2.6 mi loop
easy
year round
This scenic hike travels through a narrow section of Cottonwood Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. At times, the canyon is narrow enough to touch both walls. This easy hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children. Kids will particularly enjoy this hike with plenty of colorful rocks and fun little obstacles to keep them entertained.
Trailhead
The Cottonwood Narrows hike begins on the Cottonwood Canyon road south of Cannonville, Utah. The Cottonwood Canyon Road is usually passable to passenger cars but be sure to check with the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Center for current conditions, as the road occasionally requires 4WD. The GSENM Visitor Center is located at 10 Center Street in Cannonville, or can be reached by calling (435) 826-5640.
From Cannonville, Utah:
From Highway 12 in Cannonville, turn south onto Main Street/Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Continue south for approximately 20.4 miles to the upper trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road (37.40203,-111.847289).
Although the trailhead is not marked, generic ‘Trail’ signs across the road do indicate the start of the route into the canyon. The trailhead is located at the bottom of a hill amongst very colorful red and white rocks. If you have two vehicles available, you can shorten the hike by dropping off a car at the lower trailhead, one mile farther down the road (37.389029,-111.849378).
The Hike
From the upper parking area, begin hiking on the west side of the road where a marked trail leads to the canyon floor. Once in the wash bottom, turn left and hike down canyon. The walls quickly narrow as the canyon winds through beautiful walls of Navajo Sandstone.
Work your way down canyon, enjoying the sights along the way. There is a short side canyon in the lower end of the Cottonwood Narrows that can be a nice diversion if you have the time (37.39244,-111.853438). The canyon has nearly pure white sand and ends at a large dryfall about 200 yards from the main trail. Watch for the junction on the right after the canyon opens up, about 1.3 miles from the upper parking area.
Near the end of the hike, a large rock fall area blocks easy passage in the watercourse but is easily bypassed by scrambling through the boulders on a worn trail. About 250 yards beyond the rock fall, the canyon opens up and a short trail leads to the lower parking area on the left.
From the lower parking area, walk 1 mile north on the Cottonwood Canyon Road to return to your vehicle. Hiking distance through the canyon from the upper parking area to lower parking area is approximately 1.6 miles. Total hiking distance for the full loop is approximately 2.6 miles.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out all trash, including toilet paper.
No campfires are allowed.
Permits are required for overnight use and are available for free at the visitor center in Escalante. Permits can also be self-issued at most trailhead registers, including the register at the Egypt Trailhead.
Special Considerations
The Cottonwood Canyon Road has a clay base and can quickly become impassable when wet, even for 4WD vehicles. If precipitation is forecasted, it is best to avoid the area entirely.
Flash flood risk is high in the Cottonwood Canyon and the surrounding drainage. Do not enter the canyon when significant precipitation is expected anywhere in the drainage area. Even under blue skies, a distant storm can send water surging down to your location. If a flood strikes, seek high ground and wait until the water recedes to a safe level.
Showing posts with label Escalante area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Escalante area. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2016
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Cottonwood Narrows
A tight canyon that is interesting for about a mile downstream, then turn around.
4 miles after Grosvenor arch in Kodachrome
4 miles after Grosvenor arch in Kodachrome
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
710 North Reservoir Road
2 short hiking trails
Wild Hollow Reservoir (canoe rentals)
Visitors Center
2 short hiking trails
Wild Hollow Reservoir (canoe rentals)
Visitors Center
Posey Lake
Canoeing, fishing, hiking
From Highway 12 in Escalante, turn north at 300 East at the elementary school at the Posey Lake/Hell's Backbone sign. Travel 14 miles to junction of Forest Roads 153 and 154, keep left and travel 2 miles to Posey Lake Campground. Site access can be difficult; about 14 miles of the road is gravel with some steep sections.
From Highway 12 in Escalante, turn north at 300 East at the elementary school at the Posey Lake/Hell's Backbone sign. Travel 14 miles to junction of Forest Roads 153 and 154, keep left and travel 2 miles to Posey Lake Campground. Site access can be difficult; about 14 miles of the road is gravel with some steep sections.
Willis Wash
Escalante
This is an easy and shady slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that the entire family can enjoy. The golden glow and towering canyons walls are magnificent.
Trail Distance: 4 miles round trip
Average hiking time: 2 hours round trip
Trail Usage: Skutumpah road is impassible if wet.
Difficulty: Easy
Sun Exposure: Sun and Shade mix.
Trail Conditions: Most of the Willis Creek hike is a nice stroll through a cobblestone stream. This is an easy hike that kids and families with enjoy.
Trailhead: Skutumpah Road
Trailend: Same as trailhead
Best Season: Summer when the water is warmer.
Restrooms: None
Willis Creek Trailhead - From Mount Carmel Junction, follow US Highway 89 north, to Glendale, Utah. Make a right turn on 300 North, also called the Bench Road. It's directly across the highway from the Buffalo Bistro. Travel the graded dirt Glendale Bench Road (road #600) for 15 miles to a marked junction in the road. There is a kiosk at the junction with a map and other information. The road goes in two directions from the Glendale Bench Road. One road is the Johnson Canyon Road and the other is the Skutumpah Road (road #500). Take Skutumpah Road. It's 14 miles on Skutumpah Road to the Lick Wash Trailhead. To find Willis Creek continue down Skutumpah Road 11.8 miles past the Lick Wash trailhead. There are two parking areas for Willis Creek. The trail starts on the opposite side of the road from the registration box.
Willis Creek is a 4 mile round trip hike. It's an amazing slot canyon adventure with narrow cliff walls and a flat, stony stream-bed path to walk through. Towering slickrock forms the walls of this incredible slot canyon. Some small waterfalls add to the fun and enjoyment of the Willis Creek hike.
Willis Creek can be combined with Bull Valley Gorge for a two day backpack.
Skutumpah Road - Continue another 3-miles northeast on Skutumpah Road to the GSENM kiosk. After the kiosk, it's another 3.5 out of the monument and onto the paved scenic backway to (Kodachrome Basin Road) Cannonville. There is a staffed GSENM Visitors Center in Cannonville.
This is an easy and shady slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that the entire family can enjoy. The golden glow and towering canyons walls are magnificent.
Trail Distance: 4 miles round trip
Average hiking time: 2 hours round trip
Trail Usage: Skutumpah road is impassible if wet.
Difficulty: Easy
Sun Exposure: Sun and Shade mix.
Trail Conditions: Most of the Willis Creek hike is a nice stroll through a cobblestone stream. This is an easy hike that kids and families with enjoy.
Trailhead: Skutumpah Road
Trailend: Same as trailhead
Best Season: Summer when the water is warmer.
