Capitol Butte

Capitol Butte is a summit in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States.

Description

Capitol Butte is located three miles immediately northwest of Sedona in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, on land managed by Coconino National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Lost Wilson Mountain 3.1 miles to the north-northeast. Precipitation runoff from this feature drains to Oak Creek which is part of the Verde River watershed. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over above West Sedona in 0.6 mile. Capitol Butte is composed of light-colored Coconino Sandstone overlaying reddish Schnebly Hill Formation.

Etymology

The landform's toponym was officially adopted in 1971 by the United States Board on Geographic Names. It is unknown how the butte came to be called "Capitol," however it does resemble a capitol dome in appearance. Previous variant names for the landform included Capital Butte, Gray Mountain, Grayback Mountain, and Judge Oteys Tombstone. Locals call it "Thunder Mountain."

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Capitol Butte is located in a temperate semi-arid climate zone. Climbers can expect afternoon rain and lightning from the seasonal monsoon in late July and August.