Aquarius hut to hut 7/7/25 - 7/11/25

Myself, Heidi, Jayde, Lani, Dani, and Wendy! 
We are ready for our 6 day adventure

Back in 2023 Heidi tossed around the idea of doing the Aquarius hut to hut system in Utah. Six days of riding and staying in huts along the way. She saw an article in outside magazine. I quickly jumped on board. This adventure sounded fun!  Life happened and we ended up postponing the trip until July of 2025.  The timing ended up working out for me to use this trip as a stepping stone to train for the AZT800 bikepacking race.   Leading up to the trip we started to do some training rides together. I initially was going to use my pivot shadowcat full suspension bike with a just few of my bikepacking bags on it.  However, on a training ride in flagstaff two weeks before the trip I decided to ride my hardtail fully loaded with the set up I would be using for the AZT800. I couldn’t pass up a week of training on a fully loaded bike! I also would camp outside instead of sleeping in the huts. I disclosed my plan to the others! I love my friends. They were not surprised about my crazy idea.  I work full time as nurse and knew I needed to take every advantage of training opportunities whenever they presented. 

Testing gear at Hawes with Dani and Heidi

Group ride in Flagstaff a week before the trip to test gear
and chat logistics! (Wendy, Kara, Dani, Lani, Heidi)

We decided to caravan two cars up to Escalante Utah. On Saturday I drove up to Flag and stayed with Lani. It was nice hanging out that night. I was also able to take a few hours off the drive the next day. We all met up at Lani’s Sunday morning and packed up in two cars! Next stop would be Kanab for lunch. 

My setup. I’m all ready to get this adventure started. 

The Airbnb we booked in Escalante was perfect. It was 
Right next door to Escalante cyclery where we would catch our 
Shuttle the next morning.  We had so much room to pack up our bikes. 

Heidi getting everything set

Dani and Lani helping each other 

Bikes all loaded on the shuttle 

Rob our shuttle driver and the gang. I sat upfront as I was
Worried about getting car sick during the 2 hour shuttle

So many sheep somewhere between Escalante and Brianhead

 The night before our start I poured over the maps. I realized we would be starting right in Brianhead near all the restaurants for the ski resort. I found a cafe we could grab breakfast.  However, bikepacking teaches you to be flexible. On the two hour shuttle drive to Brianhead Rob informed us that there was construction and he wouldn’t be able to get us to our drop point. We wouldn’t get the nice hot breakfast we were looking forward to. However, we did stop at a little roadside coffee shop and were able to fill up on caffeine. There was a gas station next door. I ran over there and grabbed a few vitawaters. I was stoked they even had my favorite flavor.  Rob was super nice and told us stories along the way. He pointed out in the distance all the places we would be riding too. He also warned us about rattlesnakes. We all quietly let him tell us the dangers and then we laughed. We are from Phoenix we know about rattlesnake safety! Rob dropped us off and I started looking at the route.  I realized he dropped us halfway through our planned route for the day. We were going to miss the epic downhill single track.  I tried to convince him to take us up the road a little further to a dirt road we could take. But unfortunately, he said he was unable to as he didn’t want to get in trouble. I convinced the girls to follow me up a long road climb to a dirt road climb! We finally made it to the single track about 10 miles later. 

Heidi’s look says it all regarding how she felt
about the climb we just did. 

Dani and Heidi at the top of the dirt climb! 

Lani enjoying the downhill. The scenery was amazing
and pictures don’t due it justice. I was stopping every five 
Minutes taking pictures. 

A very green section on the single track downhill

I was looking forward to the Burger Barn in Panguitch Lake, UT all day.
What a treat to have a restaurant mid route on day one. 

Markagunt Plateau Volcanic field. Jayde was in her happy 
Place. She got a burst of energy when we entered this Volcanic field. 
We rode through it for miles. It was pretty cool. I had no idea this 
Was a part of the route. 

The girls went ahead and I took a video of Jayde playing in the Volcano field. She was so happy it made me happy! It really energized both of us for awhile after that. 

After the Volcanic field we had a series of dirt roads and some of them very rough. Unfortunately, Wendy fell really hard. Later, after the trip we would find out she broke several ribs during that fall. She is a trouper. You would have not known she was hurting that bad. She made it two more days of riding before she took a rest day. More on that later.  We had amazing views as we neared the first hut. This would become the theme of the week. Ending the day with epic views.  Around 6 pm we finally made it to the first Hut - Hatch Hut.  We met Carson Oliver at the first hut. He would be our contact for the week. He was amazing. When we met up with Carson we learned that Rob dropped us off at the wrong location. Carson felt bad and since there was not another group of 6 booked that week with us he let us use both bunk houses all week! Sweet deal :) I was sleeping in my tent so it didn’t affect me but the girls got to spread out and everyone got a bottom bunk.  It ended up being awesome having the huts all to ourselves all week. The fridge was stocked with food including fresh fruit and vegetables. After recovering and getting the lay of the land from Carson we went to work to making dinner. Each night there was a different menu. The food was amazing and it was nice having a hot a meal after a long day of biking. The first hut had flushing toilets and a regular faucet for the kitchen and bathroom.We quickly realized we were being spoiled and that would not be the case for the entire week. 