Restrooms: None
Willis Creek Trailhead - From Mount Carmel Junction, follow US Highway 89 north, to Glendale, Utah. Make a right turn on 300 North, also called the Bench Road. It's directly across the highway from the Buffalo Bistro. Travel the graded dirt Glendale Bench Road (road #600) for 15 miles to a marked junction in the road. There is a kiosk at the junction with a map and other information. The road goes in two directions from the Glendale Bench Road. One road is the Johnson Canyon Road and the other is the Skutumpah Road (road #500). Take Skutumpah Road. It's 14 miles on Skutumpah Road to the Lick Wash Trailhead. To find Willis Creek continue down Skutumpah Road 11.8 miles past the Lick Wash trailhead. There are two parking areas for Willis Creek. The trail starts on the opposite side of the road from the registration box.
Willis Creek is a 4 mile round trip hike. It's an amazing slot canyon adventure with narrow cliff walls and a flat, stony stream-bed path to walk through. Towering slickrock forms the walls of this incredible slot canyon. Some small waterfalls add to the fun and enjoyment of the Willis Creek hike.
Willis Creek can be combined with Bull Valley Gorge for a two day backpack.
Skutumpah Road - Continue another 3-miles northeast on Skutumpah Road to the GSENM kiosk. After the kiosk, it's another 3.5 out of the monument and onto the paved scenic backway to (Kodachrome Basin Road) Cannonville. There is a staffed GSENM Visitors Center in Cannonville.
Lick Wash
Escalante
5.5 miles round trip. 9 miles round trip to LeFevre.
Average Hiking Time: 5 hours
*Skutumpah road is impassible if wet.
Moderate. [To access slytherin slot and lost spire hoodoo, skills may be required to chimney in the slot canyon and hike up steep slickrock.]
Sun Exposure: Sun and Shade mix.
This is an easy hike that kids and families with enjoy. Beyond the narrows the path is through a hot, sunny wash.
Trailhead: Skutumpah Road
Trailend: Same as trailhead
Best Season: Year-round if Skutumpah is accessible. Hiking beyond the narrows is best done when its cooler.
Restrooms: None
This is an easy and shady slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that the entire family can enjoy. Look for the faint petroglyphs while in the Lick Wash narrows. Most hikers just walk through the narrows section but for those who continue once the wash widens look for Twisted Pine Arch. Lost Spire Hoodoo marks the way to a skinny side slot canyon to chimney through. This trail report ends at the historic LeFevre cabin.
Trailhead: From Mount Carmel Junction, follow Scenic Byway 89 north, to Glendale, Utah. Make a right turn on 300 North, also called the Bench Road. It's directly across the highway from the Buffalo Bistro. Travel the graded dirt Glendale Bench Road (road #600) and enter the Grand Staircase National Monument in 8.5 miles and at 15 miles arrive at a marked junction in the road. There is a kiosk at the junction with a map and other information. The road goes in two directions from the Glendale Bench Road. One road is the Johnson Canyon Road leading south and the other is the Skutumpah Road (road #500) traveling northeast..Turn left on the Skutumpah Road and travel 14.8 miles from the Johnson Canyon intersection to arrive at the Lick Wash trailhead/parking on the right side. Set your odometer and look for a yellow flood sign. The turn-off is unmarked and not easy to spot, but watch for the wash. The Lick Wash turn-off is marked as road #554 on the Grand Staircase detailed maps. Turn right on #554 to find the registration box.
The Lick Wash hike is an easy 5.5 mile round trip (9 miles round trip if traveling as far as LeFevre Cabin). This slot canyon excels in beauty and adventure and the added benefit is that it's remote and quiet. Make sure to bring a lunch and lots of water. Lick Wash is dry most of the time, but during times of flash flooding, the torrent of water details the high cliff walls, carving beautiful patterns of crossbedding in the sandstone. The end result is magnificent and abundant. Children will enjoy the easy hiking and climbing into the many holes and crevices.
There is a very small panel of petroglyphs in Lick WashLick Wash Petroglyphs - Be sure to see the petroglyphs on the right side on the way down. After walking for .6 miles find the short canyon (15 yards deep) by walking under a leaning fir tree in Lick Wash, continue downstream another 20 yards and look for a short canyon on the right identified by a large ponderosa pine tree 6' downstream from its mouth. There are two somewhat weathered petroglyphs on the right side wall while walking into the short canyon. Never touch Petroglyphs! Treat them as you would an outdoor museum.
Twisted Pine Arch - Another feature to see after 1.8 miles is the Twisted Pine Arch high up on the cliffs above on the left side of Lick Wash. The arch is seen from the canyon floor and is pointed like an arrowhead just to the left of a twisted pine tree high up on the cliff.
Slytherin Slot and Lost Spire Hoodoo - By continuing down Lick wash for another .8 miles a wash enters from the right and is the path to Slytherin Slot and a close up view of Lost Spire Hoodoo. Choose to take reprieve from the sun under the large Ponderosa at the hoodoo viewpoint or continue up the wash a short distance to try working through the impossibly narrow slot canyon and the scrambling access to stand next to Lost Spire Hoodoo. The Hoodoo can also be accessed by scrambling up the sandy slope by the pine tree then working across the slickrock.
LeFevre Cabin - If the day is early and more exploration is on the agenda, continue down Lick Wash and find the LeFevre Cabin another 1.75 miles down Lick Wash and on the plateau on the left at the base of the cliffs of Calf Pasture Point.
Skutumpah Road - Continue another 3-miles northeast on Skutumpah Road to the GSENM kiosk. After the kiosk, it's another 3.5 out of the monument and onto the paved scenic backway to (Kodachrome Basin Road) Cannonville. There is a staffed GSENM Visitors Center in Cannonville.
5.5 miles round trip. 9 miles round trip to LeFevre.
Average Hiking Time: 5 hours
*Skutumpah road is impassible if wet.
Moderate. [To access slytherin slot and lost spire hoodoo, skills may be required to chimney in the slot canyon and hike up steep slickrock.]
Sun Exposure: Sun and Shade mix.
This is an easy hike that kids and families with enjoy. Beyond the narrows the path is through a hot, sunny wash.
Trailhead: Skutumpah Road
Trailend: Same as trailhead
Best Season: Year-round if Skutumpah is accessible. Hiking beyond the narrows is best done when its cooler.
Restrooms: None
This is an easy and shady slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that the entire family can enjoy. Look for the faint petroglyphs while in the Lick Wash narrows. Most hikers just walk through the narrows section but for those who continue once the wash widens look for Twisted Pine Arch. Lost Spire Hoodoo marks the way to a skinny side slot canyon to chimney through. This trail report ends at the historic LeFevre cabin.
