more stats
3.9 miles
Distance
719 ft
Climb
-1,026 ft
Descent
01:52:17
Avg time
-307 ft
Altitude change
2,051 ft
Altitude min
2,564 ft
Altitude max
2,512 ft
Altitude start
2,205 ft
Altitude end
-1.485%
Grade
-36.763%
Grade max
43.213%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
2,454 ft
Distance flat
01:52:17
Avg time

Summit Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Watford City
    , North Dakota
  • AKA
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    5 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #331289 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #354381 in Trail Running
    • #293308 in Hiking
  • State Ranking
    #275 in Mountain Biking · North Dakota [+]
    • #526 in Trail Running
    • #458 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

The Summit trail connects Summit campground west to the Maah Daah Hey at MP 94. This trail traverses the biggest, steepest badlands in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. A large slump about 3 miles west of Summit campground is difficult to traverse. The largest Juniper tree in North Dakota is about a half mile east of the Maah Daah Hey on the Summit trail. This is a good in-and-out day hike with spectacular views of the Badlands.

source: Maah Daah Hey Trail Association
Tags
MeadowSummitViews

Trail Supporters

Local Trail Association

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

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6 Months
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  • 1 rides
  • Last: May 31, 2024
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Summit Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Sep 14, 2025 @ 5:41pm (America/Denver)
Sep 14, 2025
Do not walk or ride this trail!! It is completely washed out and grown over. Shame on me for not checking comments.
Nov 1, 2024 @ 2:59pm
Nov 1, 2024
Aug 26, 2024 @ 3:52pm
Aug 26, 2024
 Trail is washed out. Not even safe for hiking. Do not risk your life!
Sep 6, 2020 @ 2:27pm
Sep 6, 2020
 2.5 miles in, the trail on a cliffside is completely washed out.
more »
Status:
on Sep 14, 2025
no votes yet
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to summit-72015 trailhead (47.540419, -103.241749)
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      Photos

      3 more »
      mtb
      111 |
      Jun 16, 2019 @ 1:18pm
      Jun 16, 2019
      mtb
      149 |
      Apr 14, 2019 @ 7:58pm
      Apr 14, 2019
      report
      mtb
      59 |
      Aug 26, 2024 @ 3:52pm
      Aug 26, 2024

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      Technical Trail Features (TTF)

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      5 Reviews & Comments

      ThomasYG0fln
      Attempted this trail today. The trail is washed out after about 2 miles. Beyond 2 miles the trail no longer exists. We bushwhacked and eventually made it back to the Maah Daah Hey trail, but it was time consuming and at times dangerous. Unfortunately, there are no signs that indicate the trail is no longer maintained. I strongly advise against biking or hiking this trail. It should be removed from the map.
      Oldonespeed Oldonespeed
      There is no sign at the trailhead. DO NOT. I REPEAT. DO NOT DO THIS TRAIL. It has been closed for ten years but we didn’t know that. We did complete the trail but it took five hours of route finding and bushwhacking. DO NOT DO THIS TRAIL
      Hrbooms
      Was planning on entering this trail at the summit campground but at the entrance there was a sign saying that the Summit trail has been closed since 2012 due to landslides. Would have loved to have done this leg when it was open.

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      Nearby Trails

      Watford City

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Summit located?
      Summit is located in Watford City, North Dakota, United States. It is part of the Watford City trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 47.54042, -103.24175.
      ▼ How hard is Summit?
      Summit is rated as Blue difficulty. The average grade is 1.485%.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Summit?
      Summit has 719 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,026 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 2,051 ft to 2,564 ft.
      ▼ Is Summit a point to point trail?
      Summit is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Summit?
      Summit is 3.9 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Summit?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Summit. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Summit? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Summit are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Summit?
      The estimated time to ride Summit is approximately 1 hour 52 minutes. The trail is 3.9 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace.
      ▼ How busy is Summit?
      Summit is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 8 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 8 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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