Hayduke Trail: Colorado City Alternate

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 that follows provides an overview, but is not to be solely relied upon to successfully navigate the trail.

The Colorado City Alternate is about the same length as the official route and is used to put Colorado City on the map for an easy resupply. It also passes through some beautiful terrain within the Canaan Mountain Wilderness.

The alternate route begins at Highway 389. From here you’ll walk the busy highway (or perhaps hitch) into Colorado City. Turn Right onto South Central Street and continue walking through town (Bee’s Supermarket has all you need for lunch and resupply).

Continue northward eventually crossing over the state line into Utah and the town of Hilldale. Follow the Canyon Road as it turns to dirt/sand and then hop over into the Short Creek Wash. There is a small section of land here signed as private property - use your best judgement to get around this.

You’ll continue following Short Creek upstream. There is a sandy ATV track alongside the creek. The route turns left and follows Squirrel Creek upstream. Continue heading up canyon. The trail steepens. As you top out you’ll have great views of the beautiful sandstone rock formations here including the Beehive.

You’ll then follow sandy 4x4 roads for much of the rest of the route. The very end of the route cuts cross country and rejoins BLM 18 and the official Hayduke just before the Barracks where it drops down into the East Fork Virgin River.