Newton Butte

Newton Butte is a sandstone formation rising to about 5,940 feet (1,810 meters) and defined by vertical cliffs of Coconino Sandstone. It extends northward from the South Rim and forms a distinctive reddish ridge in the landscape.

The United States Board on Geographic Names officially designated this formation in 1906, choosing to honor the physicist Isaac Newton. This naming practice reflected the wider trend of commemorating scientific figures through geographic designations in the early 20th century.

The name reflects how settlers chose to honor scientific figures through geographic naming rather than local traditions. Today, visitors use this landmark as a reference point when discussing the layered geological story visible across the canyon walls.

The best views are from observation points along East Rim Drive, accessible via Arizona State Route 64 or U.S. Route 180 from Williams and Flagstaff. Early morning and late afternoon light brings out the reddish tones of the rock face most clearly.

This butte marks the western edge of Lonetree Canyon and stands alongside Pattie Butte, a lower formation in the same area. Together these two structures reveal how erosion has worked differently on neighboring ridges within this section of the canyon.