Click here to see a topographic version of this map with GPS waypoints (606 KB).
Click here to see a profile of area 4 (29 KB).
Click here to see a bird's eye view of area 4 (72 KB - Vertical Scale Exaggerated 8X).
| Waypoint Name | Latitude | Longitude | Bearing (Deg) | Distance to point (ft) | Total Distance (ft) |
| A4-1-- | 47 deg 18 min 8 sec N | 103 deg 28 min 35 sec W | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| A4-2-- | 47 deg 18 min 29 sec N | 103 deg 26 min 48 sec W | 73.5 | 7,691 | 7,691 |
| A4-3-- | 47 deg 18 min 49 sec N | 103 deg 25 min 46 sec W | 64.8 | 4,685 | 12,376 |
| A4-4-- | 47 deg 18 min 56 sec N | 103 deg 25 min 12 sec W | 73.4 | 2,459 | 14,835 |
| A4-5-- | 47 deg 19 min 18 sec N | 103 deg 25 min 3 sec W | 14.8 | 2,306 | 17,142 |
| A4-6-- | 47 deg 19 min 40 sec N | 103 deg 24 min 10 sec W | 58.6 | 4,277 | 21,419 |
| A4-7-- | 47 deg 19 min 46 sec N | 103 deg 24 min 10 sec W | 0 | 587 | 22,006 |
Right-click and select "Save Target As" to download the following EasyGPS route files for areas 1 through 9 => mdh.gpx (approx. 50K).
Total Distance of this section as described is approximately 4.5 miles with about 1 hour or less of actual riding time. Allow 2 hours for the complete ride. This section is best ridden northeast to southwest, unless you prefer climbing over downhills. The trail description for this section will be for a northeast to southwest ride. If it is ridden the other direction, add 1/2 hour to the riding time.
To get to the start point - From Highway 85 at Grassy Butte, drive approximately 6-1/2 miles west on the Beicegel Creek Road (Road 50) until you see the 809 intersection. The intersection is easy to notice since there is a fenced pipeline section near the intersection. The MDH crosses this road near the center of section 36. Turn south on Road 809 from Road 50. Follow 809 about 3 miles until it meets with Road 808. Follow Road 808 an additional 4 miles south, until it bends toward the west near the south end of section 35. At this point the road is only 1/4 mile east of the trail, and the markers can be seen if you carefully watch while driving. Park here and ride over to the trail markers, lifting your bike over the fence on the way.
Riding south from the southern part of section 34:
Section 34
This is a flat easy ride over prairie on faint single and double track. At places, the trail actually seems to be missing, but it is easy to follow the turtle markers. Go through the small coulee at the south end of the section, and cross through the self-closing gate.
Section 6
Continue the easy ride south and east on faint to non-existant single track through grass. The trail gradually becomes more downhill as you travel through this section. There is a self closing gate between sections 6 and 1 at the west end of section 6.
Section 1
Enjoy the excellent downhill singletrack along the side of a steep coulee until you reach the bottom. Then turn slightly west, and ride to the self-closing gate at the southwest edge of this section.
Section 12
As you ride through the corner of section 12, you will cross a very small draw, and enter section 11 at another self-closing gate. Notice the remains of an old farmstead, and the cattail slough in this area. Also check out the nearby petrified stumps!
Section 11
The trail continues here through rolling hills, and is often faint and grass-covered. As the trail begins angling more southwest, notice the beautifully rain-cut cliffs to the east. There is a deep but easily crossed creek bottom on the west side of this section, followed by a self-closing gate.
Section 10
The trail continues as singletrack across rolling grass-covered hills. In the middle of this section you will cross Magpie Creek. Shortly after this creek crossing, the trail turns into double-track, then meets the road near the west side of the section. Just west of the trail you will find the Magpie campground. This campground features 11 back-in camp sites. A single valut, unisex, handicap accessible toilet is available. A potable water well is available for summer use. Several of the campsites are shaded for refuge from those hot summer afternoons! This is a convenient campground for those who are touring the Devil's Pass area, or the ice caves.
To get to Highway 85 - Drive about 16 miles south and east on road 712 (twisty scoria).
Note - This portion of trail is an excellent 1/2 day ride back and forth from either end.
[ Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 5 | Area 6 | Area 7 ]
[ Area 8 | Area 9 | Maah-Daah-Hey ]
Click here for fine art photography of the North Dakota badlands and the Maah-Daah-Hey area.