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- White Butte
3,506 ft · Badlands, North Dakota
White Butte
White Butte is a 3,506 ft peak in the Badlands, North Dakota. The standard route is the White Butte Trail: 1 mi, 334 ft of gain, Class 1.
White Butte at a glance
- Elevation3,506 ft1,068 m
- RouteWhite Butte TrailClass 1
- Distance1 mi334 ft gain
- Time1 – 2 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangeBadlandsNorth Dakota
Climbing the White Butte Trail
From Amidon, North Dakota, follow signs on gravel roads to the trailhead on private land. Check current access instructions as arrangements may vary by season. Rattlesnakes are possible in warm months so watch your footing and where you place your hands. The surrounding Badlands scenery is interesting with eroded buttes and prairie grassland. Short but scenic hike with moderate elevation gain. Windy on the exposed summit. One of the lesser-known state highpoints. No facilities at the trailhead. Best visited May through October.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (15–25 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Sun Hat
Buff
GPS Device
What to watch for
- Dry conditions
- Rattlesnakes
- High winds
- Storms
Quests with White Butte
50 State HighpointsFrequently asked questions
How tall is White Butte?
White Butte is 3,506 feet (1,068 m) tall. It is in the Badlands, North Dakota.
Is White Butte the highest point in North Dakota?
Yes. At 3,506 feet, White Butte is the highest point in North Dakota.
How hard is it to hike White Butte?
The White Butte Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 1 mile with 334 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike White Butte?
Most people take 1 – 2 hours round trip on the White Butte Trail, covering 1 mile with 334 feet of elevation gain.
Can a beginner hike White Butte?
Usually, if you are fit. The White Butte Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 2 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike White Butte?
The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb White Butte with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list