Hayduke Trail: Section 4

The Hayduke Trail is a remote, rugged and challenging 800 mile backcountry route across Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. The route leads through varied terrain from Arches to Zion. You’ll pass through all five of Utah’s national parks, as well as the Grand Canyon. The Hayduke Trail is only for experienced backpackers. Those lacking in desert hiking experience may quickly find themselves in trouble as the off trail navigation, lack of water, long food carries, general remoteness and harsh weather can pose a daunting challenge. Anyone planning a section or thru hike of the Hayduke Trail should complete adequate research beforehand and consider purchasing the official guidebook and Skurka bundle. The brief description of Section 4 that follows provides an overview, but is not to be solely relied upon to successfully navigate the trail.

Section 4 of the Hayduke Trail begins from the Hite Crossing Bridge that spans the Colorado River. After walking across the bridge you’ll cut cross country to join a dirt road. Follow the road until you reach Rock Canyon, then follow the wash up through the canyon.

The wash makes for easy hiking until it is time to exit the canyon. To exit, you’ll need to negotiate a short class 4 chimney climb. This is one of those areas on the Hayduke Trail that asks a little extra from hikers. The climb is pretty straightforward and doesn’t have much exposure so most people should find it doable. You will likely need some paracord so you can chimney up, then pull your pack up behind you.

Once out of Rock Canyon, you’ll work your way overland across the desolate Red Ledges. Continue until it is time to drop into Fiddler Cove Canyon. A steep descent takes you down into this gorgeous canyon.

Follow Fiddler down until you reach the Dirty Devil River. The Hayduke then follows this river upstream until Poison Spring Canyon. If the river is flowing high, or you wish to avoid the multiple crossings and potential quicksand you may opt for the high water alternate through Hatch Canyon instead.

Once in Poison Spring Canyon you’ll soon hit a 4x4 road and follow it all the way through the canyon and up the wash until you reach Highway 95. This marks the end of Section 4 and is also where most hikers will hitch into the town of Hanksville to resupply.