2023 Map of Big Southern Butte

About this map

Big Southern Butte dominates the southeastern quadrant of this Idaho landscape, rising sharply from the surrounding high desert plain. This volcanic landmark serves as a primary navigational point for the region, supported by the nearby Big Southern Butte Airport and a network of desert roads including Big Southern Butte Rd and Cedar Big Butte Rd. The topography reveals the arid nature of the Snake River Plain, where water management is critical, evidenced by Big Butte Reservoir, Big Butte Reservoir Number Two, and the ephemeral Big Lake. Smaller volcanic features like Coyote Butte pepper the northern reaches of the quadrangle. For those studying the hydrology of this remote terrain, the presence of Frenchmans Spring and Webb Spring on the slopes of the main butte indicates rare natural water sources in an otherwise dry, sagebrush-dominated environment.