Trailhead: From Mount Carmel Junction, follow Scenic Byway 89 north, to Glendale, Utah. Make a right turn on 300 North, also called the Bench Road. It's directly across the highway from the Buffalo Bistro. Travel the graded dirt Glendale Bench Road (road #600) and enter the Grand Staircase National Monument in 8.5 miles and at 15 miles arrive at a marked junction in the road. There is a kiosk at the junction with a map and other information. The road goes in two directions from the Glendale Bench Road. One road is the Johnson Canyon Road leading south and the other is the Skutumpah Road (road #500) traveling northeast..Turn left on the Skutumpah Road and travel 14.8 miles from the Johnson Canyon intersection to arrive at the Lick Wash trailhead/parking on the right side. Set your odometer and look for a yellow flood sign. The turn-off is unmarked and not easy to spot, but watch for the wash. The Lick Wash turn-off is marked as road #554 on the Grand Staircase detailed maps. Turn right on #554 to find the registration box.
The Lick Wash hike is an easy 5.5 mile round trip (9 miles round trip if traveling as far as LeFevre Cabin). This slot canyon excels in beauty and adventure and the added benefit is that it's remote and quiet. Make sure to bring a lunch and lots of water. Lick Wash is dry most of the time, but during times of flash flooding, the torrent of water details the high cliff walls, carving beautiful patterns of crossbedding in the sandstone. The end result is magnificent and abundant. Children will enjoy the easy hiking and climbing into the many holes and crevices.
There is a very small panel of petroglyphs in Lick WashLick Wash Petroglyphs - Be sure to see the petroglyphs on the right side on the way down. After walking for .6 miles find the short canyon (15 yards deep) by walking under a leaning fir tree in Lick Wash, continue downstream another 20 yards and look for a short canyon on the right identified by a large ponderosa pine tree 6' downstream from its mouth. There are two somewhat weathered petroglyphs on the right side wall while walking into the short canyon. Never touch Petroglyphs! Treat them as you would an outdoor museum.
Twisted Pine Arch - Another feature to see after 1.8 miles is the Twisted Pine Arch high up on the cliffs above on the left side of Lick Wash. The arch is seen from the canyon floor and is pointed like an arrowhead just to the left of a twisted pine tree high up on the cliff.
Slytherin Slot and Lost Spire Hoodoo - By continuing down Lick wash for another .8 miles a wash enters from the right and is the path to Slytherin Slot and a close up view of Lost Spire Hoodoo. Choose to take reprieve from the sun under the large Ponderosa at the hoodoo viewpoint or continue up the wash a short distance to try working through the impossibly narrow slot canyon and the scrambling access to stand next to Lost Spire Hoodoo. The Hoodoo can also be accessed by scrambling up the sandy slope by the pine tree then working across the slickrock.
LeFevre Cabin - If the day is early and more exploration is on the agenda, continue down Lick Wash and find the LeFevre Cabin another 1.75 miles down Lick Wash and on the plateau on the left at the base of the cliffs of Calf Pasture Point.
Skutumpah Road - Continue another 3-miles northeast on Skutumpah Road to the GSENM kiosk. After the kiosk, it's another 3.5 out of the monument and onto the paved scenic backway to (Kodachrome Basin Road) Cannonville. There is a staffed GSENM Visitors Center in Cannonville.
Devil's Garden
Escalante
year round
Where else can you drive down a low-clearance-accessible road to a place where you can wander aimlessly through crazy rock formations without getting lost? There are arches, spires, hoodoos, boulders, tri-colored rocks… 0.1+ miles RT in whatever loop, out-and-back, or zigzag fashion you wish.
Devil’s Garden is a fascinating geological formation consisting of whimsical sandstone hoodoos and awe-inspiring arches, located along the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road. While there is no single trail through Devil’s Garden, the network of easy paths can be combined to form a hike of up to a mile long, making it an excellent choice for hikers of all skill levels. With plenty of room to climb and play amongst the hoodoos, children will particularly enjoy this hike.
Trailhead
The Devil’s Garden Trailhead is located on Hole-in-the-Rock Road about 18 miles southeast of Escalante, Utah. To reach the trailhead:
From Escalante, Utah, drive east on Highway 12 for approximately 5.0 miles to the signed junction on the right for Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
Turn right and continue south on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for approximately 12.2 miles to the signed junction for Devil’s Garden on the right.
Drive 0.3 miles down the Devil’s Garden Road to the parking area at Devil’s Garden.
Picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a vault toilet are available at the trailhead. No overnight camping is allowed.
The Hike
From the parking area, follow the prominent trail to the left of the large formation directly ahead. From here the trail winds in and out of the hoodoos. Choose whatever path intrigues you and explore.
One of the most interesting features in Devil’s Garden is Metate Arch – a slender ribbon of sandstone connecting a tall hoodoo to a larger rock formation. As you enter Devil’s Garden, head for the south end of the first open area to find Metate Arch. It may not be immediately visible until you are very close but is easy to locate with a little exploring. The GPS coordinates for Metate Arch are 37.584614,-111.413793.
Beyond Metate Arch, make your way around hoodoos and through narrow passage ways as the trail leads to other unique features such as Mano Arch (37.584452,-111.413473) and the Four Wise Men (37.583736,-111.413939), a series of large hoodoos near the south end of Devil’s Garden. Don’t worry if you don’t have a GPS, with a little exploring it’s easy to see everything this area has to offer.
The total hiking distance in Devil’s Garden is up to you but will typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 mile, round trip.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out trash.
Do not make marks or carvings on rocks.
Keep pets under control at all times.
Clean up after pets.
No overnight use.
Special Considerations
Hole-in-the-Rock Road to Devil’s Garden is a well-maintained dirt road that is typically passable to most passenger cars in dry conditions. Check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at 755 W Main St in Escalante, or call (435) 826-5499 for current road conditions.
year round
Where else can you drive down a low-clearance-accessible road to a place where you can wander aimlessly through crazy rock formations without getting lost? There are arches, spires, hoodoos, boulders, tri-colored rocks… 0.1+ miles RT in whatever loop, out-and-back, or zigzag fashion you wish.
Devil’s Garden is a fascinating geological formation consisting of whimsical sandstone hoodoos and awe-inspiring arches, located along the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road. While there is no single trail through Devil’s Garden, the network of easy paths can be combined to form a hike of up to a mile long, making it an excellent choice for hikers of all skill levels. With plenty of room to climb and play amongst the hoodoos, children will particularly enjoy this hike.
Trailhead
The Devil’s Garden Trailhead is located on Hole-in-the-Rock Road about 18 miles southeast of Escalante, Utah. To reach the trailhead:
From Escalante, Utah, drive east on Highway 12 for approximately 5.0 miles to the signed junction on the right for Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
Turn right and continue south on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for approximately 12.2 miles to the signed junction for Devil’s Garden on the right.
