North Dakota · Hiking

Summit Trail

3.9 mi
one way
604 ft
climb
2,560 ft
high point
Point to point
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Summit Trail 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.

Summit Trail is a 3.9-mile hike in the McKenzie Ranger District of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, managed by the Forest Service. The nearest town is Grassy Butte, about 12 miles away. The trail is rated hard, with a total elevation gain of 604 feet and a total loss of 677 feet over its point-to-point route. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.8 miles in, with a grade of 19 percent. 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. Bikes and horses are not allowed on this trail. Ccc Campground sits about 1.7 miles away, and the Long X and Summit Viewpoint hikes are both within about 2.5 miles. Caprock Coulee Trailhead is roughly 4.7 miles off.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Summit Trail

    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, 2.8 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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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors