Hayduke Trail: Section 14

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

Section 14 is the final section of the Hayduke Trail and begins at Mount Trumbull Road. From here you’ll walk across the desolate Arizona Strip. There is little shade or water, but the hiking is easy as you follow dirt roads generally northward.

You’ll eventually come out to Highway 389. From here you can hitch (or begin walking the alternate route) into Colorado City for resupply. The Hayduke continues following backroads all the way to the Barracks where the route drops into the East Fork Virgin River.

Continue downstream, crossing and wading in the river countless times. If water levels are high this route may be impassable. Also be sure to check the weather beforehand, as the flash flood potential is high here.

There is one main obstacle to be encountered, a 15 foot waterfall. At first it may appear to be impassible, but back up and look to your left to find a route that goes around. The route is a bit tricky and requires lowering yourself and packs down through a rabbit hole but is much better than trying to somehow downclimb the waterfall.

After the Fat Man’s Misery side canyon joins you’ll look for the steep exit out of the river. Alternatively, one may wish to continue downstream on the Lower Barracks Alternate to enjoy some more time in the Virgin River and to have an easier and more obvious climb out of the canyon.

Once out of the East Virgin you’ll continue overland into Zion National Park and toward Checkerboard Mesa. You should be able to find a cairned route that features signs of moderate use. The route continues to Highway 9.

From here the Hayduke follows the East Rim Trail all the way to Weeping Rock and the end of the route. Unfortunately, the trail is indefinitely closed just before Weeping Rock due to rockfall. You can continue hiking if you wish, but you will need to return to Highway 9. One can still access Weeping Rock but only from the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive via shuttle bus and a .2 mile walk. It’s definitely not the ideal ending to such a magnificent backcountry route, but it is what it is.