Round Valley Draw is an amazing slot canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Entering Hackberry Canyon. For more of our favorite hiking trails, connect with Your Hike Guide on Instagram and Facebook! More hikers ahead The creek-bottom rocks are beautiful. While one can continue up Hackberry Canyon to Frank Watson’s old cabin and Sam Pollock Arch, the part described here is the easiest and most scenic of Hackberry Canyon. and small arch. 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 narrows. A technical descent of the to Sam Pollock arch, Hackberry becomes very wide But no hike in the canyon is easy: the terrain is steep, dry and rugged. Several of the geological features that make the Grand Staircase famous are here, including Grosvenor Arch in the north, The Cockscomb, and Yellow Rock in the south. The hike will start here. You will be faced Of the six units of Hovenweep National Monument, the next most visited, after the main Square Tower ruins, are the Horseshoe/Hackberry and Holly sites, all in Colorado, and all dating from around 1300 AD. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes on this website. Hackberry Springs Loop is a 3.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. prominent bench on the right that makes a decent As many as 250 to 350 people may have lived here. a visit. Those without technical gear can hike That’s right. If coming from the south via US-89, head east out of Kanab for 46.2 miles, where you will turn left onto the dirt Cottonwood Canyon Road. nights. on this road (Rushbed Road, also called Forest Tthe lower part of Hackberry Canyon provides an easy day hike, in and out in some hours on the floor of the beautiful canyon. Grosvenor Arch. This is a 4.4 mile out-and-back hike with minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 2-4 hours to complete. Just below the drainage leading enters from the right, and another mile below Approximate hiking time – 2 to 3 hours A short detour trail register. Hackberry Canyon and Yellow Rock are separate hikes, but they are less than a half mile apart so you can easily do both in the same day. Drive 14.4 miles to just past a cattle guard and When ready, return the way you came. The hiking in Hackberry is flat What makes this hike special is the clear, shallow stream that you get to walk through. Winner of the 2012 National Outdoor Book Award for best Outdoor Adventure Guidebook Grand Canyoneering: Exploring the Rugged Gorges and Secret Slots of the Grand Canyon.. Not far Hackberry Canyon: Escaping The Fecal Forest I know that writing this will completely change your perception of our honeymoon adventure but sometimes it doesn’t seem right to not share a complete picture of what outdoor escapades can really be like. junction with Hackberry Canyon (which enters You can also do this as a backpacking trip, hiking from lower to Upper (or vice versa) Hackberry Canyon, but the upper end doesn’t have water for about 9 miles. Turn right into the small loop parking area. Find More Hikes in Escalante + Lake Powell Area for the car park is: UTM 419359mE, 4123741mN. The water is nice and cool, and the temperatures are perfect for a hike through the shallow stream. After turning onto Cottonwood Canyon Road, follow it 14.6 miles until you will see a sign for Lower Hackberry Canyon. formation. Turn left into a small loop parking area. It is in a rugged part of the state, between the Kaiparowits Plateau and the Vermilion Cliffs, where there are few good roads and fewer serious hikers. About 2 miles below For this hike, I recommend wearing lightweight shoes with good traction and water drainage. way between Kodachrome Basin State Park and The hiking in Hackberry Canyon is easy for an out-and-back hike. Overall, Hackberry Canyon is the 5th most popular hiking trail of all 37 hikes in Utah. Company approaches. But while you’re flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. 418626mE, sand will bog you down a little. There is another dirt road that also leads to the Hackberry site but it is much easier just to walk over from the Horseshoe group rather than to deal with yet another dirt road. this narrow and twisty slot. 4131999mN). Travel west on US-89 for 25 miles. up canyon) that leads up and around this Distance – 3.0 miles roundtrip This is a great hike to do especially in the late Spring or early Summer, as you have the shallow stream keeping you cool. The first guidebook dedicated to slot canyons within the Grand Canyon.In this full color book you'll find information on more than 100 canyon adventures--complete with detailed routes, equipment … It is located on the west side of Hackberry Canyon, about 15 feet above the streambed. Elevation in Lower Hackberry Canyon – 4786 feet Hiking map for Lower Hackberry Canyon, located in Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah. side canyon that enters from the right (UTM Illustrated - Canyons of the Escalante, Hiking and Exploring the with Highway 12 at Cannonville, UT) about half Cockscomb. drainages and completed a technical descent of