Hayduke Trail Resupply: A Complete Guide

Moab, Utah

• Westbound mile: 25.1 mi / 40.4 km
• Eastbound mile: 780.6 mi / 1,256.3 km
• Next stop (westbound): 65.4 mi / 105.25 km
• Next stop (eastbound): N/A
• Map

Moab, Utah, is the largest city along the Hayduke Trail and is the first stop for most Hayduke hikers. It’s a great place to use as a base before beginning the trail and a great first stop after hiking through Arches National Park.

The Hayduke goes right through the middle of Moab; the way in/out of the city constitutes the longest paved road walk of the entire route. You can walk the entire city and there are several hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and other services available.

Moab has everything you could ever want in a trail town. Except for wind pants. I could not find wind pants at any of the outfitters.

Note: I wanted to store some gear and supplies somewhere for the first couple of days and none of the outfitters would let me. Ultimately, my hotel – Radcliffe Moab – was very helpful and accommodating. They also allowed me to ship packages there to be held for my arrival.

Needles Outpost, Utah

• Westbound mile: 90.5 mi / 145.7 km
• Eastbound mile: 714.5 mi / 1,149.9 km
• Next stop (westbound): 111.5 mi / 179.4 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 65.4 mi / 105.3 km
• Via: ~4.3 mi / 6.9 km one-way hike
• Map

Needles Outpost – located outside the National Park boundary – is a campground with a small store. It has tent sites, RV sites, and a couple of tipis for rent – available on Airbnb and Hipcamp.

The owners are well aware of Hayduke hikers and they’ll always make space for Haydukers – even when the campground is officially full.

They have internet, places to charge electronics, flushing toilets, hot showers (paid), and a small store you could resupply from if you’re not picky. However, I suggest mailing a box to Needles Outpost (or dropping one off ahead of time). You’ll likely want to do this before you begin the Hayduke.

You can mail a resupply box to Needles Outpost (or drop one off beforehand). Ship boxes via UPS or FedEx Express. FedEx Ground takes at least two weeks to arrive. Do not ship USPS. The Needles Outpost shipping address is:

Needles Outpost
c/o (your name)
US Hwy 211
Monticello, Utah 84535

Hiking westbound, the quickest route to Needles Outpost from the official Hayduke requires you to hike ~4.3 mi / 6.9 km off the route from mile ~84.21 (135.52 km). However, it’s easy (suggested, even), to pick back up the Hayduke via an alternate through Canyonlands National Park.

Leaving Needles Outpost, I suggest hiking the Peekaboo Trail to the Joint Trail and then picking back up the official route at Butler Wash. However, that’s just one of many options hikers leaving Needles Outpost have.

Note: If for some reason you would like to ship something from Needles Outpost, you can bring a prepaid UPS label and schedule a UPS pick-up. I did this to ship my packraft ahead.

Hanksville, Utah

• Westbound mile: 191.3 mi / 307.9 km
• Eastbound mile: 614.4 mi / 988.8 km
• Next stop (westbound): 121.8 mi / 196 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 111.5 mi / 179.4 km
• Via: Highway 94 hitch
• Map

Hanksville is reached via Highway 95 (map); the Hayduke crosses this highway at mile 191.3 (307.9 km).

It’s approximately 17 mi / 27 km north on the road to Hanksville from where the Hayduke crosses. The road sees a decent amount of traffic and you (hopefully) won’t have to wait too long for a ride.

Lodging

I stayed at the Whispering Sands Motel (map) which is somewhat central. It’s a basic motel that did the job. The TVs had Netflix, so that was a plus.

The only other option for lodging appears to be cabins provided by the Muddy Creek Mining Company (map). These were being built while I was in town.

Resupply

You have a few options for purchasing resupply locally in Hanksville – two gas stations and one grocery store. The grocery store is at the west end of town (not too long of a walk), and has the best selection of the three stops.