Drive 0.3 miles down the Devil’s Garden Road to the parking area at Devil’s Garden.
Picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a vault toilet are available at the trailhead. No overnight camping is allowed.
The Hike
From the parking area, follow the prominent trail to the left of the large formation directly ahead. From here the trail winds in and out of the hoodoos. Choose whatever path intrigues you and explore.
One of the most interesting features in Devil’s Garden is Metate Arch – a slender ribbon of sandstone connecting a tall hoodoo to a larger rock formation. As you enter Devil’s Garden, head for the south end of the first open area to find Metate Arch. It may not be immediately visible until you are very close but is easy to locate with a little exploring. The GPS coordinates for Metate Arch are 37.584614,-111.413793.
Beyond Metate Arch, make your way around hoodoos and through narrow passage ways as the trail leads to other unique features such as Mano Arch (37.584452,-111.413473) and the Four Wise Men (37.583736,-111.413939), a series of large hoodoos near the south end of Devil’s Garden. Don’t worry if you don’t have a GPS, with a little exploring it’s easy to see everything this area has to offer.
The total hiking distance in Devil’s Garden is up to you but will typically range from 0.5 to 1.0 mile, round trip.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out trash.
Do not make marks or carvings on rocks.
Keep pets under control at all times.
Clean up after pets.
No overnight use.
Special Considerations
Hole-in-the-Rock Road to Devil’s Garden is a well-maintained dirt road that is typically passable to most passenger cars in dry conditions. Check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at 755 W Main St in Escalante, or call (435) 826-5499 for current road conditions.
Grosvenor Arch
A very short, paved pathway leads to a viewing area, where the crazily shaped arch rises above you. (Though I’ll admit that the last time we visited we found a social trail to climb up behind the arch and look down through it – cool!) It’s a very short stop, but it’s well worth it! About 0.5 miles RT out-and-back on a paved path.
30 miles from US 89 and 17 miles from Cannonville is the turn off to Grosvenor Arch, the most accessible and spectacular natural feature along the Cottonwood Canyon Road. This is a large, spectacular double arch at the end of an isolated ridge of yellowish-white Henrieville sandstone, and is one of the most photographed places in the national monument. The main road then bends westwards and crosses up and down several steep ridges en route to Kodachrome Basin State Park; the surface is paved from here to Cannonville. There are several side tracks including a short spur to Round Valley Draw, and the Skutumpah Road, which crosses a large area of wooded hills and valleys back south to US 89 and Johnson Canyon. Along here are the intriguing slot canyons of Willis Creek, Lick Wash and Bull Valley Gorge.
30 miles from US 89 and 17 miles from Cannonville is the turn off to Grosvenor Arch, the most accessible and spectacular natural feature along the Cottonwood Canyon Road. This is a large, spectacular double arch at the end of an isolated ridge of yellowish-white Henrieville sandstone, and is one of the most photographed places in the national monument. The main road then bends westwards and crosses up and down several steep ridges en route to Kodachrome Basin State Park; the surface is paved from here to Cannonville. There are several side tracks including a short spur to Round Valley Draw, and the Skutumpah Road, which crosses a large area of wooded hills and valleys back south to US 89 and Johnson Canyon. Along here are the intriguing slot canyons of Willis Creek, Lick Wash and Bull Valley Gorge.
Tunnel Slot/Zebra Slot
Escalante
6 mi out and back (7 mi if combined with Zebra slot)
There can be some standing water in the spring and especially after it rains! Go when it's been dry for a while.
Tunnel slot closes at the top, so may feel more claustrophobic.
Look for Moqui Marbles: The spherules are iron oxide concretions — a sort of hematite "glue" around a sandstone center. They weather more slowly than the surrounding stratum, finally detaching from the host rock as it erodes away. These geologic phenomena were predicted to exist on Mars; and in fact such "Martian blueberries" were discovered at Meridiani Planum. Moqui marbles had substantial spiritual significance to the Hopi Indians. Nowadays any interest tends to be purely commercial, and that is principally why it is illegal to remove these or other materials from federal parklands.
Trailhead: 8 miles from SR-12 on Hole-in-the-Rock Road
To get to the area, from the town of Escalante take Hwy 12 4.5 miles east. The Hole in the Rock Road will turn off on your right; take this turn. If you’re coming from the east, the turn is 23.5 miles west of Boulder; again, you’d be driving Hwy 12, and you will want to turn left. The road is accessible down to the parking area by low-clearance vehicles. Sometimes the road has significant washboard, but otherwise it’s not a bad road (especially as dirt roads go in Utah!). Drive down the Hole in the Rock Road for 7.75 miles to where a fence crosses the road. Just across the cattle guard on your right is a small dirt parking area. (GPS coordinate: 37°38’21” N 111°26’41” W.) This is a quite popular hike, so the parking area fills up quickly. Do not park on the road—motorists drive faster than they probably should, and it would be very hazardous to leave your vehicle on the side of the road. Also, while we were there someone tried to park on the vegetation near the parking area, and ended up with a cactus thorn in their SUV’s tire. In other words, get here early to get a parking space, or find a way to park in the parking lot. You may want to get an early start in general, as the hike offers little shade, and this would be an extremely grueling hike on a hot day.
Along the trail before reaching Harris Wash
The trail begins across the road to the right of the cattle guard. It does not look very impressive at this point, but it is there. Follow it east as it goes along a flat, grassy section and then down into a wash. You will be following this wash all the way down to Harris Wash, a little less than 2.5 miles from the trailhead. You can walk in the wash (quite sandy) or follow the trail that winds its way along, across, and through the wash. I recommend the trail, which is quite easy to follow, but feel free to do whichever you prefer. There was some water in the wash the second time we hiked this trail, but the trail crossings were dry enough for us to cross fairly easily. The views from the lower parts of the wash and trail are awesome, and remind me of pictures I’ve seen of Antelope Canyon in Kotachrome Basin State Park (although not as nice, of course, or everyone would go here instead of there).
After about 2.5 miles, you will come down off of the hill you have been descending and into Harris Wash. There are interesting things in both directions; however, if you want to find an easier way to the moqui marbles, turn left. Not far up the wash, a wide side wash will come in on your right. Turn right. Follow this wash for a ¼ mile or so, turning right into a wide, bushy side canyon. If you continued straight instead of turning right, you would end up in the Zebra Slots. These are well worth visiting as well, although there was waist-deep water just before the best of the slots when we were there the second time (the first time we were able to enter the slots without wading). Anyhow, this is a terrific side trip if there’s no water or if you don’t mind wading.
