Elevation: 3,163 ft
Prominence: 183
This peak is not in the book.
Elephant Butte is located just southwest of Sommer Camp Road, near its junction with US-95. There are not many good parking options, but we found a small turnout about 1/2 mile southwest of the butte and parked there. There was a very faint jeep trail that led to the south side of the butte. This jeep trail is on the border of private property, so do not hike north of this trail until you are at the base of Elephant Butte.
We left the trail at this point and headed for a large crack looming above us in the rock face, which we climbed to the summit. There is some exposure, but it’s not too bad. Just be very careful because a fall could result in serious injury. The views from the summit are great. You can see Lake Lowell, the Snake River and many Owyhee Mountain peaks. Round trip from the road was 1 mile with 320 feet of elevation gain. Class 3. The route description continues with the photos. USGS Opalene Gulch
Dan’s GPS track showing the approach route on BLM land.
Looking up toward the crack from the base of the route. Dan Krueger Photo
We had no idea if this crack led to the summit, but it looked like the only option so we continued. Once in the gully, it’s hard to tell which side is higher, but the rock to the east (right side) is the summit. Dan Krueger Photo
The gully is where the scrambling begins. You have to traverse a narrow ridge over to a crack that is Class 3. Dan Krueger Photo
Climb this crack to the summit. Dan Krueger Photo
Elephant Butte. Dan Krueger Photo
Elephant Butte as viewed from the east. Dan Krueger Photo
Additional Resources
Regions: Owyhee Mountains->SOUTHERN IDAHO
Mountain Range: Owyhee Mountains
Longitude: -116.85239 Latitude: 43.45959