• Bull Mountain Market: Best selection in town. A little expensive. Small hardware shop. Also may have gas canisters (be sure they work with your stove – the lip on the gas can was too high to work with my Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 (map)

• Hollow Mountain: A gas station with a convenience store built into the side of the rock. An okay selection of snacks, drinks, and novelty items. Probably the worst resupply selection of the three options but may have some things the other two do not (map)

• Silver Eagle: A gas station with a larger convenience store and some pre-made items such as gas station sushi. They sometimes have gas canisters (but they were sold out when I was there). They also sell beer, gas station souvenirs, and guns (yes, guns). Stan’s Burger Shack is connected to the gas station (map)

• Post Office: There is a post office in Hanksville where you can send yourself packages. Check their hours and address here (map)

Food

Your options for eating out in Hanksville are limited. That said, it’s still not the worst selection of restaurants I’ve seen in a trail town.

• Duke’s Slickrock Grill: I ate multiple meals here. The staff was friendly and they have at least one table with an outlet accessible (map)

• Stan’s Burger Shak: A fast-food restaurant attached to the Silver Eagle gas station. They sell burgers, shakes, and sides. I may have gotten ill after eating here, but I can’t be certain of what it was (map)

• Outlaw’s Roost: A Mexican restaurant that’s closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. I didn’t get to eat here as they were closed the entire time I was in town (map)

There also appeared to be a to-go pizza counter in Bull Valley Market but I’m unsure whether it was/is still in operation.

Outfitters

There are no outfitters in Hanksville, but Bull Valley Market has a small hardware section. The gas stations also sell a variety of random odds and ends that could potentially be useful. That said, nothing that at all resembles the selection of an outfitter.

Escalante, Utah

• Westbound mile: 313.1 mi / 503.9 km
• Eastbound mile: 492.6 mi / 792.8 km
• Next stop (westbound): 76.4 mi / 123 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 121.8 mi / 196 km
• Via: 40 mi / 64 km hitch from Hurricane Wash Trailhead (map) on Hole-in-the-Rock Road
• Map

Escalante, Utah is an awesome town with hotels, outfitters, a grocery store, restaurants, and a post office.

It’s approximately 40 mi / 64 km from where the Hayduke crosses Hole-in-the-Rock Road at Hurricane Wash Trailhead. The first 34 mi / 55 km of the road is unpaved and can be a bit bumpy. There should be traffic on the road but don’t expect a parade of cars. I waited over an hour in a brutal sandblasting windstorm for the first one (which gave me a ride). You can probably expect more traffic on weekends as the only thing down Hole-in-the-Rock Road is trailheads.

Lodging

• Prospector Inn: This is where I stayed. Affordable room with basic and acceptable amenities. I would stay here again (map)

• Escalante Outfitters: You’ll probably hang out here a fair bit while in town. The outfitter has cabins for rent in addition to a gear shop, restaurant, liquor store, and coffee shop. There’s also a laundromat here. (map)

• Escalante Cabins & RV Park: I did not stay here, but this place has tent sites for $30/night for two people. Each additional person at the site is $5. The RV park also has a laundromat (map)

Resupply

• Escalante Mercantile: A small natural foods grocery store with a decent selection of fresh food and snacks. It is more expensive than the other grocery store to the east (map)

• Griffin Grocery: This is a small grocery store that has everything you need to resupply. You won’t find a huge selection here, but it’s decent. Between the outfitters, the natural foods store, and this place, you will be able to put together a decent resupply. (map)

• You can find dehydrated meals and more outdoor-orientated food (bars, gels, etc.) at the outfitters.

• Post Office: There is a post office in Escalante where you can send yourself packages. Check their hours and address here (map)

Food

• Esca-latte Restaurant: This restaurant and cafe is located inside Escalante Outfitters. They have coffee, beer, baked goods, sandwiches, and pizza. If you’re staying at the Prospector Inn, stopping in here for a pizza to bring back to the room is probably not a bad idea (map)

There are several other restaurants in Escalante. Too many to list here, but there are a couple just a short walk west from the Prospector Inn/Escalante Outfitters.

