Moderate, 1.9 mi out and back with spur
371 ft elevation gain
Hiked 12/22/23
A short hike with a couple scrambles leads you to an archaeological site and a tall butte with expansive views of the surrounding countryside. The main trail climbs the small Aztec Butte while a side spur takes you to an ancient (~1,000 year old) granary tucked into an alcove to keep food fresh. Has no relation to Aztec civilization other than name.
Looking out into the vast expanse of buttes and canyons, with intermingling clouds passing through the valleys.
The small pantry built into a crevice near the top of a hillside of earthen rock. From a distance it becomes nearly invisible as it blends in. Each alcove is roughly 2 ft tall and encloses an area maybe 5 ft by 5 ft.
A view towards what appears to be a petrified dome nearby to Aztec Butte, with a canyon lined by steep cliffs seen in the distance.