Where is White Butte located?

White Butte is in Slope County, North Dakota. It's about 2.5 hours from Bismarck, 3 hours from Rapid City, SD, and 4.5 hours from Billings, MT. The nearest town is Bowman, ND.

How do I get to the White Butte trailhead?

From Bowman, take US-85 north, turn right on 74th St SW, then left on 140th Ave SW, and finally left on 69th St SW. The trailhead is located at the end of the dirt road. Use 'White Butte Trailhead, Bowman, ND 58623' in Google Maps.

How long is the hike to White Butte?

The hike is approximately 1.7 miles round trip with 340 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in about an hour.

Is White Butte hike difficult?

The hike is rated as easy, though there is some climbing involved. It’s suitable for most fitness levels.

Can I bring my dog on the White Butte hike?

Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash as the trail crosses private property and grazing land.

Do I need special gear to hike White Butte?

No special gear is needed. Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and check the weather before you go. Bring water and sun protection.

Is the trail to White Butte on private property?

Yes, the trail crosses private property. The landowners allow access out of goodwill. Be respectful, stay on the trail, and consider leaving a donation at the trailhead.

Are there rattlesnakes on the trail?

Yes, hikers have reported rattlesnakes in the area. Stay alert, watch the trail, and give them space if encountered.

What is the best time to hike White Butte?

The best seasons to hike are spring through fall. Avoid hiking in extreme weather conditions like summer heat or winter snow.

What is the elevation of White Butte?

White Butte is the highest natural point in North Dakota, with an elevation of 3,506 feet.

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Hike White Butte - North Dakota's Highpoint

Distance: 1.7 miles

Time: 1 hour

Total Climbing: 340 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Crowds: Quiet

Dogs: Leashed

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White Butte, the high point of North Dakota, isn’t a tough hike—but getting there is half the fun. It’s a remote spot out in the prairie, and thanks to some generous landowners, you can hike a short, easy trail with wide-open views and that classic off-the-grid vibe.

Where is White Butte?

white butte nd location — To say that White Butte is "near" something is a bit of a stretch. If you are visiting from a larger population area, it's about 2.5 hours from Bismarck, 3 hours from Rapid City, SD, and 4.5 hours from Billings, MT.

Getting to White Butte is part of the fun. The most built-up area is probably Bowman to the south. There's a gas station and travel mart there, along with lodging and facilities. The trailhead is a short drive away from Bowman. You'll take Highway 85, then turn off onto dirt roads that are passable by low-clearance vehicles.

Here's the address and map link:
White Butte Trailhead, Bowman, ND 58623

The geo coordinates are:
46.396117, -103.297572

Dirt Road To White Butte — The last several miles to White Butte look like this.

White Butte Parking — Some older trail guides have the hike starting up the road, but this is the trailhead. Drive all the way until the road dead-ends in this parking lot.

This land is on private property. The landowners have graciously allowed hikers and high-pointers to use the trail and experience this beautiful area. Please be respectful during your visit.

White Butte Donation Box — Bring a few bucks cash and leave it for the landowners, who maintain the trail themselves.

Gear Recommendations

This is a short hike, and you don't really need special hiking gear to do it. I'd recommend comfortable shoes with good tread, like trail runners or hiking shoes, and fitness clothes. Check the weather before you go—winter can bring snow and freezing temps, and summer can mean high heat and severe thunderstorms.

I've seen reports of rattlesnakes in the grass. Nothing to be scared of—if you see one, just give it plenty of space and walk around it. They're more interested in mice and crickets than they are in you.

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White Butte Hike Directions

White Butte Hike Directions 4 — The land around you is badlands, made up of chalky sedimentary rock. White Butte used to be called Chalky Butte.

Millions of years ago, this entire area was underwater, part of the Western Interior Seaway that split North America in two. As the sea retreated, sediments from the nearby Rocky Mountains settled here, forming the layers of sandstone, shale, and mudstone that make up the Great Plains today. At White Butte, a tougher sandstone layer caps the softer rock beneath it. Over time, wind and water eroded the surrounding land, but the harder cap rock held firm—leaving the butte rising above the prairie like a natural monument.

White Butte Hike Directions 5 — At about 0.5 miles you cross a small bridge and then start the climbing.

White Butte Hike Directions 6 — By big mountain standards, the climb is easy, but if you're not used to a hike like this, it will get your heart rate up.

White Butte Hike Directions 1 — There's a short and scenic flat section in the middle of the climb to catch your breath.

White Butte Hike Directions 7 — The last stretch to the summit has some short switchbacks.

White Butte Hike Directions 8 — And here you are at the summit, White Butte, the highest point in North Dakota at 3506 feet!

White Butte Hike Directions 11 — There's an official USGS summit marker.

White Butte Hike Directions 10 — And a nice bench to soak it all in.

White Butte Hike Directions 9 — Once you're done at the summit, simply turn around and return to the start of the hike.

Want to celebrate your summit? The town of Bowman sometimes offers shirts and stickers. Check their website for any offers or promotions.

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