Hayduke Trail: Section 8

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

Section 8 of the Hayduke Trail begins at the trailhead for Round Valley Draw, where you’ll find a trail register. Follow the wash down until you come to the entrance of the Round Valley Draw Narrows. The official route follows the narrows down but requires two drops. The first drop is about 7 feet and should be easy for most (although make sure you can get back up!), the second drop is closer to 20 feet and will give most people pause. It is doable, but many may choose to scramble back up the first drop and take the alternate route around.

To take the alternate, stay on the right side of the slot and follow the obvious footpath until it begins to fade just before a side canyon. Follow the side canyon, a bit of easy scrambling required, as it drops into Round Valley Draw. Once in, you can then hike back up to see the stunning narrows you missed.

Continue down as Round Valley officially turns into Hackberry Canyon. The scenery continues to be amazing throughout this canyon, and a small stream should appear at some point providing good water.

You’ll follow Hackberry all the way down to Cottonwood Creek, then follow Cottonwood until reaching the Paria River.

The next leg follows the Paria River upstream. The flow of the river can vary, but the wide banks provide for mostly straightforward hiking.

Continue until Sheep Creek, which you’ll follow past Bull Valley Gorge (a popular, but more difficult alternate) to Willis Creek. The trail passes through the beautiful Willis Creek Narrows before coming out to a trailhead and Skutumpah Road. This marks the end of this section. Tropic can be accessed from this road.