Amazing view riding into Hatch to our first hut!

Enjoying the views into Hatch

Hut Number 1 - Hatch Hut - we where all very excited 
To see this sign and get to the first hut

My tent all set up basically with the huts in the background. 

We were all very hungry and ready for dinner. It was a 
Group effort to get it ready. 

Jayde and Heidi preparing trail food for the next day

Dani inside one of the bunk areas

Day 1: 41.91 miles - elevation gain 3,445 ft riding time 5 hours 13 min Strava link to ride  and Trail forks link to ride 

Day 2 we woke up and made breakfast and we got started at 9:15AM.  This would be the latest I would start all week and the only day I enjoyed a hot breakfast.  There was a wildfire in the area that was creating a detour and potentially this day would be lower miles and mostly road miles. However, I was in AZT800 training mode and trying to add on as many miles as possible.  I had tried to create a re-route that would keep us off of the busy highway 89, but we quickly realized we were running into private property.  Lani, Dani, Heidi, and Wendy headed back towards highway 89 and took the direct route to Red Canyon Village Cafe on the 12. We decided this would be our meetup spot for Coffee and food. Jayde and I still tried to find a route that would keep us off highway 89.  We were partly successful after hitting a few dead ends. We did run into a very friendly fireman/ranger and he told us how to get through! It was an adventure for sure. Once we met up with everyone else we found out they were able to take some of the dirt roads as well. Jayde and I just made it a little more adventurous for a few miles. 

                                                        Day 2 check in Video by Jayde! 

Our friendly fireman/ranger who told us we were
Headed to a closed area and needed to turn around. He was
Able to route us around the private property. When telling us the route he
looked out our bikes and said “Your bikes look capable to make it through.”
Glad Jayde was up for the adventure with me. 

For awhile the path was hard to follow and felt
Like a road to nowhere. I love my Queens Ransom and Loco rides
Patches on my pack. John thanks for #locorides patch :) 

We were not turning around or adding
Extra miles to find a gate. Easy enough to 
Push our bikes under the fence! 

After regrouping and refueling at the cafe we headed up Scenic byways 12.  There is a paved bike path along the 12 that would take us directly to Hut 2.  Heidi, Wendy, and Dani chose that route.  Lani, Jayde and I decided to add on some extra single track in Red Canyon. We went up a dirt road and connected to Losee Canyon. We then took Cassidy and Rich trails to Ledges point and then back to the 12. The night before I had been texting John Schilling about my plan to add on more miles. He had been up in this area before and suggested doing the loop this way. He even sent me his blog so I could check it out! That was very helpful! We had some hike a bike and it was hot but the view were worth it! I am so glad we added on these extra miles and got some single track in for the day. 

Very scenic Losee Canyon 

Jayde was sad she had not found a good 
Tree to hug yet so she hugged the rock! 

Lani and Jayde riding amongst the red rocks

Jayde hanging out under rock overhang we found to
hangout and eat. It was a reprieve from the heat! 

Views around every corner!

We were enjoying the views and having so much fun. We were discussing the rock formations in this video. I think maybe the heat was getting to us. We had some great laughs. 

Lani, Jayde and I made it to Butch Cassidy Hut (Hut 2!). 
Dani, Heidi and Wendy were already there.

This became a tradition to take a picture with 
Our bikes and the sign when we got to the hut. 

I was in AZT800 training mode. I stopped by the hut and 
Removed my front and back bags. Then I headed to Bryce Canyon. 
I rode the bike path into Bryce. It was paved miles but some good extra miles. 

At the first lookout I could find within Bryce I enjoyed 
A snack and then headed back to the hut.

Bryce Canyon

This was awesome. Nick and Rob (from Aquarius hut system)
left me a sweet Motivation note at Hut 2 when they were
there earlier in the day resupplying the hut. 

My tent all set up outside Butch Cassidy Hut - Hut 2! 

