Not to belittle the Dakotas, but I had yet have any specific reason to travel anywhere near the Dakotas so both the North and South Dakota highpoints were left on my list for quite a while. But finally I had a chance to travel and see the Dakotas, and during Sturgis Bike week nonetheless!
The trip went to North Dakotaäs White Butte first. It is a nice location on midland/highland plains. The highpoint itself is a 30-60 minute hike one+way depending on how close you can get with a car on the gravel/two-track roads (high clearance and luck with limited mud pits required for close approach by vehicle). On the picture below the high point is the left peak above grass and a small tree-clearing.
The approaching hike is full of interesting geological formations form rain and erosion, but also the cause of massive mud areas if unlucky with recent rains. In my case it was close to bone dry however.
Other interesting rock formations include remnants of circular meter-wide harder rock that case interesting tower formations in connection to softer stone eroding around them, They also have very interesting circular patterns indicating their origin/formation.
Stats:
State: North Dakota
High point: White Butte
Elevation: 3 506 ft (1 087 m)
Date: August 8, 2014
Total elevation to date: 251 791 ft (76 746 m)
Access: Hike, class 1
Difficulty rating (of 10): 2
Potential Difficulties: Mud, Rattlesnakes
The trip went to North Dakotaäs White Butte first. It is a nice location on midland/highland plains. The highpoint itself is a 30-60 minute hike one+way depending on how close you can get with a car on the gravel/two-track roads (high clearance and luck with limited mud pits required for close approach by vehicle). On the picture below the high point is the left peak above grass and a small tree-clearing.
The approaching hike is full of interesting geological formations form rain and erosion, but also the cause of massive mud areas if unlucky with recent rains. In my case it was close to bone dry however.
There is also local deposits of volcanic rocks near the base of the hill, well worth botanizing for the various colors and formations seen. The general area is also prime for fossilized bones, and the "T-rex capital of the world" is not far away in South Dakota. Obsidian can also be found in the area.
The highpoint itself is reached within 30 minutes from the base of the hill, and is marked with a USGS marker and a box for signing a highpoint ledger.
Although not having a particular high prominence the views form the White Butte is very impressive and stretch for long distances in fortunate weather, like I had that day. The grassy areas are prone to rattle snakes, but I saw and heard none, but bringing a snake bite kit feels like a cheap added insurance well worth bringing.
State: North Dakota
High point: White Butte
Elevation: 3 506 ft (1 087 m)
Date: August 8, 2014
Total elevation to date: 251 791 ft (76 746 m)
Access: Hike, class 1
Difficulty rating (of 10): 2
Potential Difficulties: Mud, Rattlesnakes
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