Hayduke Trail: Section 5

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

Section 5 of the Hayduke Trail is a diverse segment that begins from Highway 95. You’ll follow dirt roads and begin climbing toward the Henry Mountains. The trail ascends well over 6,000 feet from highway to the south summit of Mount Ellen, where it then follows the south summit ridge and descends.

If snowpack is deep, there is an alternate route that stays lower (topping out around 9,000’) and follows dirt roads to Pennellen Pass, then down until rejoining the official Hayduke route.

You’ll then walk across Tarantula Mesa, before descending very steeply off the mesa and into a Muley Canyon drainage. The route then travels overland through the unique terrain before eventually dropping down into Swap Canyon.

You’ll follow Swap Canyon, past a likely reliable small spring or two, all the way into Capitol Reef National Park.

A sign marks the boundary of the national park. Continue onward until meeting a well traveled dirt/gravel road. Continue along the road and up the Burr Trail Switchbacks. This impressive series of switchbacks leads to an incredible viewpoint where you can look back to the Henry Mountains you just crossed over. You’re also likely to run into a few people around this area.

Section 5 ends at the top of the Burr Trail Switchbacks before you drop into Lower Muley Twist Canyon and begin Section 6.