Aztec Butte

Aztec Butte is a wonderful short hike in Canyonlands National Park that offers great views, ancient Puebloan ruins and a fun scramble up some slickrock slopes.

From the trailhead off of Upheaval Dome Road, the trail heads down to the right of the first butte. At 0.3 miles there is a spur trail to the left that heads back up this small butte to the top. Here you'll find a cairn marking some steps down and to the left where there are some stone granaries under a ledge. These small structures were used to store food and are set in a wonderfully scenic location.

Heading back down the spur trail to the main trail, it is a short walk to the base of Aztec Butte where the trail quickly becomes a steep slickrock scramble up the side of the butte. It is not a difficult trail, but there are several places where it crosses an exposed slope or climbs up over ledges as much as 3 feet high. Older kids will enjoy doing this trail! The trail reaches the top of the butte and winds around the rim, offering great 360-degree views until it arrives at another Puebloan structure overlooking a view of the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

NOTE: Archaeological sites should be treated with respect, and structures should never be entered, touched or disturbed.

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to hiking essentials to get you started:

Backpack: Osprey AG Pack

Hip Belt, Adjustable Torso, Compression Straps, Raincover + Hydraulics LT 2.5L Water Reservoir Included

Men's Manta 28L • $98.93-107.25 • Osprey | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's Mira 26L • $98.93-107.25 • Osprey | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Hiking Shoes: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Shoe 

Cushioned, GORE-TEX, High Traction Contagrip, 15.8 oz

Men's • $123.71-165.00 • Salomon | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $124.93-165.00 • Salomon | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Shirt: Mountain Hardwear Canyon Pro Long Sleeve Shirt 

Sun Protective, Moisture Wicking, Quick Drying, Roll-up Sleeves

Men's • $71.25-75.00 • Mountain Hardware | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $44.98-47.47 • Mountain Hardware | Amazon | Backcountry

GPS Watch: Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Watch

Waterproof, Calorie Burn Tracker, GPS, Sleep Tracker, Shock Resistant, Speed Tracker, Lap Timer

$128.03-170.00 • Garmin | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Trekking Poles: MSR DynaLock Explore Poles 

Aluminum, Adjustable with DynaLock Levers, Four-season Functionality, 20 oz.

$99.95 • Amazon | REI

Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock 

Made in USA, Anti-bacterial, Merino Wool, Breathable, Fast-drying

Men's • $17-22 • Darn Tough | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $12.19-22.00 • Darn Tough | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp 

LED, Waterproof, Maximum Beam Distance: 80 m, Takes AAA Batteries

$49.85-49.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | REI

First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .5 Kit

Ultralight, Watertight, Group Size: 1 person, Trip Duration: 1-2 days

$16.95-19.47 • Adventure Medical Kits | Amazon | Backcountry | REI