For the last section of our Hayduke hike we headed north from the Utah Arizona border to Zion National Park. Typically for us, we deviated from the actual Hayduke route to instead cross an area to the west called Caanan Mountain. Although to be fair to us, the final route used by the Hayduke in Zion NP (Weeping Wall) is currently closed due to rockfall so variants are pretty valid.
We hiked north through the streets of the town of Hildale from the Utah-Arizona state line into Caanan Mountain, the high ground in the background We soon left the town for a steep ascent up Water CanyonInto higher ground over beautiful cross-bedded sandstone The scenery just got better and better – Zion National Park in the background Colourful campsite on flat ‘slickrock’We hiked up to the high rim of Water Canyon to see its archLooking back down Water CanyonSome great hiking on the rock slabsWe can’t afford to be choosy when it comes to water! We carried this with us but thankfully later found a better supply Amidst surreal black iron accretions sitting on top of the cream coloured sandstone At ‘The Notch’ on the cliff tops looking south across the ‘Arizona Strip’ and back to the edge of the Grand Canyon This is an old winch or ‘Windlass’ used to lower timber down the 1000ft cliff to the plains below2nd night camp with grand views to Zion National ParkMorning hiking with Indian paintbrush Looking towards Zion before descending down an old stock trailSlow going on this route with energy sapping sand, cross country and here, on an old ‘stock trail’, rubbly descents…desert now in full bloom……bloom…Back into town to pick up a rental car!
Many thanks for all the help we have received with planning and logistics for this hike from Charlie Neumann, Joe Mitchell, Li Brannfors, Monica Stapleton and Jamal Green; and for support, inspiration and shared enthusiasm from fellow Hayduke hikers Heather K, Nathan K, Mike Tyler, Ryan, Peter, Race, Not Guilty, Sprinkler and ‘Butcha; also the numerous wonderfully generous Americans (and two Danes) who gave us lifts in their cars to town and those we met who gave us fruit, water and kind words of encouragement!
A wee walk 