History of Tower Butte

1. History of Tower Butte

2. Tower Butte One of nature’s most startling creations– Tower Butte sits 5,000 feet above sea level near Lake Powell in Page Arizona. A scenic destination, its history, formation, and ties to the Navajo people can only be described as mythic. Learn more about this fascinating formation in the following presentation.

3. What is a Butte? Smaller than a plateau or mesa – A butte is a solitary hill with steep sides and a mostly flat top. A notable icon in the Southwest, its distinctive shape often makes it a landmark in Western films and imagery. To distinguish it from other natural formations, geographers often make the assertion that a butte has a narrower top than its height, while a mesa has a wider top than its height.

4. Formation Formed over millions of years – Buttes are plateaus that have naturally eroded into smaller, isolated landforms. As rain and streams slowly cut through a plateau, the hard top layers, called “caprocks,” resist the weathering and protect the soft layers below it. Under the protection of the caprock, the butte can stay relatively the same height as it did before. Eventually, all buttes will become slender spires and its debris will be turned into talus or scree. After that, the spire will succumb to erosion and crumble to the ground.

5. Location Overlooking Padre Bay and Vermilion Cliff – Tower Butte is conveniently located on the south shore of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park near Page, Arizona. On the border between Arizona and Utah, it offers a majestic 360 ° view of Glen Canyon, the Grand Staircase, and the Kaiparowits Plateau. The coordinates for the site are 36°58'11"N 111°18'36"W.

6. How to Access Tower Butte – is only accessible by helicopter, and requires a special permit to access because it’s on Navajo land. Chartering a helicopter service to visit Tower Butte not only offers visitors an exciting experience, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a rare perspective of the American Southwest and the Navajo land. Adventurers and budding photographers will be amazed by the breathtaking sites it provides.

7. What’s Around it? Encompassing – Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park is famous for its red rocks, waterholes, and glittering blue lake. Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, Lake Powell itself is a manmade reservoir created by the flooding of Glen Canyon.

8. The Navajo Nation Since it’s inception in 1964 – The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department has sought to carefully manage Navajo monuments and recreational areas for the benefit of its people. Working closely with The Papillon/Grand Canyon Scenic group and the Navajo owned company, ABEARCO Inc., they have made Tower Butte the ultimate tourist destination. A unique cultural experience, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the Navajo people and their relationship to their land.

9. Papillon and Tower Butte As the World’s oldest – and largest aerial sightseeing company, Papillon shares a rich history and respect for the land it showcases. Having a keen understanding of its passengers, they create every program with excitement and safety in mind. From the top of the world at Tower Butte, to Grand Canyon’s West Rim, every excursion is unique and unforgettable.

10. Information For More Adventure is right at your doorstep – when you book an aerial adventure with Papillon Helicopters. For more information on Tower Butte or one of Papillon’s many helicopter tours, please contact them at: Website: www.papillon.com Toll Free: (888) 635-7272