North Dakota · Hiking

Bennett

6.1 mi
round trip
695 ft
climb
2,253 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Bennett open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

As of · Source: USFS · Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bennett is a 6.1-mile out-and-back hike on natural surface in the McKenzie Ranger District of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands in North Dakota. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and is rated hard, with a total climb of 214 feet from a starting elevation of 2,144 feet to a high point of 2,253 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.7 miles, with a 9% grade. The route is open year-round, and horses and bikes are both allowed, so the trail works well for riders or those on horseback. For timing, summer is the warmest stretch. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Watford City show July highs around 85°F with lows near 56°F, while winter highs there stay in the 20s and 30s. Bennett Campground, about 2.2 miles away, is the closest base for an overnight stay. Other hikes within a short drive include Cottonwood at 3.8 miles and Maah Daah Hey - North Dakota at 4.7 miles. Summit Trail lies about 7.1 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Bennett

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      24° / 2°

    2. Feb

      30° / 6°

    3. Mar

      42° / 18°

    4. Apr

      56° / 30°

    5. May

      67° / 40°

    6. Jun

      76° / 50°

    7. Jul

      85° / 56°

    8. Aug

      84° / 54°

    9. Sep

      74° / 43°

    10. Oct

      57° / 31°

    11. Nov

      41° / 18°

    12. Dec

      28° / 6°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Watford City 14s, ND, 9.7 mi away at 2,027 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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