HDT Day 21: Muley Twist to Halls Creek Narrows

Daily Miles: 21.8, Total Miles: 285.6

Having a cup of coffee in my tent this morning when I heard and felt big rocks falling, loudly and close by. It seemed to go on for ten seconds however some of that could have been the echoing. Kind of scary – not many places to run in a narrow canyon.

I really enjoyed the rest of my hike down Lower Muley Twist in the shade of the sheer sandstone cliffs. A bit of water in the creek but I didn’t try it. Right at the end of this segment, I did a short detour to Muley Tanks. A couple of large potholes in a pretty setting.

Next up was hiking along Halls Creek where I soon departed from the HDT to take an even more popular alternative route. This one goes through the Halls Creek Narrows and Stevens Canyon to the Escalante River.

Walking down Halls Creek Narrows, less than four miles long, was spectacular and magical. A twisting slot canyon with different views around every corner. Walking in water most of the way – thigh deep at the most. I was surprised to see so many little fish and the frogs were in full chorus in the early evening. Also saw some bear tracks – who has right of way in a slot canyon?

Popped out of the high-walled canyon and continued to follow Halls Creek downstream for another mile. I set up camp in deep sand as it was getting dark.