mile long dirt road that connects Highway 89 Stone Donkey Canyon.. Trails Some sites accommodate up to 60-foot RV’s, on a first-come, first-served basis. the left (east) the canyon narrows suddenly, completing a 3 mile (total out-and-back Up to now at least, this walk could have been done barefoot simply by staying in the sandy-bottomed creek. A car shuttle is required to complete this trip. Click picture for larger view, click your browser's 'Back' button to return to this page. During dry summers, the stream may disappear, so … Canyon with several optional side trips. Permits – N/A slot, Hackberry provides some very nice desert During dry summers, the stream may disappear, so keep that in mind when planning for this hike. I switched sun gloves in Esc Pingback: Best Women's Hiking Shoes - Your Hike Guide, Don't forget to pack these essential items! walls dotted with juniper. As the founder of www.yourhikeguide.com, his goal is to educate others on the joys of hiking. with a bit of a down climb to work your way into Difficulty – Easy There is no water for the first 9.5 miles of this hike. drainages of Round Valley Draw and Hackberry Whether you follow the streambed around or cross the streambed and continue west, both options will take to the start of Lower Hackberry Canyon. Just behind this camp an Once on the rim you'll have views east back down Paria Hackberry Traverse 2008 ... but at no time have we ever had such a complex process for getting 9 people started on an canyon backpacking trip. Main Fork Red Breaks Canyon. trailhead for Hackberry Canyon. problems as you proceed, but be aware that the Round Valley Draw-Hackberry Canyon A stunning slot canyon leads to excellent camping and side hikes. below where water first appears there is a Lower Hackberry Canyon is a short, easy canyon hike through clear, ankle-deep water. I would highly recommend wearing water shoes, or just go barefoot. pull off on the left (west) that is the Round Valley Draw Trailhead (37.456001, -111.901099) Located where the road crosses over the creek bed and climbs back up on the south side, it is sometimes possible to drive up the creek even farther, almost to the point where the slot canyon begins—dependent upon the weather and trail conditions. The water and sand are so nice that walking barefoot is rather enjoyable. canyon will require 2x200' foot ropes, and is covered in horse poop). It is up to each individual to know their limits and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. yellow/gray walls and dim lighting make getting As you near the The Upper Paria doesn’t get as much attention as the Lower Paria a little farther south. FYI, the drive from Kodachrome State Park to Lower Hackberry will take about 90 minutes. Round Valley Draw on the south side of Cottonwood Road. becoming quite scenic as it breaks through the You can follow the streambed north (right) and it will begin to curve around to the west after about a quarter of a mile, or you can cross the streambed and continue west, heading toward the mouth of Hackberry Canyon. is often to splash through the creek. and easy, however occasional sections of deep Unfortunately, when Hackberry Creek runs dry, the hike is a hot one has a completely different feel from when it has water. - Michael Kelsey. Luckily, the trailhead sign makes Lower Hackberry Canyon hard to miss. Look for a trail on the right (facing Trail – Sand, water This 20.5-mile, one-way hike begins in the beautiful mile-long slot of Round Valley Draw, then meanders the rest of its length through Hackberry Canyon, one of southern Utah’s finest cottonwood-filled gorges. Adam is currently a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scout of America, and is an Eagle Scout. Two rim-to-rim hikes, one solitude-filled backcountry loop, and two remote backpacking trips make up this bundle of epic hikes into the Big Ditch. The road to Round Valley Draw branches off of The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. to jump over the stream for a while, keeping The author completed the hike with a group Each site boasts a picnic table, water and electric hook-up (20/30-amp), and fire ring/grill. Some hikers choose to continue up the wide canyon another 3 miles to the old cabin of Frank Watson. Trailhead: If coming from the north from Kodachrome State Park, turn left (east) down the dirt Cottonwood Canyon Road and continue for 24.3 miles until you reach the Lower Hackberry Canyon sign. of 3 friends at a leisurely pace in 3 days. The first two miles offered a slot canyon, famous for this area, which meant a … 4128172mN). Lower Hackberry Canyon is a short, easy canyon hike through clear, ankle-deep water. Those with a This is where I would recommend turning around and heading back. the same in Hackberry. good photographs difficult. Further up, the canyon forms a At this point you’ll be completely exposed to the sun if you decide to continue up the canyon. Head south You have two options. obstacle. This trip report will only cover the first 1.5 miles into Lower Hackberry Canyon. Pollock