unless the official guidance specifically says the route remains open.
The Roughrider corridor is shared across agency responsibilities, so the most useful information may depend on the specific section you plan to ride. Check the responsible manager’s current guidance for access, closures, parking, and permitted machines. An app such as onX Offroad may help you orient yourself, but treat official signs and manager updates as the authority for whether a route is open.
Share the trail and respect nearby land
Trail etiquette is not just about being pleasant. It helps reduce collisions, confusion, and friction with other users. Slow down near trailheads, intersections, road crossings, and places where people may be walking or working. Yield carefully and predictably, and avoid revving or accelerating hard near homes, livestock, or other visitors.
Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, broken straps, and small repair parts. Do not create new routes around puddles or obstacles; repeated detours widen the disturbed area and can damage vegetation. If a wet or damaged section looks likely to get worse under continued traffic, turn around or seek current guidance rather than trying to force your way through.
Be considerate when using a shared parking area. Leave room for other trailers to maneuver, avoid blocking access roads, and keep children away from moving vehicles. If your group has a long trailer or several machines, verify that the staging location can handle the setup before you arrive. For broader trip planning, see [North Dakota Trailhead Parking Limits] and [North Dakota Riding Areas With Cell Service].
Build a practical day plan
A sample out-and-back day
For a group starting at the Fort Abraham Lincoln end, begin by confirming that the selected access point and parking area are open and suitable for your vehicles. Arrive with enough time to unload without rushing, check paperwork and machine condition, review the map, and make sure everyone understands the turnaround plan. A late start can turn a relaxed outing into a race against daylight.
Choose a conservative target for the outbound leg. For example, agree that the group will turn around at a set time even if the far end still looks reachable. This protects the return window if someone needs a break, a machine runs poorly, or the trail is slower than expected. A few scheduled stops for water, regrouping, and checking equipment are easier than waiting until a rider is exhausted.
On the way back, keep the same spacing and communication rules. Tired riders are more likely to miss a turn or misjudge a rough section, so the lead should ease the pace rather than pushing to reach the trailer quickly. Before loading, check that all riders and gear are accounted for, inspect machines for obvious damage, and leave the staging area tidy.
A one-way ride with a shuttle
A one-way ride can be appealing because it avoids retracing the route, but it takes more coordination. Confirm both ends are available for the planned parking and vehicle movement, and arrange drivers before the ride. Make sure the person moving the tow vehicle knows exactly where to meet the group and has a way to contact the riders if the plan changes.
Do not build a shuttle plan around a vague meeting point such as “near Fort Rice.” Use a specific, authorized location that every driver can identify. If a second vehicle is involved, check whether it can legally and safely reach the endpoint, whether there is room to park, and whether the driver can wait without obstructing access. Keep the trailer and tow vehicle secured, and do not leave equipment where it could block emergency or maintenance traffic.
A shuttle also creates a timing dependency. If the riding group is delayed, the driver may be waiting for a long time or may leave before the riders arrive. Agree on a realistic window and a backup communication method. Information about the destination-side facilities and staging should be checked independently; [Fort Rice Campground at the Far End] can help orient your planning, but it should not be treated as confirmation that every facility or access point is available for your particular trip.
Handle changing conditions and common problems
When to postpone or shorten the ride
A planned ride is not a promise that you must complete the full route. Recent rain, a closure notice, severe wind, poor visibility, a mechanical warning, or a rider who is struggling are all good reasons to shorten the trip. Turning around early can feel disappointing after the drive, but it is usually less costly than damaging a machine or getting stranded far from the trailhead.
Set a decision point before you leave. For example, agree that the group will reassess at a certain time or after reaching a particular access point. If conditions are worse than expected, choose the safer option without debating it on the trail. This is especially helpful when the group includes several households or riders with different levels of experience.
Pay attention to how the surface is changing under the tires. If machines are digging deep ruts, sliding, or requiring repeated recovery attempts, continuing can worsen both the trail and the situation. Do not follow another group into a section simply because they made it through. Their machine, tires, load, and experience may be different from yours.
If a rider gets separated or a machine breaks down
If a rider falls behind, the group should use its agreed communication plan rather than continuing farther and assuming the rider will catch up. The lead should stop at a safe, predetermined place; the sweep should check behind; and nobody should leave the route to search randomly. If your group has a phone map or offline navigation, use it to confirm locations, but stay within permitted areas.
For a mechanical problem, move out of the traveled portion of the trail if it is safe to do so. Keep the group together, identify the fault, and decide whether a repair is reasonable with the tools on hand. Do not attempt a repair that could create a fire risk or leave the machine less safe to operate. If the vehicle cannot be moved, consider whether a recovery vehicle can legally reach the location and whether the trail manager should be contacted.
If a serious injury or immediate danger occurs, contact emergency services and provide the clearest location information you can. A trail name alone may not be enough to pinpoint the incident. Note the nearest access point, road crossing, landmark, or map coordinates if available. Before leaving home, tell someone your route, group size, machine count, and expected return time so they can recognize when the plan has gone wrong.
Make the Roughrider ride enjoyable for everyone
Keep the itinerary flexible
The most satisfying ride is not always the one that covers the most miles. A slower pace lets riders take in the river landscape, check on one another, and avoid turning every stop into a delay. If your group is new to the trail, plan a shorter first outing and use it to learn how the route feels, how long breaks take, and what your machines consume.
Build buffer time into the day. Loading, unloading, regrouping, navigation checks, and small repairs all take longer with a large party. If you have children or novice riders, plan more frequent breaks and avoid making the group’s success depend on reaching the far end. Set a turnaround time that leaves room to return before darkness or a change in weather.
Keep alternative plans in mind. If the route is closed or conditions are poor, do not improvise by riding on nearby land without checking access. Choose another lawful activity, reschedule, or use an area with confirmed access and appropriate facilities. Planning a backup option in advance makes it easier to make a calm decision when a closure or weather change upends the original plan.
Leave the trail in good shape for the next visit
A good visit should leave little evidence beyond tire marks on the designated surface. Stay on the route, avoid spinning tires, and do not widen the trail to pass another vehicle. If you stop for a break, choose a safe place that does not block the route or damage vegetation. Take all rubbish with you, even if it is not yours and you can carry it safely.
Be thoughtful around trail staff and maintenance activity. If you see equipment, workers, or a barrier, give them space and follow their directions. A route may be temporarily restricted for reasons that are not obvious to riders, including surface repair, safety concerns, or nearby work. Respecting a closure protects the trail and helps keep access dependable for future visits.
Finally, share useful observations responsibly. If you notice a downed tree, a damaged sign, or a location where the route is difficult to follow, report it through the appropriate trail manager or status channel. Do not post an unverified claim that a section is open or closed as if it were official guidance. A thoughtful ride plan, respect for other users, and a willingness to adapt make the Roughrider a better experience for your group and the riders who come after you.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
