Whitney Butte Trail,
Lava Beds National Monument

Located 16.2 miles from Tulelake, California (CA)
4 Stars
7,152 Steps 1  (3.3 mi)
Trails National Monuments Lava Beds Whitney Butte Trail

The Whitney Butte trailhead is located near the Merrill Ice Cave. The trail enters the Black Lava Flow Wilderness Area at the western boundary of the monument. Although this trail is long, it's a relatively easy trail to hike. Bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months as there are no water facilities available along the trail.

Whitney Butte TrailWhitney Butte TrailheadWhitney Butte Trail

Elevation

The Whitney Butte Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,906 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,724 ft. and an elevation range of 182 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
3.3 mi4,724 ft4,906 ft182 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
1.3 hrs7.286 ft227 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
1.3 hrs18.9227 ft86 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 Whitney 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 Whitney Butte Trail?
The length of the trail is 3.3 miles (5.4 km) or 7,152 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Whitney Butte Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 1.3 hours in one direction and in 1.3 hours 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.