Trail Overview
This trail has a variety of obstacles that make traversing the trail visually challenging and enjoyable. This is a trail that does require appropriate skills and a vehicle appropriate to the obstacles that will be encountered. There are some approved alternative routes on portions of the trail. By selecting different sections of this trail, you may see a shift in the track showing approved alternate paths in this trail. Some of the alternative sections vary in difficulty. As with all rock-climbing situations, proper tire pressure is a big factor. The most difficult sections of this trail are near the entrance to HC6 to the intersection with HC6A to the south and is labeled as HC5A on some maps. The other is the climb from HC7 intersection to the base of Mosdell Hill area. This is the section that defines why this trail is rated as a 7. Both of these can be bypassed. The southeastern portion of the trail follows Pugh Canyon with some great views to Savage Point. Savage Point has a beautiful view of the entire area to the south over Kanab and out to the Kaibab area. Please Note: HC5A and HC6A may be closed in the Spring for Perrigin Falcon nesting. Please Note: HC is a set of defined trails, AKA, a trail park. These defined trails vary in difficulty to provide challenges for all types of vehicles and skill levels. It is also a great area to learn new skills on these trails. HC is NOT an open-riding area. You are expected to stay on the defined trails and under no circumstances create new trails. In addition, please do not build upon someone else's desecration of the area by riding on trails or bypasses that others have created. Please obey all BLM-posted signs. OnX asks everyone to support the Tread Lightly principles. There are some alternate sections you can take to bypass some of the sections on this trail.
Difficulty
The trail presents a wide variety of challenges including high rock ledges, off-camber rock traverses, and multilevel rock climbs. The trail from HC7 to the base of Mosdell Hill going upward and a section on the Savage Point peninsula (HC5A) are by far the most challenging. Both of these sections can be bypassed. Enter HC5 at the base of Mosdell Hill and use HC6A for the section on the Savage Point peninsula. There are also approved optional paths through some of the more challenging portions of the HC5 trail. Having good skills and being able to judge appropriate lines on the more challenging obstacles is very important. This is a trail that having a buddy or group is highly recommended. Rated 11/24.
