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Details

MODERATE hike: Birthday Arch & Bucktank Draw
Hike Distance: ~6 mi; 800 AEG) (out and back)
(With option for hike around New Wave on way back to hotel (~2-3 mi; some climbing))
Depart from Sleep Inn at 8:00 am
Trailhead: Unnamed; gravel pullout on south side of Hwy. 89
Driving Distance: 19 miles
Driver’s Fee: $3
Hike Leaders: Paul Feeney & Warren Wasescha
Note: We are doing this hike with the Motivated level but will go at our own slower pace.
Trail Description: Birthday Arch is located high up on the cliffs along the western side of Bucktank Draw. From the parking area, we follow the trail along the road toward the wash, where we pass through a gate. The trail drops into a sandy wash that is our route for about 2 miles. The wash varies between a sandy bottom and stretches of slick rock. We encounter multiple spillovers that require some scrambling and climbing to bypass. We leave the wash after about 1.8 miles and climb up, down and up again over rocky ledges to reach Birthday Arch. To get the best views of the arch, we will scramble up some sandstone ledges. From the arch you can look across the valley and spot a short slot canyon. To reach it, we will hike back down nearly to the wash before turning and climbing over another ledge to reach this slot. The narrow slot is about 200 feet deep, but nonetheless fun to explore. We then retrace our steps back through the wash to return to the TH.
Optional Added Hike: En route back to the Sleep Inn, we will have the OPTION to stop at the New Wave, also known as the Beehives to explore these rock formations similar to The Wave.
Directions to Trailhead: From the Sleep Inn, drive north on Hwy 89 towards Kanab, Utah. At mile marker 9 3/4, about 18.6 miles, park your car on the left side of Highway 89, just at the west end of the metal railing. (If you go past MM 10, you have gone too far). The TH is not marked; it is just a gravel pullout with room for about 3 or 4 cars.
Hike Leaders’ contact info: Paul (480) 843-9547
Warren (651) 343-8256

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