Location and surroundings
Shonto Butte is situated in the United States, within the state of Arizona and the district of Navajo County, located in North America. The terrain surrounding Shonto Butte features a variety of nearby peaks and elevated terrain typical of the area.
Neighbouring peaks
Several peaks and passes lie in the immediate vicinity of Shonto Butte:
- Yellow Butte (peak), 1,926 m, 4.1 km SE
- Bobcat Butte (peak), 1,957 m, 5.5 km N
- Lone Cottonwood Butte (peak), 2,002 m, 5.8 km NE
- Twentieth Street School (peak), 1,880 m, 6.0 km NW
- Saddle Butte (peak), 1,946 m, 7.2 km N
- Dilkon Hill (peak), 1,882 m, 8.1 km SE
- Bad Medicine Butte (peak), 1,958 m, 8.1 km NW
- Round Top (peak), 2,034 m, 8.5 km W
At an elevation of 2,047 m, Shonto Butte stands higher than all of these listed immediate neighbours.
The view from the summit
From the summit area of Shonto Butte, several other prominent elevations within a 25 km radius can be observed across the landscape:
- Egloffstein Butte, 2,032 m, 17.5 km N
- Hauke Mesa, 2,031 m, 12.7 km NE
- Horse Butte, 2,030 m, 19.3 km N
- Hopi Buttes, 2,023 m, 19.4 km E
- Montezumas Chair, 2,005 m, 10.2 km W
- Rotten Bananas Butte, 1,996 m, 22.2 km S
Climate and weather
Climate data for Shonto Butte consists of estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation of 2,047 m. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in July at about 24 °C and its coldest in January at about 0 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 200 mm a year, with August being the wettest month at about 40 mm and June the driest at about 5 mm.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit of Shonto Butte include February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Taking into account the annual precipitation cycle, June represents the driest period, while August brings the highest levels of precipitation to the surrounding area.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking organised support in the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. The national mountaineering federation is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating in the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. These entities serve as examples of where visitors usually turn for professional services in the country's mountains. Furthermore, visitors should note that some peaks in the United States require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali, where registration is required at least 60 days ahead, and Mount Rainier, for routes on glaciers or above the high camps.
Safety and preparation
Ascents on peaks like Shonto Butte require proper preparation, adequate physical fitness, and appropriate gear to handle local terrain and weather conditions safely. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number in the United States is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, which is usually run by the county sheriff or a national park.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Shonto Butte? Shonto Butte reaches an elevation of 2,047 m.
Where is Shonto Butte located? It is located in the United States, within the state of Arizona and Navajo County in North America.
What peaks are nearest to Shonto Butte? The nearest peaks include Yellow Butte, Bobcat Butte, Lone Cottonwood Butte, Twentieth Street School, Saddle Butte, Dilkon Hill, Bad Medicine Butte, and Round Top.
Is there water on the way to Shonto Butte? Given the dry climate and annual precipitation of about 200 mm, it is recommended to carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water for a day out, depending on the temperature and length of the excursion.
What is the mobile phone coverage like around Shonto Butte? Coverage in the hills and elevated terrain of the region is generally patchy and depends heavily on the specific mobile operator. Hikers should download digital maps before setting out, and remember that the emergency number 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.