Pros & cons
PROS
- Rare chance to view well-preserved granaries from a short, approachable hike
- Two-in-one outing: choose the granary spur or the summit views (or both)
CONS
- Short but steep slickrock pitches can feel exposed, especially on the descent
- Full sun exposure makes summer afternoons punishing
Signed trailhead lot on Upheaval Dome Road; small but usually not crowded compared to major viewpoints.
Steep slickrock scrambles with some exposure; careful downclimbing required. Summer heat and full sun; carry ample water. In winter, icy slickrock possible. Do not touch or enter archaeological sites.
Overview
A compact desert adventure with real payoff. Aztec Butte packs panoramic Island in the Sky vistas and rare, easily accessed Ancestral Puebloan granaries into a short outing. The hike is roughly 1.6 miles total (out-and-back, including the short spurs) with about 200 feet of elevation gain. Expect flat, sandy walking to start, then slickrock and short, steep scrambles that feel more serious than the mileage suggests.
Route and what you’ll see
From the signed lot along Upheaval Dome Road, follow sandy singletrack through sagebrush and juniper to a junction. Left leads to a smaller butte, where the path drops below the rim to well-preserved stone granaries tucked into alcoves. Right climbs Aztec Butte itself for sweeping views over Taylor Canyon and the maze of canyons carved by the Colorado River. Both spurs involve climbing slickrock and negotiating ledges; you’ll likely use hands for balance, and careful downclimbing on the return is smart.
Difficulty and who it’s for
Overall: moderate. The approach is easy; the butte ascents are short, steep, and on grippy but exposed sandstone. If you dislike heights or have balance issues, the summit spur may feel sketchy. Not wheelchair-accessible. No pets on this trail. Some families report kids handle it fine with close supervision, but plan extra time for the scrambles.
Best time to hike
Open and worthwhile year-round. Spring and fall bring the friendliest temps. Summer is full sun and can be brutally hot—go early or late and bring more water than you think you need. Winter conditions can leave icy patches on slickrock; traction can help. It’s usually less busy than marquee stops like Mesa Arch, making it a good add-on during peak hours.
Tips and protections
- Footwear with real traction matters; trekking poles help on the steeper slickrock.
- Follow cairns, but don’t be afraid to pause and pick the easiest line—straight at every cairn isn’t always the best way.
- Do not enter, touch, or climb on the granaries. View them from a respectful distance to protect fragile masonry.
- Sun protection is non-negotiable; there’s virtually no shade.
Elevation
1.6 mi · 1.5 hrWhere it starts
38.3935, -109.8819Near Aztec Butte Trail
All places →All trails →
0.5 mi awayAztec ButteShort hike to Puebloan granaries and big Island in the Sky viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayIsland in the Sky (Willow Flat) CampgroundTiny, no-frills mesa-top camp near Green River OverlookRestroom · Picnic Table
0.8 mi awayMesa Arch TrailIconic sunrise loop to a cliff-edge arch with White Rim views.Easy · 0.7 mi · 30 min
0.8 mi awayMesa ArchShort walk to a cliff-edge arch with a sunrise glowTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayGreen River OverlookGrand, wide-angle views over the Green River and White RimTrailhead · Parking
1.2 mi awayWilhite TrailRemote rim-to-White Rim descent with huge views and zero shadeChallenging · 11.4 mi · 7 hr
2.5 mi awayAlcove Spring TrailBig, lonely descent to alcoves and the Moses & Zeus towers.Challenging · 11.2 mi · 6.5 hr
2.5 mi awayMoses and Zeus via Taylor CanyonShort, sandy loop to the dramatic Moses and Zeus towersEasy · 1 mi · 48 min
