Schonchin Butte Trail,
Lava Beds National Monument

Located 15.1 miles from Tulelake, California (CA)
4 Stars
1,891 Steps 1  (0.8 mi)
Trails National Monuments Lava Beds Schonchin Butte Trail

Schonchin Butte is named after the Modoc Indian Chief, "Old Schonchin", who lived on the land during the late 19th century. The Schonchin Butte Trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1939 and 1941 and leads to the top of a 30,000 year old cinder cone where magnificent panoramic views of volcanic lava flows and cinder cones are visible from the fire lookout, you can be a guest of the lookout on duty during the summer months.

Schonchin Butte TrailSchonchin Butte TrailSchonchin Butte Trail

Elevation

The Schonchin Butte Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,283 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,807 ft. and an elevation range of 476 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.8 mi4,807 ft5,283 ft476 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
30 min39.6475 ft0 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
20 min0.00 ft475 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Schonchin Butte Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Mount Dome, CA
  2. North Topo Map: Captain Jacks Stronghold, CA
  3. Northeast Topo Map: The Panhandle, CA
  4. West Topo Map: Bonita Butte, CA
  5. Topo Map: Schonchin Butte, CA
  6. East Topo Map: Caldwell Butte, CA
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Little Glass Mountain, CA
  8. South Topo Map: Medicine Lake, CA
  9. Southeast Topo Map: West of Kephart, CA

FAQ

What is the length of the Schonchin Butte Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.8 miles (1.4 km) or 1,891 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Schonchin Butte Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 30 minutes in one direction and in 20 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Big Nasty TrailGillem Bluff TrailWhitney Butte Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.