Outfitters

• Escalante Outfitters: You’ll probably hang out here a fair bit while in town. The outfitter has cabins for rent in addition to a gear shop, restaurant, liquor store, and coffee shop. They also offer camping. There’s also a laundromat here. Check out their website here (map)

• Utah Canyon Outdoors: A nice little gear shop that’s literally across the street from Escalante Outfitters. They’ve got a small coffee shop and friendly staff. Worth at least walking over and saying hello. You can check out their website here (map)

Cottonwood Canyon Road

• Westbound mile: 389.5 mi / 626.9 km
• Eastbound mile: 416.2 mi / 669.8 km
• Next stop (westbound): 23.4 mi / 37.7 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 76.4 mi / 123 km
• Via: On-trail
• Map

• Westbound mile: 412.9 mi / 664.6 km
• Eastbound mile: 392.7 mi / 632 km
• Next stop (westbound): 26.5 mi / 42.6 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 23.4 mi / 37.7 km
• Via: On-trail
• Map

The trail crosses Cottonwood Canyon Road a couple of times (noted above). It is possible to hitch either north to Tropic, Utah, or south to Kanab, Utah from here.

I didn’t hitch to either of these places from Cottonwood Canyon Road, but it’s worth knowing that it’s an option in case you end up running low on food or you need to get to town for some reason.

This is also where Grosnover Arch (map) is located. There is a pit toilet, trash can, and parking lot here.

Tropic, Utah

• Westbound mile: 439.4 mi / 707.1 km
• Eastbound mile: 366.3 mi / 589.5 km
• Next stop (westbound): 51.1 mi / 82.2 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 26.5 mi / 42.6 km
• Via: Willis Creek Slot Canyon Trailhead (map) hitch
• Map

Lodging

• Red Ledges Inn: This is where I stayed in town and where I recommend you stay if you’re looking for a place. It was the least expensive option and also quite nice. They had smart TVs and decent internet. We got on the employee internet (password was 4356798811) which I would recommend you also try. (map)

• Bryce Pioneer Village – Bryce Canyon Hotels: This is a hotel with rooms, a restaurant, and camping. Campsites are $30 and allow two people per site. (map)

• There are several other places to stay in town including some nice-looking cabins. I can’t speak to the quality or amenities of any, but I’m sure if you’ve made it this far

Resupply

• Clark’s Country Market: This is a small grocery store. It doesn’t have an amazing selection, but it’s okay. Similar to the grocery store in Escalante, Utah (map)

• Stage Stop Station: This is a large convenience store located at the Sinclair gas station. You can find things like Clif bars here – I don’t remember there being any at the grocery store (map)

• Post Office: There is a post office in Tropic where you can send yourself packages. Check their hours and address here (map)

Food

• Pizza Place: This place has pizza, salads, and sides. I ate here multiple times in Tropic. You can take food to go or dine in (map)

• Rustler’s Restaurant: This place is good for breakfast. It’s in the same building as the grocery store (map)

• Showdowns: This restaurant is at the Bryce Pioneer Village at the south end of town. There’s live music here in the evenings. I ate here once and it was alright. If you have a group, this might be a more fun place to go get a meal if you don’t just want pizza in the hotel room (map)

Outfitters

• There is no outfitter in Tropic, Utah despite its proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park. However, there is a hardware store, True Value (map) that has a small selection of items that may be useful. For example, I found iodine tablets there to use when my water filter broke (after I threw it down Round Valley Draw).

There’s also a laundromat in town, Wash & Dry (map), with washers, dryers, and a change machine. I don’t remember there being an ATM.

Highway 89/House Rock Valley Road

• Westbound mile: 504.4 mi / 811.7 km
• Eastbound mile: 301.2 mi / 484.7 km
• Next stop (westbound): 28.4 mi / 45.7 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 13.9 mi / 22.4 km
• Via: On-trail
• Map

I did not hitch anywhere from House Rock Valley Road, but you can hitch to Kanab, Utah from here.

