Square Top is composed of Kayenta Formation overlaying cliff-forming Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. Below the Wingate are strata of the upper and lower members of the slope-forming Chinle Formation, also of Late Triassic age. The Chinle overlies the Moody Canyon and Torrey members of the Moenkopi Formation (Early Triassic) which covers the surrounding terrain.[5] These rocks were uplifted during the Laramide Orogeny and subjected to forces of erosion which created the butte left standing today.
Climate
Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit Square Top. According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a cold semi-arid climate zone, with temperatures averaging between 0°F to 30°F in January, and 50°F to 100°F in July.[6] Typical of high deserts, summer temperatures can be exceedingly hot, while winter temperatures can be very cold. Snowfall is common, but the snow melts rapidly in the arid and sunny climate. Rainfall is very low, and the evaporation rate classifies the area as desert, even though the rainfall exceeds 10inches.
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