North Dakota Highpoint
White Butte
3,506 ft · Slope County · Southwestern North Dakota
HikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks White Butte. The access pin marks the current trailhead parking area north of the summit on the private-land public-access easement.
USGS-derived White Butte summit locationStandard route
White Butte Trail
From the designated White Butte trailhead, pass through the access gate and follow the established trail south toward the butte. The route crosses open prairie and clay terrain before climbing more steeply onto White Butte and continuing to the summit register.
Distance
1.5–1.8 mi
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Trailhead
White Butte Trailhead
Typical hazards: Rattlesnakes, loose gravel, slippery clay after rain, thorny vegetation, intense sun, strong wind, thunderstorms, and almost no shade.
North Dakota Tourism describes the hike as approximately 1.5 miles round trip, while current Maah Daah Hey Trail Association information lists 0.9 mile to the summit. Summitr displays a range rather than treating either measurement as exact.
North Dakota Tourism: White ButteAccess
White Butte Trailhead
From Amidon, travel east on U.S. 85 for about two miles, turn south on 140th Avenue SW, continue five miles, turn west on 69th Street SW for one mile, then follow White Butte Trail Road approximately 0.7 mile to the trailhead parking area.
Use the designated White Butte trailhead lot.
The improved gravel access road now reaches the trailhead parking area. Leave vehicles at the designated lot, use the access gate, secure the gate after passing through, and remain on the established easement trail.
Park amenities
- Improved gravel trailhead parking
- Trailhead kiosk
- Donation receptacle
- Trailhead bench
- Summit register
- Summit bench
Know before you go
Protect White Butte public access
Use foot traffic only beyond the trailhead gate.
Stay on the established trail and access easement.
Secure the gate after passing through.
Do not collect rocks, fossils, plants, wildlife, or other natural features.
Do not leave signs, objects, advertisements, or other items without landowner permission.
Pack out all trash and respect livestock and wildlife.
Conditions
Check before leaving
The route crosses private ranchland under a public-access easement. Road and trail conditions can deteriorate after rain or snow. Carry water, expect little shade or cellular coverage, watch for rattlesnakes and livestock, and avoid creating new paths.