Big Southern Butte is a rhyolite dome rising above the eastern Snake River Plain southwest of Arco.
Plan your visit
Arco-Minidoka Road, Arco, Idaho 83213
- Admission
- BLM directs fee questions to Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500; free access is not confirmed
- Hours
- Summit road closed to vehicles from October 1, 2026 until repairs are complete
- Parking
- BLM identifies parking beside the gate for hikers; keep gate access clear
- Restrooms
- No
- Access
- Limited Accessibility
- Setting
- Outdoor · Older Kids & Teens
- Food available
- Nearby food service is not confirmed; bring meals and supplies
Photos have not been added to this listing yet.
Visitor update (October 15, 2026): The summit access road closed to vehicles October 1, 2026 following storm damage. The gate will remain secured until repairs are complete; no reopening date has been announced. Contact BLM to confirm current hiking or biking access before visiting. Official visitor notice
🌳 Amenities & Features
- 🥾 Summit hiking
- 🚵 Mountain biking
- 📷 Panoramic photography
- 🦌 Wildlife viewing
- 🌋 Volcanic geology
💡 Good to Know
- The summit access road is currently closed to vehicles. Confirm current access conditions with the Upper Snake Field Office before planning a visit.
- The usual mid-May–October access window depends on snow and road conditions.
- This adventurous outing is better suited to older children. Bring water, food and supplies.
Official information: Official listing
Listing review date: 2026-10-15