After you’ve turned into the bushy side canyon, scramble up the slick rock and then hug the right-hand side of the canyon and follow the social trail up to the fence that goes across the top of the canyon. Follow this fence to the left, and at the other edge of the canyon you will be able to slip under the barb wire where the fence connects to the face of the rock without tearing your clothing. Follow the fence to the right as it goes across the top of the canyon and up the slickrock.
Continue across the slickrock, keeping the fence to your right. Or, you can slip back under the fence and walk with the fence on your left—the choice is up to you; there are moqui marbles on both sides of the fence. The views in this area are really pretty, especially the huge red rock on your left. Get a few puffy white clouds floating behind, and you’ve got a really awesome picture!
After a ¼ mile or so, you will begin to see little black balls of rock lying on the ground. These certainly are strange looking: some seem to be marbles, others resemble flying saucers. Take special notice of the ones that have broken in half: you can see the layers that were made as the marble was formed (I’m not exactly sure how they were formed, and neither are scientists, but there are several theories that are a bit too complicated to include in this post). As you continue along, there will be more and more fields of these, looking almost like blueberries strewn across the ground. Some people even call them Martian Blueberries, or Martian Spherules. My favorite fields have flowers or blooming cacti growing up in the middle of the moqui marbles.
If you had turned right after getting to Harris Wash, you could have walked for about a ½ mile or so to get to Tunnel Slot, a small side canyon located on the left side of the wash. However, by walking to the moqui marbles, you can also get to Tunnel Slot from the top (alternatively, you could scramble up the rocks behind Tunnel Slot to get to the moqui marbles—go a bit to the left before you try ascending the rock face). To get to the Tunnel Slot from the moqui marbles, you will need to be on the left side of the fence (the fence needs to be on your right). Just keep walking, and you will soon see a fisher developing on your right. Follow this for a short ways, and then scramble down to the bottom (be careful—this is not an easy task; chose your route carefully!). Keep walking in the same direction down the fisher. Eventually, at the end of the fisher, Tunnel Slot will be on your right. The roof comes together over the top, creating a tunnel in a not-terrifically-narrow slot canyon.
Return the way you came. One of the things I love about this hike is that it feels so free high up on the plateau that has the moqui marbles. The puffy clouds above you, the tall red rocks on your left, the wind in your face, and the fact that there is no trail makes just you and the elements. So cool!
6 mi out and back (7 mi if combined with Zebra slot)
There can be some standing water in the spring and especially after it rains! Go when it's been dry for a while.
Tunnel slot closes at the top, so may feel more claustrophobic.
Look for Moqui Marbles: The spherules are iron oxide concretions — a sort of hematite "glue" around a sandstone center. They weather more slowly than the surrounding stratum, finally detaching from the host rock as it erodes away. These geologic phenomena were predicted to exist on Mars; and in fact such "Martian blueberries" were discovered at Meridiani Planum. Moqui marbles had substantial spiritual significance to the Hopi Indians. Nowadays any interest tends to be purely commercial, and that is principally why it is illegal to remove these or other materials from federal parklands.
Trailhead: 8 miles from SR-12 on Hole-in-the-Rock Road
To get to the area, from the town of Escalante take Hwy 12 4.5 miles east. The Hole in the Rock Road will turn off on your right; take this turn. If you’re coming from the east, the turn is 23.5 miles west of Boulder; again, you’d be driving Hwy 12, and you will want to turn left. The road is accessible down to the parking area by low-clearance vehicles. Sometimes the road has significant washboard, but otherwise it’s not a bad road (especially as dirt roads go in Utah!). Drive down the Hole in the Rock Road for 7.75 miles to where a fence crosses the road. Just across the cattle guard on your right is a small dirt parking area. (GPS coordinate: 37°38’21” N 111°26’41” W.) This is a quite popular hike, so the parking area fills up quickly. Do not park on the road—motorists drive faster than they probably should, and it would be very hazardous to leave your vehicle on the side of the road. Also, while we were there someone tried to park on the vegetation near the parking area, and ended up with a cactus thorn in their SUV’s tire. In other words, get here early to get a parking space, or find a way to park in the parking lot. You may want to get an early start in general, as the hike offers little shade, and this would be an extremely grueling hike on a hot day.
Along the trail before reaching Harris Wash
The trail begins across the road to the right of the cattle guard. It does not look very impressive at this point, but it is there. Follow it east as it goes along a flat, grassy section and then down into a wash. You will be following this wash all the way down to Harris Wash, a little less than 2.5 miles from the trailhead. You can walk in the wash (quite sandy) or follow the trail that winds its way along, across, and through the wash. I recommend the trail, which is quite easy to follow, but feel free to do whichever you prefer. There was some water in the wash the second time we hiked this trail, but the trail crossings were dry enough for us to cross fairly easily. The views from the lower parts of the wash and trail are awesome, and remind me of pictures I’ve seen of Antelope Canyon in Kotachrome Basin State Park (although not as nice, of course, or everyone would go here instead of there).
After about 2.5 miles, you will come down off of the hill you have been descending and into Harris Wash. There are interesting things in both directions; however, if you want to find an easier way to the moqui marbles, turn left. Not far up the wash, a wide side wash will come in on your right. Turn right. Follow this wash for a ¼ mile or so, turning right into a wide, bushy side canyon. If you continued straight instead of turning right, you would end up in the Zebra Slots. These are well worth visiting as well, although there was waist-deep water just before the best of the slots when we were there the second time (the first time we were able to enter the slots without wading). Anyhow, this is a terrific side trip if there’s no water or if you don’t mind wading.
After you’ve turned into the bushy side canyon, scramble up the slick rock and then hug the right-hand side of the canyon and follow the social trail up to the fence that goes across the top of the canyon. Follow this fence to the left, and at the other edge of the canyon you will be able to slip under the barb wire where the fence connects to the face of the rock without tearing your clothing. Follow the fence to the right as it goes across the top of the canyon and up the slickrock.
Continue across the slickrock, keeping the fence to your right. Or, you can slip back under the fence and walk with the fence on your left—the choice is up to you; there are moqui marbles on both sides of the fence. The views in this area are really pretty, especially the huge red rock on your left. Get a few puffy white clouds floating behind, and you’ve got a really awesome picture!
After a ¼ mile or so, you will begin to see little black balls of rock lying on the ground. These certainly are strange looking: some seem to be marbles, others resemble flying saucers. Take special notice of the ones that have broken in half: you can see the layers that were made as the marble was formed (I’m not exactly sure how they were formed, and neither are scientists, but there are several theories that are a bit too complicated to include in this post). As you continue along, there will be more and more fields of these, looking almost like blueberries strewn across the ground. Some people even call them Martian Blueberries, or Martian Spherules. My favorite fields have flowers or blooming cacti growing up in the middle of the moqui marbles.
