This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This hike leads to ancestral Puebloan granaries on the lower of two buttes with cliffside ruins and sweeping views of Canyonlands National Park.
Directions • From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, travel south about 6 miles on Grand View Point Road to the junction with Upheaval Dome Road, just beyond the Mesa Arch parking lot and trailhead. Turn north onto Upheaval Dome Road and travel almost a mile to the Aztec Butte parking lot, which is on the right.
Hike • Take the trail northeast out of the parking lot, toward the lower butte. The trail hugs the south side of the butte as it wraps around to the east side. Keep following the flat footpath a bit further until you see a branch heading west. It will take you farther north up against the rocky butte to where you can see a pass between the rocks to get on top of the butte.
At the top of the butte, a path takes you west along the north rim. Enjoy the views. A sign marks the short descent to where the granaries are on the north face of the butte. Mind your step, as the trail becomes narrow adjacent to steep drop-offs and may be impassable in wet or icy conditions. I was unable to reach the granaries following a snowstorm. If you do get to them, please don't touch the ruins. Footpaths on top of the butte allow other views, but don't stray from them; the soil is a fragile host to many organisms in a delicate ecosystem. Return down the butte as you came.
The trail continues to a larger butte to the east. You can climb the upper butte to see more ruins. Otherwise walk back to the trailhead.
Digital map available at http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/1315571027/.
— Erin Alberty
Destination: Lower Aztec Butte
Hiking time • 2 hours
Round-trip miles • 1 mile
Elevation gain • 100 feet
Difficulty • Moderate
Trail head restrooms • No
Dogs allowed • No
Bikes allowed • No
Fees • $25 per vehicle or $10 per person (park entrance fee)
Destination • Lower Aztec Butte
Hiking time • 2 hours
Round-trip miles • 1 mile
Elevation gain • 100 feet
Difficulty • Moderate
Trail head restrooms • No
Dogs allowed • No
Bikes allowed • No
Fees • $25 per vehicle or $10 per person (park entrance fee)