Jefferson County High Point Trip Report
two areas (1,440+ ft)
Date: March 5, 2004
Author: Bill Jacobs
From exit 143 on I-59, proceed northwest for three miles to Springville Road.
Turn right for 0.3 mile to the Phillips Petrol Station. Turn left onto Palmer-
Clay Road and right on Self Road at 0.2 mile. Go to the end of the Self Road
and park. The house to the left, where "Bob" formerly lived, is now vacant.
The neighbors suggested leaving a sign in the car indicating you are hiking to
Butler Mountain.
From the car follow the white metal fence on the right to the end. Make a
ninety-degree turn to the right and take a stroll down to the bottom of the pasture.
Start arching to the left following the bush line where you will
eventually find an opening leading up the valley. The pond indicated on the
topo is non-existent. There should shortly be a trail into the forest.
As the trail ascends up the draw, crossing a creek, it disappears but reorganizes
itself somewhere near the saddle after passing by a fence or two.
Praytor Mountain is to the left of the saddle and the unnamed Jefferson high
point is to the right. It is now called Rattlesnake Mountain,
in highpointer parlance, after Hans Haustein nearly stepped on one.
There are many rock outcroppings that are ripe nesting areas for reptiles.
After climbing "Rattlesnake", return to the saddle.
For Butler Mtn, continue following the horse/ORV trail to the northwest.
It will begin a gradual descent and at times appear to be heading in a direction
away from Butler. Keep the faith as it will eventually wind itself around and
begin a sharp ascent up a small ravine to a saddle south of Butler.