Courthouse Butte facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Courthouse Butte
Highest point
Elevation	5,454 ft (1,662 m)  NGVD 29
Prominence	971 ft (296 m)
Geography
Courthouse Butte Location in Arizona Show map of Arizona Courthouse Butte Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Yavapai County, Arizona, U.S.
Topo map	USGS Sedona

Courthouse Butte is a famous natural landmark located in Yavapai County, Arizona, in the United States. This impressive rock formation stands just north of the Village of Oak Creek and south of the popular town of Sedona. It reaches an elevation of about 5,454 feet (1,662 meters) above sea level. Courthouse Butte is easily recognized by its unique shape and is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. It sits right next to another well-known landmark, Bell Rock.

Exploring Courthouse Butte

Courthouse Butte is more than just a beautiful sight. It is a hub for many exciting outdoor activities. People from all over come to explore its surroundings.

Where is Courthouse Butte Located?

This striking butte is found in the scenic landscape of central Arizona. It is part of the stunning red rock country near Sedona. The area is known for its vibrant red sandstone formations. Courthouse Butte is a key feature in this breathtaking desert environment.

What is a Butte?

A butte is a type of isolated hill with steep, often vertical, sides and a small, relatively flat top. Think of it like a natural tower or a small mountain with a flat roof. Buttes are formed through erosion, where softer rock layers wear away, leaving harder rock behind. Courthouse Butte is a perfect example of this geological process.

Fun Activities and Trails

The area around Courthouse Butte offers many ways to enjoy nature. There are numerous trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and running. These trails wind through the beautiful desert landscape.

One popular route is a 4.5-mile loop trail. This trail starts from the North Bell Rock Trailhead. It offers amazing views of both Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. It is a great way to experience the unique scenery up close.

For those who enjoy rock climbing, Courthouse Butte also presents challenges. Experienced climbers have found various routes on its steep faces. The first recorded climb to the summit happened in the early 1900s.

The Geology of Courthouse Butte

Courthouse Butte tells an ancient story through its rocks. It is primarily made of layers of sedimentary rock. These rocks formed over millions of years from sand, silt, and mud. These materials settled at the bottom of ancient seas or lakes. Over time, they were pressed together and hardened into rock.

The specific rock layers found here belong to the Permian Supai Formation. The Permian Period was a very long time ago, roughly 299 to 252 million years ago. Imagine how old these rocks are! They show us what the Earth was like in this region millions of years before dinosaurs roamed. The horizontal layers you see are like pages in a history book, each telling about a different time.

See also

• Cathedral Rock
• Schnebly Hill Formation
• Bell Rock