Hike Guide: The Upper Paria

The Upper Paria doesn’t get as much attention as the Lower Paria a little farther south. The Upper Paria (rhymes w/ “Maria”)  is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and is a braided river in a much more wide-open canyon than its lower counterpart which is famous for its… Continue reading

Hayduke Alt: Via Escalante East (Upper Muley/The Gulch)

This is the second/northern option that I present to Hayduke Hikers looking for an alternate to connect the Burr Trail Switchbacks (HDT Section 6 Start) to Escalante. If you haven’t already, read the pros/cons for skipping this part of official Hayduke and get the detail on the southern option here:… Continue reading

Hayduke Alt: Via Escalante East (Choprock/Harris)

Almost all Hayduke Hikers end up in the town of Escalante for a re-supply (or do an inconvenient cache pre-hike.) Getting to this small town from the route usually means a long and sometimes difficult hitch along the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. However, many great canyons in this region provide possible alternates… Continue reading

Hayduke: Navajo and Reese Canyons

Navajo and Reese Canyons are two remote canyons on the Kaiparowits Plateau. Their inclusion in Section 7 of the Hayduke Trail makes the inner portion of a big “W”-looking pattern on the map. At first I thought it might be better just to bypass the seeming circuitous route with its… Continue reading

Hayduke: Happy Maze Alternate

Another alternate to consider for those hiking the Hayduke Trail — an exciting route through The Maze and Happy Canyon. I don’t expect many to opt for this alternate, but it is actually my preferred route for a trek across Utah. Approximate Mileage Comparison: Official Hayduke: 85.7 miles Happy Maze… Continue reading

Hayduke: Heart of the Needles

If doing the official Hayduke Route through Canyonlands (ie no Outpost Resupply or Salt Creek Alternate), I implore you to consider this alternate through the heart of the Needles. I understand the official route is likely the quickest way through the area and could probably be done fast enough to… Continue reading

Hike Guide: Lower Muley Twist

Lower Muley Twist is a spectacular canyon in Capitol Reef just south of where the Burr Trail Road cuts through the mid-section of the park. Supposedly the name originates from pioneers claiming the canyon could “twist a mule” with its many meanders. Lower Muley Twist is known for its amazing… Continue reading

Hamburger Rocks, Capitol Reef

Hamburger Rocks is an interesting unmarked geological formation along the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. It’s an interesting site, but probably not worth the effort as an 11-mile day-hike from the trailhead at The Post. But, if doing a longer over-night trip through Lower Muley Twist, or possibly… Continue reading

Kitchen Canyon Falls & Starlight Narrows

In the western portion of GSENM and about 1 mile up from the Paria River is the seldom-visited Kitchen Canyon Falls and nearby Starlight Canyon Narrows. Getting to this location would be a moderately-long day hike from the Pahreah Townsite (and former Paria Movie Set) location. But, for those backpacking… Continue reading