arch looming above the streambed on the 417342mE, for about another 1.5 miles from the right), the canyon begins to widen. Although the trailhead is located right off of the graded Cottonwood Canyon Road, it takes a fair amount of time to arrive at the Lower Hackberry trailhead depending on the road conditions. After taking an abrupt bend to into Hackberry Canyon and west of Cottonwood Butte, though the sandy track isn't terribly distance) detour to Sam Pollock arch. UT drive to between mileposts 17-18 and turn Several of the better hiking trails are nearby Hackberry Canyon including Riggs Springs Loop, Red Canyon, Kodachrome State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Under The Rim Trail and Fairyland Loop. The green foliage really makes the background pop. The canyon narrows. right branching Brigham Plains Road to a short hike. After you’ve reached the turnaround point be sure to take pictures on the way back as well, as the lighting and scenery can change on your return to the trailhead. Archeologists speculate that Hackberry canyon may have had one of the largest populations of all the Hovenweep units because of the constant seepage of water in the canyon. About 500 yards east of the Horseshoe structures is the Hackberry Site. Cottonwood Wash. Cross the wash to arrive at the Aha! The cabin is about 0.6 miles south of Sam Polloch Canyon which comes in from the west. little time on their hands might consider The trailhead for Hackberry Canyon is 14 miles up the Cottonwood Road, north of Highway 89, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. as it heads through the Moenave and Chinle trickling stream that becomes larger the Pets: Permitted, preferably on a leash. Hackberry Springs Loop is just an extension of the Garden Valley Loop. | Home | Warning | Gear | Books | Photography | Hikes | Links | Flora & Fauna | Etiquette | About Me | What's New |, Hackberry Canyon - Grand Staircase Escalante. up from the bottom. There are a few boulder your feet dry, but eventually this game becomes further down canyon you proceed. narrows before you are stopped by a sheer Turn right onto Cottonwood Canyon Road. It started out by crossing a wide, shallow stream and then quickly made its way along (and in) that stream through the Hackberry Canyon lined with budding cottonwood trees and steep sandstone walls contrasting the azure sky. At about the 9.5 mile You’ll walk through some cottonwood and box elder trees as well as dry sand as you make your way to the mouth of the canyon. you to a few dryfalls and a short section of camp site (as long as you can find a spot not There As you leave the parking area, you’ll see a trail register. 1.5 miles will bring you to another prominent The hike up the side canyon to Sam Pollock Arch is more demanding than Hackberry but worth it. Backcountry Video: Hiking Grand Canyon, Prepare for Backpacking. Now a few rocks are present in the stream more effort than it's worth and the best route Prone to flash floods? Adam is an experienced hiker and canyoneer, who has visited some of the most breathtaking and remote places in the United States. You'll be able The more hardcore minded hiker … As you make your way up the the canyon for about 1.5 miles, the canyon will start to widen and head north. Elevation at turnaround point – 4868 feet Hiking can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. enters from the right (UTM described in the link above. As an instructor for Desert and Wilderness Survival, and for Leave No Trace camping practices, he shares his passion and respect for the outdoors to all. I slept well and was back on the road just after 7:00 with the sun rising through the clouds, just over my right shoulder. formations Below Booker Canyon, it's more of Season to hike – Year around It can be a challenging hike up to the arch due to boulders that are strewn along the bottom of the canyon that require a lot of scrambling. Elevation at Trailhead – 4770 feet It is a very long day to incorporate the loop hike. Drive ~2 miles to a parking spot and detour up Booker Canyon about a mile will bring Although every attempt has been made to verify the accuracy of any trail information, it is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. A 2-3 day one-way backpacking trip following the A 2-3 day one-way backpacking trip following the drainages of Round Valley Draw and Hackberry Canyon with several optional side trips. Warm sunny days with cool to chilly nights are typical, but we must be prepared for brief spring storms that occasionally water the high desert. The best section of Lower Hackberry Canyon is the Narrows, which lasts for about 1.5 miles. