White Butte : Ask Biography

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White Butte is the highest point in the U.S. state of North Dakota. At an elevation of 3,506 ft (1,069 m), it is a prominent butte in Slope County, in the Badlands of the southwestern part of the state. It is a fairly easy climb; the hike takes about one hour, round-trip. The best time to go is during the early summer when the prairie flowers are in bloom. It is accessible year-round, although the path to the summit is largely across clay and shale formations, and becomes extremely slippery when wet. Prairie rattlesnakes are known to inhabit the area.

The nearest town is Amidon, about seven miles to the northwest. The summit is located within the boundaries of the Little Missouri National Grassland and is about 35 mi (56.3 km) south of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It is on private property, owned by the Dennis family who live nearby. The family maintains a small mailbox-like receptacle for donations to help maintain the area, and requests a $10 contribution from visitors.

The Mountains, 100 mi (160.9 km) to the north, rise 900 ft (274.3 m) from their foothills, but are 300 ft (91.4 m) shorter than White Butte.

Image:White butte (15).JPG|Looking to the west from the trail.