It is composed of columnar basalt that formed within a prehistoric volcano six million years ago.

It is part of the geological formation known as the Chilcotin Group, which lies in between the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains and the mid-Fraser River.

Lone Butte is located 13 km (8 mi) southeast of 100 Mile House and is immediately north of the recreational lake-community of Green Lake.

The vertical structure of Lone Butte forms a prominent monument that rises more than 50 m (160 ft) above the surrounding lowlands of the Cariboo Plateau.

There are two communication towers located at the butte; BCWireless on its level summit and Navigata on its eastern flank.