The Hayduke crosses Highway 89 north of House Rock Valley Road (where you can also hitch but where catching. a ride may be more difficult) before it continues south through Upper Buckskin Gulch and out to Wire Pass Trailhead at House Rock Valley Road.

However, I did manage to get some water from cars at Wire Pass Trailhead and Stateline Campground (just south of Wire Pass Trailhead).

Kanab, Utah

Kanab is uniquely situated on the Hayduke Trail as it can be accessed multiple times.

There are multiple places where Hayduke hikers can hitch into Kanab including from Cottonwood Canyon Road, Highway 89, and House Rock Valley Road. You could also get there from Jacob Lake or where you cross Highway 89 before hitting Colorado City as well.

Lodging

There are several hotels in Kanab, from inexpensive to expensive. If you’re looking for somewhere cheap, try the Redrock Country Inn (map) or the Rodeway Inn (map). If you’re looking for something more expensive, I don’t think you’ll have trouble finding somewhere.

Resupply

• Glazier’s Market: This is a small supermarket where you could easily resupply. They also sell beer (map)

• Honey’s Marketplace: This is a supermarket, larger than Glazier’s, and it has everything you need for a resupply. They do not sell beer (map)

• Post Office: There is a post office in Kanab where you can send yourself packages. Check their hours and address here (map)

Outfitter

• Willow Canyon Outdoor: This is a small outfitter with a coffee shop inside. They also sell backpacking foods and gas cans (map)

Jacob Lake, Arizona

• Westbound mile: 532.8 mi / 857.4 km
• Eastbound mile: 272.8 mi / 439 km
• Next stop (westbound): 112.6 mi / 181.2 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 28.4 mi / 45.7 km
• Via: 2.3 mi / 3.7 km one-way hike
• Map

Jacob Lake, Arizona is essentially a gas station and a hotel. The hotel, Jacob Lake Inn (map), has a restaurant, and a small store with snacks, alcohol (you’re no longer in Utah), and other drinks. You could resupply here if you aren’t picky. They also have a bakery and sell cookies.

There are publically-accessible restrooms inside if you make a left immediately after the check-in desk on the left.

It’s dubious as to whether they accept packages. I called to check if it was okay to send a box. I sent a box and when I picked it up they told me they were going to charge me $20 if I wasn’t staying there. Perhaps it’s safe to say that packages are $20 for hikers or free for guests. I would call to confirm regardless. Their number is +1 928 643 7232

There’s also Kaibab Camper Village (map) just southwest of Jacob Lake Inn. I haven’t been there, but I hear they accept resupply packages and they have paid camping available. Check out their website here.

Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

• Westbound mile: 645.4 mi / 1038.7 km
• Eastbound mile: 160.2 mi / 257.8 km
• Next stop (westbound): 126 mi / 202.8 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 112.6 mi / 181.2 km
• Via: 6.8 mi / 10.9 km one-way hike
• Map

You reach Grand Canyon Village by leaving the Hayduke where it intersects the South Kaibab Trail. Take the South Kaibab Trail up to the rim and then either walk or take the (free) shuttle to the village. The Hayduke continues via the North Kaibab Trail which begins where the South Kaibab Trail meets the Colorado River.

Lodging

• Mather Campground: Mather Campground has hiker/biker sites you can camp at for $5/night. They are shared campsites among the hikers/bikers and they have tables and fire pits. They’re located just across from the booth where you pay (map)

• Mather Campground Showers and Laundry: Just northwest of the hiker/biker campsites there are coin-operated showers and laundry. I’m not sure if this will always be the case (let me know if it isn’t), but in the men’s shower, if you go to the further shower bank (go straight when you walk into the showers past the first bank) and then you go all the way to the final shower, it’s free (map)

• If you’re looking for a room in Grand Canyon Village you have a few options, including Yavapai Lodge (map) which is in the same building as the Tavern and Dining Hall. There’s also Bright Angel Lodge (map), Kachina Lodge (map), and some other options.

