HDT Day 5: Kane Springs & Colorado River

Daily Miles: 17.0, Total Miles: 47.0

I set out from Moab around 8am and quickly got to Kane Springs Road. The paved road headed southwest, closely following the Colorado River for a few miles.

The road turned south away from the river, got great water at Kane Springs and continued to climb and wind around the now dirt road through rocky, picturesque Kane Springs Canyon.

Thankful for shade in the morning along the canyon walls, but couldn’t avoid the full sun exposure going over Hurrah Pass. Might have reached 80 degrees today. I encountered a steady stream of dirt bikes, jeeps and side by sides on the road all day.

Got down the other side with nice views of the Colorado River. Thought I’d check out the Adventure Base Camp along the river. I was met at the front door by one of the biggest tortoises I have ever seen, an 180 lb. African Spur, that the owner, Tom, has had since the tortoise was five days old.

Tom has a few private rooms, a couple of small houses, hogans and camping. He is very gracious to HDT hikers, not requiring multiple nights (at least at the present time) like he does for the rest of his business. He has seen 13 HDT hikers this spring. Took a room with a couple of single beds and a shower – great river views from the front porch.

Shower, dinner and early to bed.