Hayduke Trail: Section 11

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

Section 11 of the Hayduke Trail begins from the Nankoweap Trailhead and follows the Nankoweap Trail all the way to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, some 5,000+ feet below. According to the NPS, the Nankoweap Trail is the most difficult trail in the park. There is some exposure, and the trail is narrow and loose in areas, but Hayduke thru-hikers should have no difficultly getting down.

Note that you’ll need an overnight permit, secured well in advance, to camp within Grand Canyon National Park. Keep in mind that the bottom of the canyon is hot, and difficult hiking.

Once you’ve lost most of the elevation required, the trail follows Nankoweap Creek to the Colorado River. Be sure to take the side trip up to the Nankoweap Granaries while you are here!

The next stretch of the Hayduke parallels the Colorado River. You will likely find some game trails that will make hiking easier, but there is no official trail here and you are bushwhacking your way along.

Continue until just before the Little Colorado River. You’ll need to hitch a ride across the Colorado in a passing raft (swimming is far too dangerous due to strong currents and cold water). Once you’ve flagged down a boater and ridden across, you’ll need to ford the Little Colorado River. During spring runoff this may be difficult.

The Hayduke then follows the Beamer Trail, high above the river at times with exposure. The trail is easy to follow and offers a solid tread.

You’ll follow the Beamer Trail until it turns into the Escalante Route. You’ll find some very nice trail along this stretch, until you come to the crux of the Escalante Route that requires a scramble up some slabs, followed by a steep and loose talus/scree descent to the Colorado.

You’ll then follow the Tonto Trail, possibly running into a few backpackers along this stretch, until reaching Horseshoe Mesa. This marks the end of Section 11. You can take the Grandview Trail up to the South Rim if needed, or continue on the Tonto Trail and begin section 12.