If you had turned right after getting to Harris Wash, you could have walked for about a ½ mile or so to get to Tunnel Slot, a small side canyon located on the left side of the wash. However, by walking to the moqui marbles, you can also get to Tunnel Slot from the top (alternatively, you could scramble up the rocks behind Tunnel Slot to get to the moqui marbles—go a bit to the left before you try ascending the rock face). To get to the Tunnel Slot from the moqui marbles, you will need to be on the left side of the fence (the fence needs to be on your right). Just keep walking, and you will soon see a fisher developing on your right. Follow this for a short ways, and then scramble down to the bottom (be careful—this is not an easy task; chose your route carefully!). Keep walking in the same direction down the fisher. Eventually, at the end of the fisher, Tunnel Slot will be on your right. The roof comes together over the top, creating a tunnel in a not-terrifically-narrow slot canyon.
Return the way you came. One of the things I love about this hike is that it feels so free high up on the plateau that has the moqui marbles. The puffy clouds above you, the tall red rocks on your left, the wind in your face, and the fact that there is no trail makes just you and the elements. So cool!
Spooky Gulch
Escalante
3.2 mi RT
moderate
(combine with Peekaboo!)
3.2 mi RT
moderate
(combine with Peekaboo!)
Spooky Gulch is a short slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area, located on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, 26 miles south of the town of Escalante. Spooky is well-named and pretty famous for how dark it gets when deep in a slot, and for the panic-inspiring quality of its extremely narrow walls.
In order to reach Spooky Gulch, visitors should drive the 26 miles down the Hole-in-the-Rock Road off of Highway 12, until they find the Dry Fork Road, heading northeast into the desert. The Dry Fork turnoff branches after only a few hundred yards, and visitors need to stay left in order to reach the Dry Fork overlook.
*Spooky can be combined with Peek-a-boo Gulch to make a fun loop hike. The recommended route is to take Peek-a-boo Gulch first, scrambling north up through its depths, and upon exiting, hiking overland to the east for half a mile until the wide streambed above Spooky Gulch is reached. From there, follow Spooky back down to Dry Fork, and then hike back to the overlook. The total loop route is about 3.5 miles long.
*The entire route from Highway 12 is an extremely rugged washboard road with sand traps and the occasional rut. Though vans and cars can tackle the route, a four-wheel drive vehicle with decent suspension is recommended.
There is a parking lot at the end of the Dry Fork road, beside an overlook that sits 300 feet above the canyon systems below it. From this vantage point, visitors can see the rock formations that hide Spooky and Peekaboo Gulches.
A short climb from the overlook takes hikers down a winding path along the slopes and boulders of the cliff, and into the sandy bottom of Dry Fork below. Immediately ahead is Peek-a-boo Gulch, heading north, and the Dry Fork itself continues west. But in order to reach Peek-a-boo, follow the dry creek bed east as it winds its way downstream.
The opening to Spooky is wide and dark, though it closes up within short order. Only a few hundred feet into the canyon, normal-sized adults will begin having difficulty.
As the canyon begins to widen again, the sheer sides falling away to gentler slopes, hikers will find themselves at the bottom of a sandy streambed. From here, they can turn around and go back the way they came, or mount the east rim of the canyon and hike back. Or they can trek west until they hit Peek-a-boo and journey back to the Dry Fork overlook by that route.
Round Valley Draw
4.25 mi RT
moderate
Round Valley Draw is an awesome slot canyon hidden in the wilderness to the southeast of Cannonville and the Kodachrome Basin State Park, within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Though short, this spectacular slot is partially enclosed for a large portion of the route, seeming more like a spelunking adventure than a canyoneering trip at times. The canyon walls are beautifully striated, and loom well overhead, creating a tunnel-like darkness.
Round Valley Draw Trailhead is located where the road crosses over the creek bed and climbs back up on the south side. It is sometimes possible to drive up the creek even farther, almost to the point where the slot canyon begins—dependent upon the weather and trail conditions.
At this point the ground opens up, and canyoneers literally descend into a crack in the ground as if entering a system of caves.
Still three quarters of a mile from the confluence of Round Valley Draw and Hackberry Creek, the canyon opens up and the trail climbs the north wall, up to the mesa above for a quick return to the trailhead.
Though the slot canyon has already ended before this point, the canyon itself continues down to Hackberry Creek, which then winds down into Cottonwood Creek.
For those visitors that decided not to hike back through the slot canyon, but ascended the mesa to the north, they can climb back down at this point, reaching the draw just southwest of the ford and parking area.
moderate
Round Valley Draw is an awesome slot canyon hidden in the wilderness to the southeast of Cannonville and the Kodachrome Basin State Park, within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Though short, this spectacular slot is partially enclosed for a large portion of the route, seeming more like a spelunking adventure than a canyoneering trip at times. The canyon walls are beautifully striated, and loom well overhead, creating a tunnel-like darkness.
Round Valley Draw Trailhead is located where the road crosses over the creek bed and climbs back up on the south side. It is sometimes possible to drive up the creek even farther, almost to the point where the slot canyon begins—dependent upon the weather and trail conditions.
At this point the ground opens up, and canyoneers literally descend into a crack in the ground as if entering a system of caves.
Still three quarters of a mile from the confluence of Round Valley Draw and Hackberry Creek, the canyon opens up and the trail climbs the north wall, up to the mesa above for a quick return to the trailhead.
Though the slot canyon has already ended before this point, the canyon itself continues down to Hackberry Creek, which then winds down into Cottonwood Creek.
For those visitors that decided not to hike back through the slot canyon, but ascended the mesa to the north, they can climb back down at this point, reaching the draw just southwest of the ford and parking area.
Peekaboo Gulch
Escalante
2 mi RT
moderate
Peek-a-boo Gulch is a short slot canyon in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase- Escalante area, located on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, 26 miles south of the town of Escalante. Peek-a-boo is not very long, or physically demanding, but it requires some navigational and rock-scrambling skill in order to get through its twists and chutes.
In order to reach Peek-a-boo Gulch, visitors should drive the 26 miles down the Hole-in-the-Rock Road off of Highway 12, until they find the Dry Fork Road, heading northeast into the desert. The Dry Fork turnoff branches after only a few hundred yards, and visitors need to stay left in order to reach the Dry Fork overlook.
*Peek-a-boo can be combined with Spooky Gulch to make a fun loop hike. The recommended route is to actually take Peek-a-boo Gulch first, scrambling north up through its depths, and upon exiting, hiking overland to the east for half a mile until the wide streambed above Spooky Gulch is reached. From there, follow Spooky back down to Dry Fork, and then hike back to the overlook. The total loop route is about 3.5 miles long.
