Gregory Butte, Sandstone butte in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah.
Gregory Butte is a sandstone formation in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area featuring vertical cliffs and a flat summit that rises above the surrounding terrain. The structure shows distinct horizontal layering typical of the region's Navajo Sandstone deposits.
The sandstone layers formed around 160 million years ago during the Jurassic period when vast sand seas covered the region. The formation's position changed dramatically after the 1970s when Lake Powell's creation altered the Colorado River landscape.
The surrounding region contains numerous sacred sites of Indigenous peoples who maintain connections to this land through generations of traditions.
Reaching the summit requires advanced technical climbing skills and specialized gear, as even the easier routes demand challenging rock climbing techniques. The remote location and exposed cliffs mean visitors must be well-prepared and check conditions before attempting any approach.
Before Lake Powell filled in the 1970s, this formation sat within a dramatic natural meander of the Colorado River. The changed water line today marks a sharp contrast to the landscape that once surrounded it.
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