Courthouse Butte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Courthouse Butte |
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Courthouse Butte, facing northeast
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,454 ft (1,662 m) NGVD 29 |
| Prominence | 971 ft (296 m) |
| Geography | |
 Courthouse Butte
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Yavapai County, Arizona, U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS Sedona |
Courthouse Butte is a famous natural landmark in Arizona, USA. It is a large, flat-topped hill with steep sides, known as a butte. This impressive rock formation stands tall near the town of Sedona.
What is Courthouse Butte?
Courthouse Butte is a type of landform called a butte. A butte is like a smaller version of a mesa. It has a flat top and very steep, often straight, sides. These formations are usually found in dry areas. Courthouse Butte stands at about 5,454 feet (1,662 meters) above sea level. It is a popular spot for hikers and photographers.
Where is Courthouse Butte Located?
This amazing butte is found in Yavapai County, Arizona. It is just north of a small community called the Village of Oak Creek, Arizona. Courthouse Butte is also located south of the well-known city of Sedona. You can find it right next to another famous rock formation, Bell Rock. Together, they create a stunning desert landscape.
How Was Courthouse Butte Formed?
Courthouse Butte was shaped over millions of years by natural forces. It is made of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms when layers of sand, mud, and other materials settle and harden over time. The layers in Courthouse Butte are mostly flat, showing how they were laid down. These rocks belong to something called the Supai Formation. This formation dates back to the Permian period, which was about 299 to 252 million years ago. Over time, wind and water wore away the softer rocks around it. This left the harder rock layers standing tall as the butte we see today.