*The entire route from Highway 12 is an extremely rugged washboard road with sand traps and the occasional rut. Though vans and cars can tackle the route, a four-wheel drive vehicle with decent suspension is recommended.
There is a parking lot at the end of the Dry Fork road, beside an overlook that sits 300 feet above the canyon systems below it. From this vantage point, visitors can see the rock formations that hide Spooky and Peekaboo Gulches.
A short climb from the overlook takes hikers down a winding path along the slopes and boulders of the cliff, and into the sandy bottom of Dry Fork below. Immediately ahead is Peek-a-boo Gulch, heading north. Spooky Gulch is farther down the dry creek bed to the east, and the Dry Fork itself continues west.
Though not nearly as long, deep, or narrow as Spooky Gulch, Peek-a-boo has its own unique challenges and thrills. Right off the bat, as visitors begin the trail from the bottom of Dry Fork, they will note the steps carved into the wall that they must climb in order to reach the slot canyon. At the top of the steps, they will find a pothole that is generally full of water year-round, which can be circumvented without getting wet by those smart and agile enough.
The Peek-a-boo route eventually climbs up out of the slot canyon, and onto the high ground above. From there, hikers can turn right around and head back the way they came, or they can head overland to the south until they hit Spooky Gulch and continue with phase two of the adventure.
2 mi RT
moderate
Peek-a-boo Gulch is a short slot canyon in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase- Escalante area, located on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, 26 miles south of the town of Escalante. Peek-a-boo is not very long, or physically demanding, but it requires some navigational and rock-scrambling skill in order to get through its twists and chutes.
In order to reach Peek-a-boo Gulch, visitors should drive the 26 miles down the Hole-in-the-Rock Road off of Highway 12, until they find the Dry Fork Road, heading northeast into the desert. The Dry Fork turnoff branches after only a few hundred yards, and visitors need to stay left in order to reach the Dry Fork overlook.
*Peek-a-boo can be combined with Spooky Gulch to make a fun loop hike. The recommended route is to actually take Peek-a-boo Gulch first, scrambling north up through its depths, and upon exiting, hiking overland to the east for half a mile until the wide streambed above Spooky Gulch is reached. From there, follow Spooky back down to Dry Fork, and then hike back to the overlook. The total loop route is about 3.5 miles long.
*The entire route from Highway 12 is an extremely rugged washboard road with sand traps and the occasional rut. Though vans and cars can tackle the route, a four-wheel drive vehicle with decent suspension is recommended.
There is a parking lot at the end of the Dry Fork road, beside an overlook that sits 300 feet above the canyon systems below it. From this vantage point, visitors can see the rock formations that hide Spooky and Peekaboo Gulches.
A short climb from the overlook takes hikers down a winding path along the slopes and boulders of the cliff, and into the sandy bottom of Dry Fork below. Immediately ahead is Peek-a-boo Gulch, heading north. Spooky Gulch is farther down the dry creek bed to the east, and the Dry Fork itself continues west.
Though not nearly as long, deep, or narrow as Spooky Gulch, Peek-a-boo has its own unique challenges and thrills. Right off the bat, as visitors begin the trail from the bottom of Dry Fork, they will note the steps carved into the wall that they must climb in order to reach the slot canyon. At the top of the steps, they will find a pothole that is generally full of water year-round, which can be circumvented without getting wet by those smart and agile enough.
The Peek-a-boo route eventually climbs up out of the slot canyon, and onto the high ground above. From there, hikers can turn right around and head back the way they came, or they can head overland to the south until they hit Spooky Gulch and continue with phase two of the adventure.
Golden Cathedral/ Neon Canyon
Escalante
9.2 miles RT
moderate
The Golden Cathedral is a unique hiking destination within lower Neon Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area. The Cathedral is locates just over 3/4 of a mile up Neon Canyon from its confluence at the Escalante River, and consists of a great, domed pour-off from upper Neon Canyon, where the water has dug three separate pothole arches into the overhang. When the sun is overhead, the daylight shines down through the arches in great, golden columns.
Getting to the Golden Cathedral is tricky, and requires a good measure of navigational skill. This hike does not take visitors the entire length of Neon Canyon—that trip is technical and strenuous, though very much worth the effort. This trip will only take visitors into the lower canyon, below the pour-off.
The trailhead is located on the overlook in the Egypt area, off of the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The road leaves the Hole-in-the-Rock Road and heads east before swinging up toward the north and overlooking the cliffs of Egypt.
There is a small turnoff from the Egypt Road that heads southeast to a parking area and turnaround. This serves as the trailhead for Neon Canyon.
Leaving the parking area, hikers will begin to descend the cliffs of Egypt, and immediately below the parking area, they will enter the wash that deepens into Fence Canyon as it drops into the Escalante River to the east.
Neon Canyon empties into the Escalante River only one mile south of Fence Canyon, coming down from the northeast.
Neon Canyon is a beautiful and amazingly colorful canyon—hence the name. The trip would be worth it even without the Golden Cathedral, though it is without a doubt the main attraction. The pool below the domed pour-off can be deep enough to swim during seasons of high precipitation. Those who wish to do the entire—technical—Neon Canyon route will need to ascend the Choprock Bench that makes up the northern wall of the canyon. Climbing across the bench will allow visitors to bypass the Golden Cathedral pour-off and to drop into upper Neon Canyon in order to climb and rappel down.
9.2 miles RT
moderate
The Golden Cathedral is a unique hiking destination within lower Neon Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area. The Cathedral is locates just over 3/4 of a mile up Neon Canyon from its confluence at the Escalante River, and consists of a great, domed pour-off from upper Neon Canyon, where the water has dug three separate pothole arches into the overhang. When the sun is overhead, the daylight shines down through the arches in great, golden columns.
Getting to the Golden Cathedral is tricky, and requires a good measure of navigational skill. This hike does not take visitors the entire length of Neon Canyon—that trip is technical and strenuous, though very much worth the effort. This trip will only take visitors into the lower canyon, below the pour-off.
The trailhead is located on the overlook in the Egypt area, off of the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The road leaves the Hole-in-the-Rock Road and heads east before swinging up toward the north and overlooking the cliffs of Egypt.
There is a small turnoff from the Egypt Road that heads southeast to a parking area and turnaround. This serves as the trailhead for Neon Canyon.
Leaving the parking area, hikers will begin to descend the cliffs of Egypt, and immediately below the parking area, they will enter the wash that deepens into Fence Canyon as it drops into the Escalante River to the east.
