Hard Day Harvey - Lake Powell

Hard Day Harvey
Lake Powell
Technical Canyoneering

This is one of the best slot canyons in the Lake Powell area. The canyon probably has some type of official name but everyone calls the route Hard Day Harvey (HDH). This route is a fun, physically demanding and a technically challenging adventure. The beauty of this canyon is spectacular; the narrows are extremely tight, dramatic, unrelenting and perilous. Hard Day Harvey features what has become known as a "Mae West Slot", which is a "V" shaped slot so narrow that it is impossible to pass through.

Hard Day Harvey offers its enchantment with an enjoyable approach hike over slick rock. Descent requires moderate rock climbing skills to climb over or bypass the "Mae West" portions of the canyon.

Some of the photographs used on this page are compliments of Bruce Neumann.

Interested in viewing a short video which was shot in Hard Day Harvey?

*Hard Day Harvey Canyon Video*

Circle of Friends:
Hard Day Harvey is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Hard Day Harvey is a spectacular technical canyoneering adventure. This is a very physical canyon requiring constant downclimbing, squeezing, stemming and chimneying. Good rock climbing skills are a must and sticky shoes are a bonus. Fat guys are going to find it very difficult in several of the tight squeeze sections. Hard Day Harvey is rated 3A R III using the Canyon Rating System.

There are no bolted anchors in this canyon, let's preserve this feature. Many canyoneers before you have descended this canyon without placing bolts, so please play fair. You might need to locate and construct natural anchors which is moderately difficult in this canyon.

A GPS is useful and good map reading skills are essential. There are no trails in the area and route finding skills are required. You must be certain you are entering the intended drainage or you could encounter major difficulties.

Trailhead Information:
Hard Day Harvey can be accessed by boat from Lake Powell or by high clearance vehicle. Both options are detailed in the complete route description.