Day 2: Total Miles 57.05 Elevation gain 3,957 ft. Riding time 7 hours 13 minutes.  Trail forks link  and Strava Link 

The evenings were spent making dinner, showering, and figuring out our routes for the next day (including figuring out food and water plan) and coming up with a game plan.  A loved all the fresh fruit we had each night. Grapes became a staple for me.  I took a fresh bag grapes every day on the ride. Also, most days there were oranges. I found out grapes traveled well in my pack and they worked out well as trail food.  I learn something new every trip out!  

Day 3 we decided to split into two groups again. I was determined to do as many miles as I could that week. I am so glad Jayde was up for it and joined me all week on my adventure miles. I was prepared to bike alone if needed. All I could think about was AZT800 and I was definitely focused on that training. Jayde was my adventure buddy for the week. It was so fun watching her embrace the long miles! She is hooked and now wants to other long routes with me and maybe one day we will do the AZT300 together :) I was looking forward to this day. We would have some good single track. Our day was going to start with Thunder Mountain trail. An iconic single track trail in southern Utah with amazing views. Wendy really wanted to do this trail. I knew she was hurting from her crash on day one. We knew something was wrong with her ribs still trying to convince ourselves they weren’t broken.  That girl is tough. Heidi was having dropper post issues and had to use a stick to keep her dropper post up. She tried fixing it but was not successful. She decided with Dani to take the shorter gravel route to Hut 3. I loved that we had multiple route options so we could all get out of the week what we wanted. It was perfect to be able to split into two groups each day. 

Photo op on Thunder Mountain Trail

Random outhouse without a door! We actually used it. 

We had fun taking a lot of pictures in this spot. 

Wendy, Lani, Jayde and I enjoying the views!

 More discussions about what we think the columns in this areas. 

This topic kept us entertained for two days!

Lani and Jayde admiring the view 

After Thunder Mountain we took a dirt road to Castro Canyon. We thought it was going to boring. Oh boy were we wrong. There were more views. It was hot going through this canyon and more climbing but absolutely scenic.  We randomly came across a picnic table in the shade. Perfect place to break for lunch. Later in the day Wendy was starting to really be in pain. She had to walk up most of the road climbs because she couldn’t push her bike. I would get to the top walk back down and help her with her bike. It was a team effort. I am still proud of her for pushing through. I know she was bummed she crashed but she really showed grit. Wendy, Jayde and Lani didn’t have as much water capacity as I did. I knew there was a potential spring nearby. We found a shaded area and Wendy hung out there with my seat pad to rest. Jayde, Lani, and I headed up a road climb. We did find the “spring.”  It was a cow trough. The hose to looked cracked so it no longer fills up. I couldn’t find the base of the spring. We filtered from the 1 inch of dirty water that was in the cow trough! It worked and filtered clear. I had to clean my filter a couple of times.  This meant taking some already filtered water and swishing it in my befree filter to clean before continuing to filter. This was Jayde’s first experience of filtering water especially a very dirty source. She was amazed at the taste and that it filtered clear. I loved introducing her to the joys of bikepacking including finding those crazy water sources. Day 3 ended near Pine lake. We had several miles of a road to get there. But we were climbing the entire way. It wasn’t a steep climb but my legs were tired. I knew I would get there but I struggled on this road. It felt like it took forever but we finally arrived at Hut 3 which was Pine Lake Hut. 

Castro Canyon

Our amazing lunch spot! It was perfect. 

We were so happy to find this water! We had to share
It was the cows and only about an inch of water in the tank!
But it filtered clear. 

I am glad I had both filters with me. I decided
For the AZT800 I was going to take both in case
One of my filters got so dirty and I couldn’t get it to work. They 
Also work well to increase my water capacity. 

                                        Day check in video by Jayde. We did this one super

                                       late into the ride on Day 3! 

My legs were tired at the end of the day. I was excited 
to see this sign. We had Sand leading into the Hut as well. 

Day 3 Stats: 42.23 miles 4,160ft elevation gain. Ride time 6 hours 41 min. Strava Link and Trail Forks Link to the ride. 

