Hatch Canyon

Overview

Hatch Canyon is a nice and isolated canyon system that drains into the Dirty Devil River. The canyon is seldom visited and there are many places to explore. Sections of the canyon are deep and wide and other sections are narrow and sinuous. Rock Climbers could have a heyday out here but I know of no technical climbs that have been done thus far.

One of the highlights of this tower with an arch in it is known as the Grandmas Teapot.

Getting There

There are several driving routes that can be used to access the Hatch Canyon system. Perhaps the most logical is to come in from Poison Springs Canyon south of Hanksville. From Hanksville, drive south on Highway 95 to very near mile marker 17. Turn left on the Poison Springs Road.

The Poison Springs Road is sometimes rough and sometimes fairly smooth; it depends on how recently it has been bladed. More often than not, it requires 4wd. Drive the sometimes rough road 15 miles to the Dirty Devil River. You park here, but if you have a really good 4wd, you can get closer to the canyon.

With a good 4wd, cross the Dirty Devil River and follow the road on the other side. This rough road will take you around (use a map!) Point 4706 on the topo map. Park just east of the point.

You can also continue along the road and enter the canyon higher up in the system. I haven’t use this route, so use a map and you are on your own.

See the Fiddler Cove page for information on how to access Hatch Canyon via Fiddler Cove Canyon.

This photo was taken right near the Point 4706 Trailhead.

Routes Overview

There are several possibilities to access the canyon system overland. One option is to follow the Dirty Devil River down canyon to Hatch Canyon. This is an easy hike, but with lots of wading.

From east of Point 4706, you can scramble down into the canyon system and expore from there. This is a class 3 route and steep. See the Point 4706 Route Page for details.

It is also possible to enter the canyon system via the upper end and from the Sunset Pass road. There appears to be no major obstacles.

Yet another option to access this canyon is from the Red Benches and Fiddler Cove Canyon. This route will take several days, but requires less driving on rough roads.

Two days should enough to explore the entire canyon from the Point 4706 or the Sunset Pass Trailheads, but if you want to explore Fiddler Cove Canyon as well, three days is recommended. Three days is recommended if coming in from any other route adn four is recommended to explore both canyons from these longer routes.

Mark and six year old Matthew climbing the steep class 3 section of the exit route from Hatch Canyon on the Point 4706 Route.

Red Tape

None at all. There are no rangers, no people, no permits, no campground and no red tape. Tread lightly.

No red tape here; only nice rocks.

Camping

You can camp at Poison Springs Canyon or anywhere in Hatch Canyon that isn't narrow. In the cool season water is available in a few locations between the word "Canyon" on the topo map and Grandmas Teapot. See the route description for details.

In the cool season there is water available from a few springs.

Seasons

Any season but summer is reasonable. The Red Ledges Route can be quite muddy in winter and the Dirty Devil River can be tough to cross in winter and spring if using The Point 4706 or Dirty Devil River Route. The Dirty Devil River Route is not recommended in winter.

Flash flood danger in these canyons is not extreme, but use caution between July and October.

Hiking Hatch Canyon in February.

Canyon Conditions

Weather Forecast for Hatch or Fiddler Cove Canyons:

CLICK HERE

Weather and climate data for the Hite, elevation 3700 feet: *National Weather Service Data 1900-2008.

Temperatures should be fairly similar in Hatch or Fiddler Cove Canyons.