Hayduke Trail 1... Our trip started with a leisurely but superb 3 day hike through Arches National Park. We followed a longer and more interesting line than the actual Hayduke Trail, with lots of slick rock and of course arches! Distant views to the snowy La Sal mountains were beautiful. After crossing the Colorado river we hiked a few miles into the town of Moab to paddle down the Colorado river for about 65 miles into Canyonlands National Park. We arranged for the rental company (Tag-a-Long Expeditions) to collect the kayaks from a place called 'Spanish Bottom' so that we could then continue hiking westward. It all worked out surprisingly well and we had a relatively relaxing few days enjoying the scenery, floating down the river framed by red cliffs!
We had planned an interesting route west from there through little travelled land. It sounded intriguing though, how could we resist: Up from Spanish Bottom to the Dolls House, through the Maze in Ernies Country to the Golden Stairs. From there up Flint trail and descend into Happy Canyon, then across the Dirty Devil river to Poison Spring Canyon and out to the road near the town of Hanksville. Check out our blog and 5 minute video too!
1 To Hanksville....2 To Escalante....3 To Arizona....4 Grand Canyon-Zion