After looping the Big Nasty, we drove over to Schonchin Butte for the brief (1.4 miles round-trip; 500 feet of elevation) hike to the lookout on its summit. Today the lookout was closed, but is usually staffed from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily from June to late September. The lookout and the trail leading up to it were built from 1939 to 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It’s perched on the rim of the small crater in the center of the butte and commands an amazing view in all directions. Even with today’s lingering overcast, the view was pretty amazing. Well worth the short hike! Continue reading “Schonchin Butte (Lava Beds NM) 04-May-2018”
BOOTS on the TRAIL 