description Merrick Butte Overview
Merrick Butte is an isolated sandstone formation in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, within the Navajo Nation near the Arizona-Utah border. It stands close to East and West Mitten Buttes and is visible from the park's main viewpoint and scenic drive. The English name commemorates prospector James Merrick, who was killed in the area in 1880 while searching for a reported silver deposit with Ernest Mitchell.
help Merrick Butte FAQ
Why is Merrick Butte grouped with the Mitten Buttes?
Merrick stands close to East and West Mitten and completes the three-formation panorama seen from Monument Valley's main overlook. It lacks the mitten-like thumb, so its broader silhouette is easy to distinguish from the two Mittens.
Who was Merrick Butte named after?
The English name commemorates prospector James Merrick, who searched for silver in the Monument Valley region during the late 19th century. The formation is also part of a Navajo cultural landscape with meanings that predate that English name.
Can you see Merrick Butte from The View Hotel?
Yes. Merrick Butte is visible with East and West Mitten from The View Hotel and the adjacent visitor-center overlook.
Can visitors hike to the top of Merrick Butte?
Independent off-road travel or climbing is not part of the standard Monument Valley scenic-drive visit. Backcountry access within Navajo Tribal Park requires appropriate permission and commonly involves an authorized Navajo guide.
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