Barrel Butte
4,177 ft | 1 trails | Nebraska
4,177 ft
1 routes
Moderate
About Barrel Butte
Barrel Butte rises to 4,177 feet in Nebraska.
When to Go
Late May through October is the main season. Snow and ice linger into spring and return early in fall at this latitude and elevation; in winter this becomes a different, more serious undertaking requiring traction devices and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
Download the GPX track from this page before you go — cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains and a saved route works offline in any GPS app. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Looking to link objectives or plan a weekend? Nearby summits include Crown Butte, Crow Butte and Giants Coffins Butte — each has its own guide on this site.
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Check Current Conditions
Trail conditions change frequently. Check the official land manager's site (linked under Data Sources on this page) and the NWS forecast before your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the Barrel Butte trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Barrel Butte?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Barrel Butte?
Barrel Butte stands at 4,177 feet (1,273 meters) in Nebraska.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Dehydration risk
- UV exposure above treeline
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Barrel Butte. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Peak Bagging Tip
Giants Coffins Butte is only 10.6 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!