Big Sand Butte

Overview

Big Sand Butte is located south of Lava Beds National Monument in the Modoc National Forest. The section of forest it's located in is more of a sagebrush-ey plain. No trail to the top, but no real bushes to whack through.

Getting There

Big Sand Butte is the northernmost of the three buttes in this immediate area and stands a little bit higher than the other two. Unlike the other two (East Sand Butte and Little Sand Butte), there is no trail/road to the top of Big Sand Butte. Forest Service Road 44N21 will be the most direct. This is maybe 3/4 mile from the southern boundary of Lava Beds National Monument. Something like a Subaru Outback or Forester might be the lowest clearance vehicle to safely take. There's a lot of vegetation growing in between the tire tracks, and this will scrape up your undercarriage. Vegetation also encroaches on the sides of the dirt road and may scratch the side of your car. 

Route

Big Sand Butte is surrounded by dirt roads. You can ascend from any direction. Might be the quickest to do so from the south. Benchmark for the summit is located on the south end. My hike from the car measured about 1/4 mile with 330 feet of elevation. 

Red Tape

None that I can think of.

When to Climb

Probably anytime. No shade.

Camping

Dispersed camping is available all around Big Sand Butte in the Modoc National Forest. No facilities.

Lava Beds National Monument's campground is maybe 8 miles further north. It is not free and there's an entrance fee.

External Links

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