The westernmost section of North Dakota is topographically diverse. From that, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park was formed. The park is 110 square miles in three sections: the North Unit, the South Unit and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Wild horses still roam the area. Starting in the 1880's, Theodore Roosevelt had a ranch just south of the park that was formed after his death. He came to that ranch right after his wife and mother died on the same day in 1884.

The big decision in this park, with limited time in the area, was whether to visit the south park or the north park. After reading several online reviews, it sounded like the South Unit was the better choice (plus it meant 100 less miles of driving!!!). The description says it is a 22 mile loop but it actually repeats itself for the first/last five miles. The park was great. I was there just after sunrise so pretty much had the park to myself except for a small road construction unit going on plus one other visitor. I made numerous stops and took lots of photographs including many of wildlife. Even trampled a bit beyond the road.

For wildlife, I saw (and photographed many that I could catch) buffalo, deer, moose, prairie dogs and a horse. I also heard the early morning call of moose (that is such a cool sound). One thing the park visitor must do is watch the road while driving because there are hundreds of "piles" from animals all over the roads. When I was there just after sunrise it was a sunny day and a cool 34 degrees. The mountains of the area reminded me of the Badlands Park in central South Dakota (about 275 miles southeast of here as the crow flies).

Being in a national park just before/at/after sunrise, especially in a park that requires lots of driving around, has some advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages include that the entrance gates do not open until 8:00 am so you get in free and no waiting in line. Also, there are very few, if any, other vehicles to contend with -- you mostly have the park roads to yourself. If it a sunny day, then the low sun can make for some interesting photographs. And, the wildlife comes out to find breakfast and with no other vehicles around, you can stop anywhere anytime. Among the disadvantages of early arrival is that you must wait for the sun to be high enough to shed enough light on features to make them yield a good photograph. Also, when driving, the sun can be directly in your eyes when at such a low angle.

Several times I saw -- but not enough time to stop the car in a reasonably out of the road spot, unbuckle the seat belt, grab the camera and turn it on, then jump out of the car and line up the camera shot -- several other wildlife. Some buffalo, several moose and deer including an adorably cute little deer that disappeared somewhere by the time I was ready to click. Disappointed to miss that photo.

Oh, and one other note: the NPS description calls the South Unit road a loop. However, the first/last 5 - 6 miles are the same road. The road does do the numerous switchbacks typical of driving up/down mountain sides. Speed limit is 25 MPH but when very early in the park it is possible to do faster at times in some places.