Hikers standing atop Aztec Butte in Canyonlands National Park at sunset, overlooking red rock mesas and distant canyons.

Aztec Butte Trail – Canyonlands National Park

Step Into Ancient History on the Red Rock Mesa

Few hikes in Canyonlands blend cultural history with sweeping desert views as seamlessly as the Aztec Butte Trail. Just a short drive from Moab, this trail takes you across open desert and up sandstone domes where ancestral Puebloan peoples built granaries centuries ago. From the mesa top, the views stretch across deep canyons and endless red rock horizons—making it one of the most memorable short hikes in the Island in the Sky district.

Whether you’re looking for a quick adventure between scenic viewpoints or a meaningful glimpse into the past, Aztec Butte offers both.

Infographic of Quick Trail Facts for hiking Aztec Butte Trail in Canyonlands: trailhead location, distance, elevation gain, difficulty, time, best season, and highlights.”

Quick Trail Facts 

  • Trailhead: Aztec Butte Parking Area, along Upheaval Dome Road, Island in the Sky

  • Distance: 2.0 miles round trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~200 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate – short, but includes slickrock scrambling

  • Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours

  • Best Season: Spring & Fall (cooler temps, clear skies)

  • Highlights: Puebloan granaries, panoramic mesa views, desert solitude

Trail Description

The hike begins from a clearly marked trailhead on Upheaval Dome Road, about 8 miles from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. The path crosses wide desert flats dotted with sagebrush and blackbrush before splitting.

  • Smaller Butte Spur: A short branch trail leads to a sandstone alcove where you’ll find well-preserved ancestral Puebloan granaries. These storage rooms were built centuries ago to keep food safe from the elements and animals.

  • Main Butte Ascent: Continue up the main slickrock dome. The climb is short but steep, with sections of bare sandstone. Grippy shoes and careful footing are essential.

From the summit of Aztec Butte, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the Island in the Sky. Deep canyons, mesas, and the distant La Sal Mountains frame the horizon. Beneath the rim, tucked into alcoves, more stone granaries stand as quiet reminders of the people who lived here long before Canyonlands became a park.

Important: Do not enter or touch the granaries. These fragile archaeological sites are protected, and even light contact can cause damage.

At sunrise or sunset, the sandstone glows orange and gold, making the butte feel almost otherworldly.

Ancestral Puebloan granaries built into a sandstone alcove on Aztec Butte in Canyonlands National Park.
Infographic showing safety tips for hiking Aztec Butte Trail in Canyonlands: slickrock climbs, no shade, protected granaries, and weather awareness.

⚠️ Safety Tips for Aztec Butte

  • ⛰️ Slickrock Sections: Expect steep rock climbs. Hiking shoes with good traction are recommended.

  • 🌞 No Shade: Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat.

  • 🏺 Protected Sites: Never enter or touch the granaries. Enjoy from a respectful distance.

  • 🌩 Weather Watch: Avoid hiking during storms, extreme heat, or icy winter days.

How to Get There

  • From Moab: Drive north on US-191 for 10 miles, then turn left onto UT-313. Follow signs for Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district). After entering the park, drive about 8 miles on the main road and turn left onto Upheaval Dome Road. The Aztec Butte trailhead parking area will be on your right.

  • From Island in the Sky Visitor Center: Drive 6.5 miles south on the main road, turn right onto Upheaval Dome Road, and continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead.

Parking is limited, so arrive early, especially in spring and fall.

Suggested Itinerary – Half Day in Island in the Sky

  • If you’re exploring Aztec Butte, you can easily pair it with other short hikes nearby:

  • Mesa Arch (Sunrise): Begin your day with the iconic arch glowing in morning light.

  • Aztec Butte Trail: Hike mid-morning while temperatures are still cool.

  • Upheaval Dome Overlook: Finish with a short climb to one of the park’s most unique geologic mysteries.

  • This combination gives you a perfect balance of history, scenery, and geological wonder—all within a few miles.

FAQ – Aztec Butte Trail

What is the Aztec Butte Trail?
The Aztec Butte Trail is a 2-mile round-trip hike in Canyonlands National Park that leads to ancestral Puebloan granaries and panoramic mesa-top views.

How long does the hike take?
Most hikers complete the trail in about 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to explore the granaries.

Is the hike suitable for kids?
Yes, but the slickrock climbs and exposed edges require close supervision.

Do I need a permit?
No hiking permit is required, but you’ll need to pay the Canyonlands National Park entrance fee.

When is the best time to hike Aztec Butte?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) provide the best hiking weather. Summer can be dangerously hot.

Can I visit the granaries up close?
You may view and photograph the granaries, but do not touch or enter them. They are fragile archaeological sites.

Nearby Trails and Attractions

  • Whale Rock (3 miles away): Fun slickrock scramble with wide views.

  • Upheaval Dome (1 mile away): A short hike to one of Canyonlands’ great mysteries.

  • Grand View Point (8 miles away): The best overlook in Island in the Sky.