R-Mountain

Directions

From Rexburg, head west on Main Street (Hwy 33). Travel about 8.5 miles past the railroad tracks that cross Main Street just beyond BMC Construction (hardware store).

After 8.5 miles, turn left on 3700 East. It isn't labeled, so be on the lookout for landfill signs and a cattle guard on the left. The landfill is on the same road that takes you to the base of the mountain. The cattle guard has several old tires rung around the side posts.

Than travel a little less than a mile on 3700 East until you arrive at a 4-way intersection with Twin Butte road. Turn Right.

Follow Twin Butte road another mile or so until you come to a parking lot on your left. The parking lot is on the back side (west) of R-Mountain.
For directions with map, click here.
For terrain map, scroll down.


R-Mountain Trail

This incredible structure was formed centuries ago when a then active volcano erupted, expelling hot lava that was met by the cold rushing water of the Snake River. The lava was unable to crystallize but instead became glass that shattered into smaller pieces which then fused together and settled in the hot ash on the ground. The butte, as a result, is rather sandy with very peculiar rock formations around its sides.

While hiking the quick climb to the top, you will gain a few hundred feet in elevation. Its total altitude is only 5,619 feet. Because of the desert location of this hike, you may want to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes along the rocky surfaces. They are rare, but they do appear from time to time.

The trail up the mountain begins at the parking lot. It's a very sandy trail, but easy to follow. For part of the trail there are wood-railed fences to guide hikers along. The trail is simple and strait, but be aware of weather conditions. Extreme temperatures often make it a dry, arid butte. Take plenty of water. Once at the top, conditions are generally windy. Even on warm days, R-mountain tends to be very cool in the evenings due to the wind-chill. Packing an extra jacket for good measure is never a bad idea.

Above: Distant photo of R-Mountain from the north.
Right: A hiking trail map available from the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Below: The "R" on R-Mountain

Information gathered from http://www.visitidaho.org/thingstodo/outdoor-education/north-menan-butte.aspx
For further information, click the link above.