Exploring the Remote Narrows of Capitol Reef - Hayduke Trail Thru Hike 6

Entering the remote corners of Capitol Reef National Park while on our 800 mile thru hike of the Hayduke Trail! This section is known for it's winding narrow canyons and incredible geology along the Waterpocket Fold. A ripple in the earths crust where the rock juts high out of the ground a thousand feet up in one long 100 mile ridge traveling north and south through the park.

Hayduke Trail Gear List:
Shorts - http://tinyurl.com/ykdx7fwe
Hat - http://tinyurl.com/5bwua2cy
Shirt - https://amzn.to/4a9cRaU
Shoes - https://amzn.to/3wvKKnm
Watch - https://amzn.to/3mz7ePp

Backpack - http://tinyurl.com/ykhnu4fh
Pack Liner - http://tinyurl.com/2p8uvn7w
Quilt - https://tinyurl.com/yc2h5d54
Shelter - https://tinyurl.com/mv9f66r2
Foam Pad - http://tinyurl.com/3wn5zuh2
Ground Sheet - http://tinyurl.com/3yxhhbbn
Stakes - https://amzn.to/3TXTMTF

Rain Jacket - http://tinyurl.com/bdadk452
Fleece - http://tinyurl.com/4hxdpden
Beanie - http://tinyurl.com/3ynkyca3
Wind Pants - https://tinyurl.com/mtdxxztb
Socks - https://amzn.to/3DDlk73
Sunglasses - https://tinyurl.com/mrx785s6

Water Bladder - https://amzn.to/3V5zskj (Carrying 6L)
Water Filter - https://amzn.to/3UQXI9t
Spoon - https://amzn.to/3cA3mVG

Flashlight - http://tinyurl.com/5n6jkrmd
Battery - Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mah 60w
Charger - Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2-port
Camera - https://amzn.to/3wjb6sG
Lens - https://amzn.to/3IRQV8q
Microphone - https://amzn.to/4cBW6GY
Camera Clip - https://amzn.to/4cvIgpT
Watch Charger - https://amzn.to/3PJ5zm3

Bidet - https://tinyurl.com/5hav84xd
Toothbrush - https://amzn.to/3tkN4GY
Knife - https://amzn.to/3r3psb7
Trowel - https://amzn.to/3u6VIMr
Blister Tape - https://amzn.to/3qZ55f9
Chaffe Cream - https://amzn.to/3bNorNu
Wallet - http://tinyurl.com/3bbsup83

The Hayduke Trail enters Capitol Reef near the Burr Trail Switchbacks, a harrowing dirt road which crosses the park. We had a cache of food and water here which we picked up before moving along. Our food cache here isn't the most important, but as always it makes our lives easier. A shorter water carry, and three days less food in our packs leaving the last town. I think of all our caches this is maybe one of the least important, though still pretty great!

We begin hiking through the lower Muley Twist Canyon, said to be so tight and winding, that it could twist a mule. It's an incredible little section, through a beautiful canyon for what feels like 20 miles. Massive towering walls of Navajo Sandstone, rocks that are patterned and striped like a zebra. Natural rock arches, sections that feel like we are in a slot canyon, and water was pretty good. This area is prone to flash floods given how narrow the rock is, but fortunately the rain has mostly subsided from the past few days.

Leaving the muley twist, we get our first real views of the Waterpocket Fold which defines Capitol Reef. A ridgeline of rock coming out of the ground at a 45 degree angle rising a few thousand feet into the sky. Traveling north or south this ridge runs for about 100 miles in total, and only a couple roads have been made that cross it from east to west. It's a beautiful view, and an extremely unique geologic feature.

We hike through an open valley along the fold, getting water from the Muley Tanks, and setup camp just before entering the narrows. This is the beginning of Stevens Canyon, and the Baker Route. Starting with an extremely narrow slot canyon which from the past few days rains would have been entirely flooded out just 12 hours prior to us arriving. The canyon was still relatively wet, at times having us wade through up to our hips silty water we cannot see the bottom of. We were prepared to swim small sections if need be, or to hold our packs above our head if need be to get through. Instead we got lucky, and it was just an incredibly fun experience all around!

Flash floods are extremely common on EVERY section of the Hayduke Trail, and weather forecasts should be taken very seriously. Hikers get swept away and seriously injured every single year when that can almost always be avoided. Camp in high locations above canyons and washes. Don't go into narrow canyons when rain is forecasted. Check the weather as often as you can, and be safe!

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