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Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

The Butler Wash Ruins are only a 20 minute drive West of Blanding, UT and is only 1 mile RT, so it makes for a great “get-out-and-stretch-your-legs” hike.

About

This is more of a walk, rather than a hike. It is a popular archeological site, and viewing these ruins from the overlook can often be crowded. It’s a great place for kids and dogs to get out and walk as well, but keep in mind the day time temperatures are often hot and can easily burn paws. Carry at least 1 water bottle with you here. The best time of day for photos are morning to mid-day so that the light shines on the ruins.

The Butler Wash Ruins are cliff dwellings that were built by the Ancestral Puebloans (aka Anasazi) around 1200 AD. Part of this site have been stabilized and reconstructed but most of it remains as it was found in the early 1800s. There are four kivas total, and the canyon is located on the East side of Comb Ridge. The best seasons for visiting the ruins and hiking in this area are Fall and Spring.

Directions

If driving from Blanding, UT use this map.

You’ll see the large brown sign and a dirt parking lot right before it. This is NOT the area you want – drive past this brown sign about 0.2 miles and you’ll see the paved driveway leading West (right). Take this to reach the actual TH.

Trail Info

Distance: 1 mile RT

Elevation gain: flat, 102 ft

Time: 30 min – 1 hour

Dog friendly? Yes, on leash

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

 

The parking lot is huge – probably 50 cars could fit here.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

The start of the trail has an info panel and a trail register.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

Julie and Little Charlie sign us in. A lot of people had been recently.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

The trail is very easy to follow. Half of it is dirt, the other half is slick rock.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

Old, burnt trees.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar MesaFollow the rock paths and cairns.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

Beautiful evening with leftover rain puddles.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

You’ll reach a fenced overlook, and you should arrive quickly. Plan to carry binoculars so you can see closer.

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

Amazing – what a place to live!

Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

This was a fun stop to stretch our legs!

 

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Gear

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Hiking to the Butler Wash Ruins, Cedar Mesa

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