Located about an hour west of Idaho Falls, is Big Southern Butte. Towering 2,500 feet above the surrounding Snake River Plain, the butte has its own weather system. A small pine tree forest exists near the top on the north side. The south side is so steep that hang-gliders launch from there. There is an excellent road all the way to the summit. It is kind of steep, but all this makes for an excellent ATV ride.

To get to the butte, drive from Idaho Falls or Blackfoot to Atomic City. Atomic City is a very small "town", so if you blink, you will miss it. The easiest way to know if you are turning on the road to Atomic City is to drive on US 26 until you see a little business called Maggee's. Turn and drive past Maggee's into Atomic City.

Once you get to Atomic City, drive to the end of the main road into town and take a left on a gravel road. Drive about a mile and turn right onto another dirt road that heads west to the butte. You can drive all the way to the butte in your truck, but we found it more fun to unload and ride the 10 miles to the road that heads up the butte.

You can take either the south road or the north road. The north road is shorter but the south road is a little better. Both are a fun ride. Keep riding until you get to Frenchman's cabin. You can't miss this landmark as there is an old cabin with several vehicles and a landing strip nearby.

From Frenchman's cabin it is 5 miles and 2,500 feet to the top. You can make it with a 2-wheel drive ATV, but in some of the steep spots you will be spinning a bit.

The view from the top of the butte is spectacular. From there the viewer can see in all directions, giving a wonderful 360 degrees of the Snake River Plain and surrounding mountains. Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Arco, and most if the site facilities can be seen.