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. Paria River One can continue up Sam Polloch Canyon for 1.6 miles and see Sam Polloch Arch. Print for free, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument, Red Cliffs Recreation Area – Red Reef Trail, Best Women's Hiking Shoes - Your Hike Guide. or the other which make for easier walking. up this canyon will bring you to a spring, pool tight and scenic slot canyon that is well worth This is the section most people will hike. One could even do an extended hike linking the Upper Paria area via several possible loops. encounter a pour off at the top of the Kayenta Continuing down Hackberry another Warm and sunny with chilly This is a great hike to do especially in the late Spring or early Summer, as you have the shallow stream keeping you cool. Late April or mid May are great times to hike Hackberry Canyon. the junction with Hackberry, Death Valley Draw right. Carol, a retired dentist from East TN, was the newest crew member, and he had come out to his condo near Utah's Powder Mountain to adjust to the altitude more than a week before the trip. that, Booker Canyon enters from the left. Amount of water recommended – 3 liters To get north on the well graded, dirt Cottonwood Road. Though the slot is probably best done as a day hike, it is possible to make it through with a big pack and continue on a longer hike down Hackberry Canyon. appears under foot and soon you reach the The trail leads from the Horseshoe House over a small rise to the Hackberry site roughly 500 yards, or just over 1/4 mile, away. This is a 4.4 mile out-and-back hike with minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 2-4 hours to complete. - look for hikers trail on one side of the bank rocky wash. After about a mile, a sandstone shelf there, walk up this side canyon until you Cottonwood Road (note: Cottonwood Road is the 46 Disclaimer: The information that we give on any hiking trail is for informational purposes only. The Hackberry Canyon hike is well suited to those backpackers who enjoy remote areas with lots of solitude. Stone Donkey Canyon From the car park, begin walking down the wide *See the Google Map for this hike at the end of this post. spotted earlier.. Look for the sign for  Hackberry Canyon Trailhead and the car you Road #422). Continue up canyon to locate Sam Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Car Spot: My favorite is the Keen Class 5 Tech shoe, and my wife wears Keen Newport H2 Sandals. This is a hike that can be completed in just a couple of hours and can be combined with Yellow Rock, Cottonwood Canyon Narrows, or Grosvenor Arch. If you’re looking for a central spot in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Hackberry Campground is the place to be. Just beyond, you'll arrive at From Highway 89 between Page, AZ and Kanab, Once in the bottom, Hackberry Canyon and a little-known section of the upper Paria River are within this wild and magnificent area. – Yes, can be prone to flash floods. A From the trailhead follow First Water Trail to the first intersection then head north on Second Water (also called Garden Valley) for around a mile. pour-off. point, the sand becomes damp and soon forms a One of the most scenic parts of Hackberry Canyon. The trailhead starts at the First Water Trailhead just past Lost Dutchman State Park on SR88. If coming from Page, Arizona, set your odometer to 0 after crossing the Glen Canyon Dam. This charming hike up a narrow slot canyon is reminiscent of many of the slot canyons that make Southern Utah famous for its slot canyon hiking. It’s common to get into a flow while hiking — one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. A Grand Canyon hike can be one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime. scenery featuring tall yellow Navajo sandstone Hackberry Canyon is a kid-friendly hike, an easy stroll through a beautiful canyon carved into Navajo Sandstone. Day 17: Hackberry Canyon - 33.80 Miles - From S7/70.5/Dog Flat To S8/22.1/Hackberry - It went back to being chilly last night, probably in the 40s. The gps point is deep, narrow and sculpted, but the Hiking through the shallow, clear stream makes the hike even better. The canyon Hackberry Canyon Complex Set in the far southern portion of the Grand Staircase lies the Hackberry Canyon Complex. watercourse can change with every flood. Lower Hackberry Canyon Trail is a 11.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kanab, Utah that features a river and is rated as difficult. simply head down canyon. old stock trail leads up and out to the rim. From the trail register, head west down a small sandy trail to the streambed. Hiking info for Lower Hackberry Canyon, located in Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah. ... Lower Hackberry Canyon car-park is south about 1 mile via the C. wash or access road. Proceeding down Hackberry Canyon is no water for the first 9.5 miles of this A great place to be on Earth Day. A waterfall. Though not a In all likelihood, there is a picture of this place on your computer’s … For upcoming hiking and survival posts, follow the Your Hike Guide Facebook page! Hackberry Group. interesting otherwise. Along the way we explored many of the side This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment. Bathrooms – None The trail description is given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while visiting the hiking trail. beginning of the slot canyon.