Kibbey Butte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kibbey Butte |
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North aspect centered, from Point Imperial
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,801 ft (2,378 m) |
| Prominence | 181 ft (55 m) |
| Isolation | 0.92 mi (1.48 km) |
| Parent peak | Brady Peak (8,121 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Joseph Henry Kibbey |
| Geography | |
 Kibbey Butte
Location in Arizona
Kibbey Butte
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grand Canyon National Park Coconino County, Arizona, US |
| Parent range | Kaibab Plateau Colorado Plateau |
| Topo map | USGS Walhalla Plateau |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Permian |
| Type of rock | shale, sandstone |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | May 31, 1961 Harvey Butchart, Allyn Cureton |
| Easiest route | class 3 scrambling |
Kibbey Butte is a tall, flat-topped hill located in the amazing Grand Canyon. It stands 7,801 feet (about 2,378 meters) high in northern Arizona, USA. This impressive landform is found in Coconino County, near the canyon's North Rim. It rises more than 3,000 feet (900 meters) above Nankoweap Canyon.
Kibbey Butte is about two miles south of the popular Point Imperial viewpoint. Its closest higher neighbor is Brady Peak, which is about one mile to the southeast. Other nearby buttes include Hancock Butte and Alsap Butte.
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About Kibbey Butte
What is a Butte?
A butte is a type of hill with very steep sides and a flat top. It is smaller than a mesa but similar in shape. Buttes are often found in dry areas where wind and water have worn away softer rock layers, leaving harder rock caps.
The Rocks of Kibbey Butte
The very top of Kibbey Butte is made of a dark reddish rock called Hermit Shale. Below this, you'll find layers of Supai Group rock. Underneath these layers is the Redwall Limestone, which forms tall cliffs. These rocks formed during ancient times, specifically in the Permian and Mississippian periods.
Climate and Water
Kibbey Butte is in a cold semi-arid climate zone. This means it's generally dry, but it does get some rain and snow. When it rains, the water flows off the butte. This water eventually drains into Nankoweap Creek, which then flows into the mighty Colorado River.
Exploring Kibbey Butte
To reach Kibbey Butte, people usually start their journey from the parking area at Greenland Lake. The first time anyone officially climbed to the top of Kibbey Butte was on May 31, 1961. This climb was made by two adventurers, Harvey Butchart and Allyn Cureton.
Who Was Joseph Kibbey?
This geographical feature was named after Joseph Henry Kibbey (1853–1924). He was an important person in Arizona's history. Joseph Kibbey was an American attorney, which means he was a lawyer.
He served as a judge on the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court from 1889 to 1893. Later, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as the Governor of Arizona Territory. He was governor from 1905 to 1909. Joseph Kibbey was also an expert on Arizona's water laws, which are very important in a dry region.
The name "Kibbey Butte" was officially recognized in 1932 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. This board is responsible for naming places in the United States.
