Maah Daah Hey Singletrack

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ ◆︎ Intermediate/ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | September

Experience the Maah Daah Hey Trail: An Unforgettable Guided Mountain Biking Adventure

Unleash your adventurous spirit on Western Spirit's premier Maah Daah Hey Singletrack bike tour, a 5-day, fully supported expedition through the raw, untamed beauty of North Dakota's Badlands. This isn't just a ride; it's an immersive North Dakota Badlands cycling experience on one of the most iconic and remote singletrack bike trips in the United States. Prepare to be captivated by dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the thrill of conquering an IMBA Epic trail.

Why the Maah Daah Hey? A Legendary Ride Through Time

The legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail stretches over 100 miles, connecting units of the vast Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Its name, derived from the Mandan Indian phrase meaning "an area that has been or will be around for a long time" or "grandfather," perfectly encapsulates the ancient, enduring spirit of this land. Formed over millions of years by countless streams carving through layers of colorful sediment, the Badlands offer a unique geological spectacle – a true "painted desert" landscape of mesas, canyons, and buttes.

Our guided mountain biking North Dakota Badlands trip is ideal for active and adventurous travelers, from individuals to families, who seek a challenging yet comfortable outdoor escape. We handle every detail, from delicious meals prepared by your guides to comfortable "cozy camping" setups, allowing you to fully embrace the Maah Daah Hey Trail bike tour without logistical worries. This trip is designed for those with singletrack mountain biking experience, offering a rewarding challenge amidst breathtaking scenery.

The Western Spirit Difference: Your Trusted Singletrack Guides

For over three decades, Western Spirit has led extraordinary cycling adventures, mastering the art of the supported bike tour. Choosing us means choosing peace of mind, expert care, and an unparalleled connection to the landscapes you explore.

Expert Guides for Seamless Adventures: Our highly experienced guides are more than just navigators; they are your chefs, mechanics, storytellers, and unwavering support system. They handle all camp logistics, gourmet meal preparation, and bike maintenance, ensuring your focus remains on the thrill of the ride and the beauty of your surroundings.
Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Expeditions: We take care of everything. Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals, abundant snacks, and refreshing drinks. Our "cozy camping" setups, complete with solar showers, provide comfort in the wild. Our support vehicles are always ready to assist, making this a truly all-inclusive bike tour with camping.
Unrivaled National Park Access & Expertise: With extensive experience in guiding tours within and around iconic U.S. National Parks, we ensure unique and respectful access to these precious natural areas. Our knowledge of the terrain, wildlife, and history enriches every moment of your Theodore Roosevelt National Park bike tour.
Diverse Trip Offerings for Every Rider: While the Maah Daah Hey is an advanced singletrack experience, we offer a spectrum of trips for different skill levels, including e-bike tours and family bike trips on other routes. Our goal is to match you with your perfect cycling adventure.
Decades of Proven Experience & Reliability: Operating since 1990, Western Spirit has a long-standing legacy of delivering exceptional and safe outdoor experiences. Our deep understanding of adventure cycling translates into flawless execution and unforgettable memories, as confirmed by countless glowing testimonials.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

After meeting in Bismarck, we will shuttle west and north to the heart of the North Dakota Badlands. Here we will unload our bikes and hop on some singletrack to get our Maah Daah Hey Trail trip started. The badlands were formed by the cutting action of thousands of small streams and rivulets over millions of years. The water travels through layers of fine grain clays and silts of every imaginable color. The name of the trail comes from a Mandan Indian phrase that means "an area that has been or will be around for a long time," and it has also been interpreted to mean "grandfather" in the Mandan language. The trail is marked with large posts emblazoned with a turtle, symbolizing firm determination, steadfastness, patience, long life and fortitude—all good qualities that will come in handy along the way. After each small granny gear grunt we are rewarded by an equally twisty downhill. We'll camp tonight at Magpie Camp and enjoy a delicious dinner.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles

