#bigsouthernbutte

[americasgreatoutdoors]

The Big Southern Butte rises over 2,500 ft. above eastern Idaho's Snake River Plain. At only 300,000 years old, it's one of the youngest and largest formations of its kind in the world. The challenging trail to the summit ends in an unparalleled 360 degree view of the plain and distant mountain ranges. Near Craters of the Moon National Monument, visiting Big Southern Butte is easiest from mid-May through October - depending on snow conditions, so there’s still time to book your visit. Photo by Bureau of Land Management.

[mypubliclands]

Winter at the Big Southern Butte in Idaho. Big Southern Butte is one of three rhyolitic domes near the center of the eastern Snake River Plain. The area supports lodgepole pine, aspen, Douglas fir, and manzanita (not common to this region). The butte is one of the largest volcanic domes in the world but at 300,000 years old is also one of the youngest. Hikers who trek to the 7,550-foot high summit are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. Photo by James Neeley.