Little Sand Butte Trail – Lava Beds National Monument

Little Sand Butte Trail – Lava Beds National Monument

Location: Tulelake, CA
Length: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Features: Hiking trails, backpacking, waterfalls, bird watching, dogs allowed, wildlife observation, camping, wilderness

About the Little Sand Butte

Little Sand Butte is located near Tulelake, California, and is a 2.9-kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail. It offers breathtaking views and is primarily visited for hiking and walking. It is also accessible throughout the year. While dogs are allowed to use the trail, they must be kept on a leash.

Trails In The Lava Beds National Monument

The Big Sand Butte is just a bit further north from the Little Sand Butte. The latter is located a few miles south of the boundary of the Lava Beds National Monument. The lava rocks at the top of the trail are quite pointy, which may annoy your dog if you bring him or her. The peak has no actual trail surrounding the rim. However, it’s still easy to follow.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Preserve Natural Resources

No matter how tempting it is to touch something or even take a souvenir from the location, you shouldn’t do it.  It is always good to respect the trail and all the beauty it has to offer.

2) Start Early

If you want to enjoy the hike and also the destination, starting early is the best way to do it. This will also ensure that you will be able to head back before it gets dark. However, it’s also best to bring a flashlight for emergencies.

3) Use An Insect Repellant

Having sensitive skin is not something to worry about when it comes to hiking. There are a lot of ways to protect yourself from external hazards, such as insects, that can cause skin irritation.