Skip to content

Hayduke Trail #11

ExpertArizona · United States

GPX
Distance
58.6 km (36.4 mi)
Elevation gain
2,475 m (8,120 ft)
Typical time
15 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
2,279 m (7,477 ft)

About Hayduke Trail #11

Hayduke Trail #11 is a 58.6 km hiking route in Arizona, United States. It climbs roughly 1,290 m (4,232 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a committing route for experienced hikers only, with serious ascent and long stretches far from help.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

In short, Hayduke Trail #11 suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert58.6 km2,475 m

Numbered marks every 10 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+2,475 m
Descent
2,722 m
High
2,279 m (7,477 ft)
Low
785 m (2,575 ft)
606 m1069 m1532 m1995 m2458 m0.0 km13 km27 km40 km54 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Patchy on the upper sections
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
50/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
76/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
13/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
7/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Real food, not just snacks

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed Hayduke Trail #11 yet. Be the first.

Sign in to review

Trails near Hayduke Trail #11

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Pinus ponderosa forest. Near Cape Royal, Grand Canyon North Rim, Coconino Co., Arizona; 2400m altitude.
Easy

Arizona · United States

Distance
3.3 km
/ 2.1 mi
Elevation gain
86 m
Typical duration
48 min
This photo is a view from one of the routes in the National Park Service (NPS) Preferred Alternative within the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Special Flight Rules Area in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), illu
Moderate

Arizona · United States

Distance
14.6 km
/ 9.0 mi
Elevation gain
564 m
Typical duration
3 hr 31 min
Cape Royal, North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park gc 267
Easy

Arizona · United States

Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
8 m
Typical duration
9 min
Cape Royal, North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park gc 267
Easy

Arizona · United States

Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.4 mi
Typical duration
9 min
  • Coastal
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,000 feet or 1
Hard

Arizona · United States

Distance
18.3 km
/ 11.4 mi
Elevation gain
772 m
Typical duration
4 hr 32 min
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,000 feet or 1
Hard

Arizona · United States

Distance
24.1 km
/ 15.0 mi
Elevation gain
649 m
Typical duration
6 hr 5 min

Keep exploring