Honaker Trail, Historic trail near Mexican Hat, Utah.
Honaker Trail is a hiking route near Mexican Hat that descends steeply to the San Juan River. The path winds through numerous switchbacks and passes by various rock layers and stone formations along the way.
The trail was built in 1893 by Henry Honaker as a supply route for gold prospectors during that era. This historic pathway was part of the early gold rush infrastructure in the region.
The trail serves as an educational site for geologists and researchers who study the 300-million-year-old rock formations and ancient marine fossils.
Hikers should bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear, as the trail is demanding. It helps to arrive early and locate the route from the nearest road access point.
Yellow numbers are painted on the cliff walls, including the notable marking 147, which geologists placed there decades ago. These markings were first used as navigation guides for scientific fieldwork and remain visible today.
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