Aztec Butte

Location : Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Total distance : 1.6 miles round-trip (out and back)

Net elevation gain : 265 ft

Peak elevation : 6,299 ft

Tree Cover : No tree cover. Sunscreen highly recommended.

Parking : Parking area near the trailhead.

Trailhead : Click here(shorturl.at/ELO24)

Landmark : Hike starts near the parking at the trailhead

http://shorturl.at/ELO24

Satellite map :

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Terrain map :

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Checkout hiking Gear page for gear recommendations. Click here.

This is a short hike but there are steep slopes on this trail and the summer heat makes it dangerous if you are unprepared. Make sure you have plenty of water while hiking in Canyonlands National park. Rising above the mesa, Aztec Butte overlooks sheer cliffs and twisted canyons stretching in every direction. Hundreds of years ago ancestral Puebloans survived here through hard work and ingenuity.

Clad in yucca sandals and bearing baskets of seed and grain, they scrambled up these buttes to store their harvest in small stone structures sealed with mud. These granaries still stand today, a testament to the skill of the people who made this area their home. (Credit : NPS) Once at this intersection go right to continue to Aztec Butte, or left to visit the granary.

Continue hiking the steep slopes following the cairns. It is extremely helpful to have company. Make sure you have good footwear for good grip and support.

These trails offer panoramic views as well as access to well-preserved archeological sites. The climb to the top of Aztec Butte is difficult and comprises of steep slopes, uneven terrain, drop-offs and ledges up tp three feet high. Some scrambling on hands and knees may be required.(Credit : NPS)

Enjoy the brilliant views along the way of nearby mountains while keeping your attention on the steep slopes that you are climbing. Once you get to the top you will see the remains of what used to be granaries and what seems like small dwelling structures. The meandering green river that is not far from here catches the rain water run-off from the surrounding areas.