description Mitchell Butte Overview
A Monument Valley sandstone butte named after Ernest Mitchell, killed alongside prospector James Merrick in 1880 while seeking a legendary silver deposit.
insights Ranking position
Mitchell Butte ranks #20 of 99 in the Butte ranking, behind Moses Tower, ahead of Independence Monument.
help Mitchell Butte FAQ
Where is Mitchell Butte in Monument Valley?
Mitchell Butte stands near the Monument Valley visitor area and the beginning of the scenic Valley Drive. It is within the Navajo Tribal Park landscape on the Arizona-Utah border.
Who was Mitchell Butte named after?
The butte commemorates Ernest Mitchell, a prospector associated with James Merrick. Both men were killed in 1880 while searching the Monument Valley area for a reported silver deposit.
Is Mitchell Butte the same formation as Merrick Butte?
No, they are distinct neighboring formations named for the two prospectors Ernest Mitchell and James Merrick. Merrick Butte is commonly seen with the East and West Mitten Buttes in classic Monument Valley views.
Can visitors climb Mitchell Butte on their own?
Independent hiking and climbing are restricted in many parts of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Visitors should use authorized routes or arrange a Navajo-guided tour rather than treating the butte as open public climbing terrain.
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