Resupply

• Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli: This is a large market – probably better than most trail towns except for Kanab and Moab – with everything you could want for a resupply. That said, it’s a little pricey. They also sell beer here (map)

• Post Office: There is a post office in Grand Canyon Village where you can send yourself packages. Check their hours and address here (map)

Food

• Yavapai Tavern: This place is located across the parking lot from the grocery store and post office. You can hang out in the dining hall where there are outlets, chairs, tables, and bathrooms. You can order food from the tavern and they’ll bring it out to the dining hall (map)

• Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall: In the morning, the dining hall in the lodge offers an all-you-can-eat, cafeteria-style breakfast which includes beverages (map)

Outfitters

• Grand Canyon Outfitters: There is an outfitter in Grand Canyon Village. It’s located in the same building as the Village Market & Deli. You can buy gas cans here. Check out their website here (map)

You can also hitch (or take a long walk) to the town of Tusayan (map) just south of Grand Canyon National Park.

Colorado City/Hildale

• Westbound mile: 532.8 mi / 857.4 km
• Eastbound mile: 272.8 mi / 439 km
• Next stop (westbound): 112.6 mi / 181.2 km
• Next stop (eastbound): 28.4 mi / 45.7 km
• Via: Highway 89 hitch
• Map

Colorado City/Hildale is a town straddling the Utah-Arizona border with Colorado City on the Arizona side and Hildale on the Utah side.

To reach Colorado City/Hildale you can either hitchhike or walk (not recommended) northwest along the highway. Alternatively, you can hike up the official Hayduke and then loop back southwest after passing Sandstone Butte.

Lodging

I did not stay in Colorado City/Hildale. We found a place to camp tucked away at Water Canyon Trailhead.

However, there appear to be several hotels, lodges, and (expensive) camping located in the area. It’s a weird place and not one that seems to be particularly hiker-friendly. I do not suggest staying here.

Resupply

• Bee’s Marketplace: This is a supermarket with everything you could need to resupply. I didn’t even look to see if there’s anywhere else to resupply here because this place has everything you’ll need. And because you’re in Arizona, not Utah, they also sell beer over 5% (map)

Food

• Edge Of The World Brewery: Other than Bee’s, this is the only place I visited in Colorado City or Hildale. I would suggest making a stop here if you’re looking for a beer or a meal. They have outlets available at some of the tables as well (map)

Outfitters

There is no outfitter or outdoor sports store in Colorado City or Hildale.

There is a laundromat located at the north end of Hildale, Dixie Spin Hildale (map).

Suggested Itinerary

My suggested resupply itinerary – and what I did on my hike – is essentially what I see as the most straightforward one.

Don’t cache anything and send a box to Needles Outpost via UPS or FedEx Express.

I should also note that I used a bounce box for most of the Hayduke Trail and found it to be quite useful for shipping gear, supplies, town items, and extra food ahead. If I hike the Hayduke again, I will likely use a bounce box again.

Here is what my suggested resupply strategy looks like:

• Start with food to get 25.1 mi / 40.4 km to Moab
• Moab: 65.4 mi / 105.3 km to Needles Outpost
• Needles Outpost: 111.5 mi / 179.4 km to Hanksville (hitch via Highway 94)
• Hanksville: 121.8 mi / 196 km to Escalante (hitch via Hole-in-the-Rock Road)
• Escalante: 126.3 mi / 203.3 km to Tropic (hitch via Willis Creek Slot Canyon Trailhead)
• Tropic: 93.4 mi / 150.3 km to Jacob Lake (2.3 mi / 3.7 km one-way hike detour from the trail)
• Jacob Lake: 112.6 mi / 181.2 km to Grand Canyon Village (via 6.8 mi / 10.9 km one-way hike detour via South Kaibab Trail)
• Grand Canyon Village: 126 mi / 202.8 km to Colorado City/Hilldale
• Colorado City/Hildale to finish: 34.2 mi / 55 km to finish (this distance can be extended multiple ways)

Resupply Stop Breakdown

Useful Links

• Arches National Park
• Needles Outpost (Hayduke-specific information)
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park