Day 4 would be the only day of no single track.  I wanted to add on Powell Point. A scenic overlook that was 8 miles out and back. Jayde was the only one who was game to join me.  Besides the Powell Point addition we would all be riding the same the route today. Jayde and I were hoping by leaving early we would run into Dani, Lani, and Heidi later in the day.  We were able to arrange Wendy a ride to the next hut so she could rest. She was starting to really hurt and she wanted to see if by resting one day she would able to ride with us again for days 5 and 6.   Jayde and I started early again about 630AM. The day got started with a really big climb. We climbed 2,200 ft over 5 miles to the top of Barney Top which is at 10,577ft. Powell Point turn off was near the top of the climb. Jayde was a fun climbing buddy. We were similar pace.  We would stop every mile to rest and have a snack. I am so glad I put the 28 front chain ring on. It came in clutch on this climb and several other long climbs this day.  We took a quick break at the turn off to Powell Point. Jade finally found a good tree to hug! On the way to Powell Point we also had fun looking at the drawings in the trees and trying to find the oldest date. Powell Point overlook was amazing. I am so glad we added on these extra miles. We sat at the overlook and had a snack. I enjoyed my grapes which was becoming a daily theme. Right before the second big climb of the day we found Dani, Heidi, and Lani. They were just finishing eating. Jayde and I probably should have stopped and ate our lunch. Instead we were so excited to see them we kept going and joined them on the several mile climb.  At the top Jayde and I finally sat down and ate.  Rolling into Hut 4 Jayde was starting to struggle a little bit. I stayed back and rode with her. She was so thankful for the company.  We fell behind the other three a little bit but overall we all rolled into Hut 4 about 3pm. This would be the earliest I would get to hut. Most nights it was about 6pm.  I was so excited to lay in the hammock for a little bit and really enjoy the afternoon at the Hut.  I also finally took a shower and cleaned my clothes as well. Every night I would wash my legs and face but I actually used the solar shower today.  It was nice to wash my hair and get clean. 

                               Day 4 check in video by Jayde! This one is just Jayde and I

Jayde was so excited she finally found a 
perfect tree to hug. 

We were so excited to fine one from 1942!
Looking for the oldest date kept help the miles
go by fast and kept us entertained. 

Amazing view at Powell Point. Perfect place for a 
break and a snack. 

More views at Powell Point

Jayde pedaling along

Hut 4! Aquarius Hut. 

I finally got to enjoy a hammock!

I looked forward to reading these notes every day 
left by the Aquarius team.

Jayde relaxing. If I layed like that in that chair
I don't think I would have been able to get back up! 

Lani working on her chain

Heidi helping to cook dinner! Getting creative

to reach the pots. 

My tent set up at Hut 4! 

Day 4 stats: 36.26 miles 4,993ft elevation gain. Ride time 6 hours 10 min. Strava Link and Trail Forks Link to the ride.

Day 5 was shaping up to be a long day on technical single track. We would be riding the Great Western Trail. The comments on trailforks made me believe there would be a lot of single track and this trail would be slow much like parts of AZT! The night before we discussed the route again. I knew it would be a long day on the bike and we would need lots of water and would need an early start. We decided again to break into two groups. Jayde, Lani and I would tackle the Great Western Trail and Dani, Wendy, and Heidi would take dirt roads to the next Hut. The Aquarius trail system has multiple options. There is an e-bike route that takes mainly dirt roads the entire route because the single track does allow e-bikes.  I am so glad Wendy was able to ride. I knew if we could get her through day 5 she would be ok. Day 6 was a lot of paved road and a lot of downhill to the end. I thought racing on broken ribs was crazy. This girl is tough! I could see she was in so much pain but she didn’t let it take over her week. She pushed through and that is inspirational! I had a rough start to the day. When I was packing up I broke the clasp on my rip set bag. I let it dangle and it got into the back gears and cog. Instead of patiently looking at it I yanked it free. Yup the clasp broke. Thankfully Jayde was my brain and suggested I just tight it off! That worked. I was worried with the technical single track for the day but it held tight. Also Lani’s pannier bag was coming unraveled. Looked like we were going to limp in!  We were going to try and sew it back up but she decided to just add an additional strap. 

When Bikepacking you have to be creative and
Come up with solutions when things break or go wrong. 
Tying it off was easy solution when clasp broke. 
Made me think for AZT800 I should Cary extra clasps.

There were mountain lakes nearby. We went off route  So we could find one. Some hike a bike to get there.  But  It was so peaceful in the morning light.  We did our Day 5 check in at the lake as well. 

Jayde navigating one of many water crossings
On the Great Western trail. We loved the singletrack
But quickly realized there would be lots of hike a bike today 
And the miles would be slow. 

I love aspen trees and we went through an amazing 
Aspen tree forest! 

We added on some miles to get to Posey lake for water.
We had a huge dirt road climb about a mile from Posey 
Lake back to the Great Western Trail. 

We were cruising down some dirt roads after leaving
Great Western Trail. I heard something behind me. It
Was Lani saying she had an issue. So glad I heard her. She
had a broken spoke. We all talked about what to do. In the end
We used zip ties to secure it to another spoke. This solution worked! 

Amazing views to end the day!

Hells Backbone was within a few miles of the Hut. 
The views amazing us and surprised us. What a way to 
End the day! 

Hells Backbone Bridge!