DAY 2

Today is a big day and we'll start with a hearty breakfast and breaking down camp. We ride over the famous Devil's Pass, an eye-widening ride across a narrow wall of clay dropping away sharply on both sides. From Devil's Pass, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is carved tightly into the hillside. Through many turns and switchbacks, the trail eventually leads us right to the banks of the Little Missouri River. The river is usually just a trickle at this point, but it's still a little too deep to ride, so a refreshing wade across cools us off before we climb back up through the riverside bluffs. We'll have a hawk's eye view of Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch site, established in 1884. The ranching efforts failed when harsh winters doomed the cattle and the ranch was converted to a hunting lodge. As we descend, the trail is etched into the off camber bluff, reinforcing the "look where you want to go" technique. We'll have lunch in a shady grove and fuel up for more great singletrack this afternoon. Today's cumulative climbing is about 1,200 feet. Tonight's camp is in a beautiful canyon where we'll relax after a big day and enjoy a yummy dinner.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 19 miles

DAY 3

Today brings us the best section of the Maah Daah Hey. We'll ride south through prickly peared valleys and more badlands landscape. We'll climb some steep switchbacks and get a great view of the colors of sediment. 70 million years ago, this region was a vast inland sea which deposited sediment and laid down the many colored layers visible in the landscape. Wind, water and erosion have created the jagged buttes, rolling hillsides and rugged rock formations. The red sediment, called scoria, that we see from our vantage point is the result of underground coal fires. After lunch we continue south on the trail until we are just north of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We'll also pass impressive chunks of petrified wood. We'll camp at Wannagan Camp that has scenic views of massive buttes.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 21 miles

DAY 4

Today we say goodbye to the Maah Daah Hey and hop on the Buffalo Gap Trail to circumnavigate the park. Some of the formations are like giant sandcastles with the trail swooping right around them. On occasion, we have seen whole herds of antelope blasting through this area at break neck speeds. With full trail grins on our faces we'll ride a few road miles right into the historic town of Medora. It is funny to think of what Teddy and his Rough Riders would have thought of the likes of us. Tonight's camp is at Sully Creek Camp and we'll likely hear coyotes howling from the adjacent ridge.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 25 miles

DAY 5

Our last day takes us further south to ride the Deuce Trail. We'll fuel up on a yummy breakfast and shuttle out to Plumely Draw. This really fun section of riding is more of the Badlands up-down-up-down. We'll continue riding through intermittent sections of grasslands and exposed rock formations as we make our way up and over the short but challenging climbs. We'll be rewarded with a fun downhill section to end the ride, where we'll have lunch and shuttle back to Bismark.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles

TRIP NOTES

This tour contains riding on narrow technical trails. Singletrack experience is highly recommended. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Rough singletrack through grass and clay.
Overall Rating: Intermediate/ Advanced
Technical Difficulty: Moderate with advanced moments.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Bismarck, ND
This trip meets at 8:00 AM CST at Home2 Suites by Hilton at 1122 W Turnpike Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501; 701-751-3400.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Bismarck between 4:00-5:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO BISMARCK, ND

Driving
Bismarck is located at the intersection of Route 83 and Interstate 94. There is parking available at the hotel where the trip meets.

Flying into Bismarck
Airport Code: BIS

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP
It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Home2 Suites by Hilton
1122 W Turnpike Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-751-3400

Radisson Inn
701-255-6000, 800-333-3333
They have a van service for airport shuttles.

Super 8
701-255-1314, 800-800-8000

In Medora:
Badlands Motel
701-623-4444, 800-633-6721

TAXI SERVICE
Taxi 9000: 701-223-9000

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you'd rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

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Maah Daah Hey Singletrack

PRICE | $1,645 pp

Private Departures Available
Call 435-259-8732

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A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you're in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

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Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

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Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

"I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat."

~ Michael

"Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace."

~ David

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

The food was fantastic! I didn't expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

"I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!"

~ Pam

"Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about "camping food." The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful"

~ Erika

"To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character."

~ Edward

"Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice."

~ Jason

"It's been a long time since I've been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…"

~ Nick

"Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again"

~ Christl

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

"I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I "fit in"? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive."

~ Robin

"The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!"

~ Gary

"This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they'd provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect."

~ Jennifer

"Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!"

~ Teri

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

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