Fumarole Butte
Fumarole Butte thermal feature flows at 73°F from BLM lands in Millard County, emerging just 4 meters from road access at 5,154 feet elevation. The spring runs 20 degrees above ambient air temperature in terrain receiving 7.4 inches of annual precipitation and 16 inches of snow, with open public access under multiple-use management that protects resources while allowing extractive activities.
The feature emerges from volcanic terrain characteristic of Utah's Basin and Range province, where Fumarole Butte represents remnant volcanic activity in the Fillmore Field Office district. At 5,154 feet elevation, the site occupies higher ground than surrounding basins, with sparse desert shrub vegetation adapted to the region's 7-inch annual precipitation. The landscape consists of sagebrush flats, volcanic outcrops, and distant views of basin-and-range topography, with minimal tree cover and wide-open vistas typical of western Millard County's undeveloped public lands.
The name references the butte's volcanic origins and apparent fumarolic activity, though current thermal flow is primarily liquid rather than steam. Limited historical documentation exists for this remote spring, with the area remaining largely undeveloped throughout Euro-American settlement. The BLM manages surrounding lands under multiple-use mandates balancing conservation with mineral exploration, grazing, and recreation.
The roadside location provides easy access year-round, though unpaved roads may require high-clearance vehicles and become impassable when wet. The nearest developed camping lies 38 km away at Jericho Campground in Little Sahara Recreation Area. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F, making spring and fall preferable for visits. Bring all water and supplies, as services are minimal in this remote region.
Is Fumarole Butte worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
One of 4 campgrounds within the Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA), the Jericho Campground and Picnic Area has 16 sites for camping and/or picnicking. On busy weekends in the spring, LSRA may receive up to 30,000 visitors, large camping groups, and heavy use of public facilities.