Wildfires Force Major Detours on the American Discovery Trail in Utah
Explore Hiking America's latest updates to the American Discovery Trail, including new wildfire detours, route adjustments, and essential camping and resupply information.
The Little Twist Wildfire in southwestern Utah, which forced hiker Mike Crowley to take a southern detour earlier this year, continues to grow and spread. The nearly 5,400 acre fire has now engulfed parts of the American Discovery Trail route through the Fishlake National Forest. As of today, the flames are less than a mile from the route a U.S. Forest Service Ranger had originally suggested for Mike, posing a significant threat to those attempting to traverse this segment of the trail.
In response to the ongoing danger, alternative routes have been put in place to ensure the safety of all trail users. This week, hiker Marshall Travis successfully navigated through the Fishlake area using a northern detour recommended by the ADTS' Utah Coordinator, Bob Palin. This alternate route takes hikers north of the Little Twist Wildfire and strategically south of the Silver King wildfire, burning fiercely to the north.
Given these wildfires' dynamic and unpredictable nature, we have temporarily replaced Segment 2: Beaver to Circleville of the trail with a new, dual-directional detour. This new dual-directional route comes complete with ten pages of updated maps, 26 waypoints, and Hiker Notes, all of which are now available in both the Turn-by-Turn guides and on Gaia GPS.
We have also updated our Climb Category charts for both directions. With Westbound, the direction Marshall is hiking is MUCH more challenging than Eastbound. Excellent work, Marshall!
Hikers should stay updated on current wildfire conditions – Gaia GPS has several smoke and wildfire map layers providing up to date information. These are available to both free and premium users. Follow the recommended detours to ensure your safety. Conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared for further adjustments.
Utah
Segment 4 & 5
Marshall Travis recently stayed at Duke’s Campground in Hanksville, Utah. Although the campground is 23 miles north of the American Discovery Trail, Hanksville remains the closest resupply town for hundreds of miles in either direction. Thankfully, the ever-reliable Utah Coordinator, Bob Palin, was there to help, giving Marshall a lift to the town!
Hitch-hiking to Hanksville is also a possibility. For those following in their footsteps, Boston and Cubby noted back in 2012 that there’s a particular spot where you can successfully get a lift. Hanksville is strategically located on a corridor between the wildly popular Bullfrog Lake and Interstate 70, ensuring a steady flow of traffic from which hikers can often catch a ride.
All of Marshall Travis’s dispersed campsites for these two segments are now noted on. Additionally, we have updated the status of the Hite Campground at the junction of Segments 4 and 5. It is temporarily closed until a new vendor is found by the Park Service for this remote location. However, there are alternative camping areas and pit toilets available on the north side of the river near the Hite Bridge.
Colorado - South
Segment 4
Big thanks to Matt and Jen for providing information about new services available in Cripple Creek!
Segment 5: Unfortunately, the hotel in Bent Fort is no longer in operation. Matt and Jen reported that the Bent Fort Inn appeared to be a “flop house,” but upon further research, we discovered it had been shut down after health officials determined it was being used as an illegal drug lab. WOAH! 👀
You can read more about it here.
By: James Gavato
There are also updates on available lodging in Rocky Ford, water sources in Manzanola, and even a Porta John location discovered along the straight stretch of road—all thanks to the invaluable information shared by Matt and Jen.
Iowa - North
You may recall that Marshall Travis and Bernie Krausse were the first to test out our new Iowa-North Segment earlier this year. They encountered a few minor detours due to construction, but great news: those detours are no longer an issue!
The entire route officially opened on Saturday, August 17th. This exciting development also marks the debut of one of the longest paved trail loops in the U.S., thanks to a newly completed connection between the Raccoon River Valley and High Trestle trails in central Iowa.
Rachel Cramer
Hike Your Hike - John.
Hiking America Patch
Show your Hiking America pride with our durable 3" embroidered patch. Made from high-quality twill and threads, this patch is built to endure the rigors of the trail whether you're adding it to your pack, jacket, or gear.
Custom QR Code Hiker Tags
Ensure your Safety and Recognition on Every Hike!
Get your Custom QR Code Tag! Only $18 for a Limited Time!
Always Free to Hiking America Members.