Jayde being goofy at Hells Backbone. 

Views at Hells Backbone

Hut 5 Hells Backbone Hut

One last group dinner. It was fun making food together
And recapping our adventures for the day. Also, 
We always took this time to plan out the next day. 

My tent set up outside of Hut 5! I never once caved in 
And slept in the huts. I was committed to getting 
Prepared to setting up my tent tired night after night for AZT800

Day 5 Stats: 34.42 miles 4,239ft elevation gain. Ride time 7 hours 28 min.  Strava Link and Trail forks link to the ride

Day 6 was going to be a lot of road. We were all worried a little bit about riding the ride for 35 miles.  There was one alternative we heard about but that was pedaling back up to Hells Backbone which was several miles and a huge climb. In the end we decided to take the road and I am so glad we did. We did have a big road climb ahead of us. It was shaping up to be another hot day. During the week sometime when looking over the route I read someone’s review about a coffee shop just before the big climb. We were all joking about this magical coffee shop and if it really was there. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere and really could not imagine any business being out here. We went around a corner and Kiva Koffeehouse seemed to appear out of nowhere! Truly a moral booster. It was getting hot out and this was the perfect place to get cold drunks and refuel. After we left the coffee shop we tackled the climb. Everyone did great. At the top we regroup. I found the only shade on the side of the road and climbed up the little embankment and just laid there! After a quick stop we all enjoyed the several mile downhill to the finish! What a great finish. The route had incredible views. We kept stopping because the views were out of this world. Pictures just don’t do them Justice.  

                                                      Day 6 check in Video by Jayde!

So many great views! Great way to end the week. 

Such a cute coffee shop on the side of a cliff.
Incredible views from the back of the shop. 
Truly felt like it popped up out of nowhere. 

Breakfast of Champions!

Finding the only shade spot to rest in miles.
It was getting really hot. 

Jayde and Wendy taking advantage of the 
Minimal shade created by the wall
At a scenic pull out. 

Mine turn to seek out impossible shade. 
I was laying on a steep embankment.  Oddly it was
pretty comfortable and I didn’t want to get up. 

Being goofy in the shade!

Myself, Heidi, Lani, Wendi, Jayde, and Dani!
We did it. I am so glad we all finished together. 
What an adventure with you ladies. 

Went to start my car and uh oh the batter was dead. So 
Thankful Todd had me take this batter charger with me. Worked
Like a charm and we were heading to lunch in no time. 

Day 6 Stats: 36.52 miles 2,359 ft elevation gain. Ride time 3 hours 25 min. Strava link and Trail forks link to the ride. 

Wow what an amazing week.  I was so happy how I felt all week. No Saddle sores! I had been figuring out a plan the last few months and I think I finally found something that worked. I don’t wear a Shamy anymore. Found women’s boxer briefs from lululemon those work great. Also, love my saddle. I encourage everyone to keep trying different combinations until you find what works for you. You really can bike for miles pain free once you figure it out. I am so glad I decided to ride my loaded bike and AZT800 set up. This ride gave me a moral booster that my training is coming along. I work full time at the hospital as a nurse and also due speaker engagements as a consultant for disease education.  Between my full time job and traveling for the speaker engagements it is hard to sneak in the training I know I need. Sometimes I have to get creative. I think this ride showed my fitness is coming along and it was also lots of fun! I also tested out my food this trip. IQ bars having been working out well for me. I also love the medical protein shakes (new Direction) I have been using as part of program with Scottsdale Weightloss Clinic.  I did two of those a day which is 400 calories and almost 60g of protein. Liquid nutrition helped me get in calories when I may not feel like eating. It was awesome having refrigerator/freezer at the huts each night. I was able to mix the shakes the night before and freeze them. Perfect for hot days. I also would mix ELMNT in one bottle and freeze it. I didn’t cramp all week and we were between 6,000 and 11,000 ft the entire time. This used to be a big issue for me and I think I have figured something out that works. It was great having the fresh food at the huts each night. I took grapes and oranges almost everyday to eat along the route. Lani also had made vegan candied pecans. They were a big hit and very delicious. I decided these are going to be a new addition to future backpacking trips including AZT800. These practice rides with my setup and figuring out food and gear is worth it. Every trip out I learn something new or change something. Also, I am trying to get in the habit of always packing things in the same place so it just because habit and muscle memory! What a great week and perfect to help kick off steeping up my training. Training doesn’t always have to be a grind. Find ways to make it fun. This was 100% a fun way to train. 

Total Stats for the week: 248.39 miles 23,153 elevation gain 

Map of Aquarius Hut to Hut Route! What a fun week. Brianhead to Escalante