Summit Trail
The Summit Trail, located near Grassy Butte, ND, begins at Summit Campground and follows a scenic ridge in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. The first section of the trail offers beautiful, wide‑open views of the surrounding Badlands and is accessible for a short distance from the campground.
For your safety, the trail beyond the initial ridge is closed. Severe erosion and weather damage have made the pathway that formerly connected to the Maah Daah Hey Trail—unsafe for travel. Please enjoy the accessible portion near the trailhead but for safety concerns do not proceed past the posted closure area.
Summit Trail
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Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
24/7, year-round.
All trails are intended for non-motorized travel only. Therefore, all motorized vehicles, including E-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles, are prohibited.
Contact Name: McKenzie Ranger District
Contact Phone: 701-842-8500
Address: 1905 S. Main Street, Watford City, ND 58854
Phone: (701) 842-8500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: McKenzie.RD@usda.gov
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
The gated trail access is located a few hundred feet west of the campground kiosk.
Parking
Parking available at Summit Campground.
Directions
Summit Campground is located 18.5 miles south of Watford City on Highway 85. Turn west at either sign and follow the gravel road for approximately 1/4 mile into the campground.
