About
Length (round trip)2 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain225 ft up
Typical time1 hr
TrailheadAztec Butte parking area, Island in the Sky
SurfaceSand then steep slickrock
Best seasonSpring and autumn. Summer highs exceed 100F with no shade and no water on any trail.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🏛️ Historic site

Indigenous people once stored foods and medicines in rock structures, called granaries, built into alcoves here. Despite the current name, they were not part of the Aztec civilization. Do not touch or enter the extremely fragile ancient structures. Roundtrip Distance : 1.4 mi (2.3 km) Time : 1.5 hrs Elevation Change : 222 ft (68 m) Difficulty : Moderate - Mesa Top Hike Description : The trail follows a sandy wash, then splits. The eastern fork to your right ascends Aztec Butte for spectacular views. The western fork on the left climbs the smaller butte then drops below the rim to two granaries. Both trails require scrambling up slickrock and ledges. Entering, touching, or climbing on archeological sites is strictly prohibited. View structures from a distance to protect fragile walls. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Tips
The granaries are over 700 years old - look, photograph, but do not enter or touch them. The slickrock section is steep enough to feel exposed.
Location

Aztec Butte parking area, Island in the Sky

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