Overview
Rising to 6896ft., Steele Butte lies between the famous Waterpocket Fold (Capitol Reef National Park) and the remote laccoliths of the Henry Mountains. It has several scrambling routes, and, although the rock quality is a bit poor, most likely has been climbed via technical routes as well. Its views extend to Boulder Mountain to the west, the southern San Rafael Swell to the north, Tarantula Mesa to the south, and the Henrys to the east. It is made up of some of the youngest sandstone layers in the area, which may be the Emery Formation which mkes up the Tarantula Mesa cap rock as well(please correct me if I’m mistaken).
This formation is on the western approach to the Henry mountains and makes a great supplement to adventures in those mountains.
from the north |
Getting ThereFrom Highway 24 in Capitol Reef National Park, take Notom road south to the Sandy Ranch junction, at which you turn left (east) toward the Henrys. This will take you down across the Sandy River and then eventually up through Trail Wash, Blind Trail, up passed Blind trail Butte, and onward to the Sweetwater drainage and junction, crossing the Sweetwater drainage just prior to the signed junction. Take a left here at the sign for South Creek, McMillian Spring, and Bull Creek Pass. This road will again meander up through some layers and eventually put you on top of the flat area just northwest of the butte. Here you will see Steele Butte and the Henrys. Continue along this same road until just northeast of Steele Butte, with less than a quarter mile between the road and the formation.
Red Tape
Red TapeStay on designated roads, and beware of some private property that is signed.
CampingThere are many areas to camp here, and depending on the season McMillian Spring Campground is the nearest developed camping area.
Images
|
