North Dakota · Hiking

Long X

11.6 mi
round trip
1,724 ft
climb
2,572 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Long X 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.

Long X is a hard hike in the Mckenzie Ranger District of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, a Forest Service unit in western North Dakota. The route is an out-and-back that gains about 1,700 feet of elevation over the round trip, with the high point at 2,572 feet. The climb is steepest at about 2.7 miles, where the trail reaches a 22% grade. The start sits at about 2,565 feet, and the low point is at 1,946 feet. The trail is open year round, and the estimated time for the trip is about 4.5 hours. The trail surface is natural, and the route is open to both horses and bikes. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Watford City show July highs around 85°F with lows near 56°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. Nearby options include the Summit Trail, about 2.2 miles away, and the Buckhorn Trail at 3.4 miles. Ccc Campground and Bennett Campground are both within about 4 miles for overnight stays.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Long X

    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, 4.8 mi away at 2,027 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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