History of Tower Butte

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History
of
Tower Butte
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Tower Butte
One of natures 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 3658'11"N
11118'36"W.
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How
to
Access
Tower Butte is only accessible by helicopter,
and requires a special permit to access because
its 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.
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Whats
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.
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The Navajo
Nation
Since its 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.
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Papillon
and
Tower Butte
As the Worlds 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 Canyons West Rim, every
excursion is unique and unforgettable.
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For More
Information
Adventure is right at your doorstep when you
book an aerial adventure with Papillon
Helicopters. For more information on Tower Butte
or one of Papillons many helicopter tours,
please contact them at Website
www.papillon.com Toll Free [phone]