Neon Canyon empties into the Escalante River only one mile south of Fence Canyon, coming down from the northeast.
Neon Canyon is a beautiful and amazingly colorful canyon—hence the name. The trip would be worth it even without the Golden Cathedral, though it is without a doubt the main attraction. The pool below the domed pour-off can be deep enough to swim during seasons of high precipitation. Those who wish to do the entire—technical—Neon Canyon route will need to ascend the Choprock Bench that makes up the northern wall of the canyon. Climbing across the bench will allow visitors to bypass the Golden Cathedral pour-off and to drop into upper Neon Canyon in order to climb and rappel down.
Calf Creek Falls (Lower)
6 mi RT
moderate
Do this in spring or fall; it gets unbearably hot in the summer
Bring PLENTY of water
The trail is sandy
Calf Creek Falls is one of the most enchanting areas of the Grand Staircase-Escalante area, a verdant oasis amid the tumbled stone monoliths of the desert. Named for its use as a natural pen for calves back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the creek remained relatively unknown as a tourist destination until the formation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, under the Clinton administration. Walking between mineral-streaked cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, hikers pass beaver ponds and pre-historic rock art sites en route to the paradisiacal pools.
The trailhead is located at the Calf Creek Campground on Highway 12, 11 miles south of the town of Boulder, and 15 miles east of the town of Escalante. The highway follows the route of the creek for most of the distance, atop the bluff to the east of the canyon.
Located at the campground in the Calf Creek Recreational Area, there is a parking fee for the parking lot, and a camping fee in order to stay overnight. The trail sets off to the north, away from the campground. Though mostly level, the trail frequently crosses vast sandy tracts that can make it difficult for some to navigate. About a mile and a half up the canyon, on the east wall quite high up rest two Fremont granaries and a group of pictograph panels, dated to approximately AD 1200.
The lower falls are 130 feet high, with a deep swimming hole underneath them. The entire creek is surrounded by greenery, but particularly underneath the spray of the waterfall. The lower falls are the most famous out of the two waterfalls on Calf Creek, and attracts many visitors every year.
The Upper calf Creek Falls are 88 feet high, and though they do not have nearly the quantity of water spilling over the edge that the lower falls have, the waterfall is still an impressive sight. Swimming is possible here as well, and with the smaller crowd, more relaxing.
moderate
Do this in spring or fall; it gets unbearably hot in the summer
Bring PLENTY of water
The trail is sandy
Calf Creek Falls is one of the most enchanting areas of the Grand Staircase-Escalante area, a verdant oasis amid the tumbled stone monoliths of the desert. Named for its use as a natural pen for calves back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the creek remained relatively unknown as a tourist destination until the formation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, under the Clinton administration. Walking between mineral-streaked cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, hikers pass beaver ponds and pre-historic rock art sites en route to the paradisiacal pools.
The trailhead is located at the Calf Creek Campground on Highway 12, 11 miles south of the town of Boulder, and 15 miles east of the town of Escalante. The highway follows the route of the creek for most of the distance, atop the bluff to the east of the canyon.
Located at the campground in the Calf Creek Recreational Area, there is a parking fee for the parking lot, and a camping fee in order to stay overnight. The trail sets off to the north, away from the campground. Though mostly level, the trail frequently crosses vast sandy tracts that can make it difficult for some to navigate. About a mile and a half up the canyon, on the east wall quite high up rest two Fremont granaries and a group of pictograph panels, dated to approximately AD 1200.
The lower falls are 130 feet high, with a deep swimming hole underneath them. The entire creek is surrounded by greenery, but particularly underneath the spray of the waterfall. The lower falls are the most famous out of the two waterfalls on Calf Creek, and attracts many visitors every year.
The Upper calf Creek Falls are 88 feet high, and though they do not have nearly the quantity of water spilling over the edge that the lower falls have, the waterfall is still an impressive sight. Swimming is possible here as well, and with the smaller crowd, more relaxing.
Escalante River
13-15 miles ONE WAY
moderate
spring, fall
The Escalante River in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has been described as the “crookedest river in the world”, and has awed humans for hundreds if not thousands of years as they explored its depths. One of the main waterways in the south of Utah, the Escalante River has its roots way up in the desert country high above Lake Powell, and heads south until it reaches the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, becoming one of the most beautiful canyons of Lake Powell. The Escalante River draws visitors year-round with its canyoneering potential. During dry months it is a fun river to hike and wade through. During wetter months it offers great tubing, and even kayaking, though the water can be fast and dangerous during periods of heavy rain.
This route explores the upper end of the river, from the town of Escalante, heading east to the Highway 12 bridge a few miles below Boulder, and requires that the hikers have a shuttle that will take them back to their vehicles in the town of Escalante—unless they are willing to turn around at the bridge and hiker 13 miles back upstream, or are only going a little way down the river.
On the northeast side of the town of Escalante, Pine Creek drops in from the north, joining with the larger Escalante River in its eastward trek toward the bridge on Highway 12. Access to the river is available in many areas of town, as it was built on the river’s banks. Many people begin their hike close to the high school, though that makes for a little overland trek before actually getting into the river. Alternatively, the area around Pine Creek Lane has a few parking areas that are closer to the river itself.
Escalante Natural Arch
This arch sits high up on the south canyon wall, easily missed by those that are not observant. It is not a huge or spectacular arch, but is just one of the many intricate and amazing things that makes the Escalante River worth the time and energy put into the trip.
Escalante Natural Bridge
The largest such structure in the National Monument, Escalante Natural Bridge sits only a third of a mile farther to the east than Escalante Natural Arch, though is much more impressive.
Highway 12 Bridge
The bridge marks the end of the upper river, though hardy explorers with plenty of time on their hands will make a pilgrimage of sorts from the town of Escalante, all the way down Coyote Gulch and Lake Powell.
The Escalante River offers outstanding scenery as it winds through a deep canyon gorge in the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The remote location of the Escalante River helped it to be the last river of its size to be discovered in the continental United States. The river spans approximately 90 miles from the town of Escalante to its terminus at Lake Powell. This trail description covers the first 15 miles of the river between the town of Escalante and the bridge on Highway 12.
The Upper Escalante River is best completed as an overnight backpack from the Town Trailhead to the Highway 12 Bridge, but can also be completed as an out-and-back from either end. Numerous attractions near each end of the hike make this an appealing route for day hikers as well.
This hike is suitable for most healthy adults. Kids may enjoy shorter day trips along the river but the full 15-mile overnight route may be too difficult for most children due to the distance and rough terrain.
Trailhead
There are two trailheads used to access the upper Escalante River: the Escalante Town Trailhead and the Escalante River Highway 12 Trailhead. A shuttle is necessary to complete the hike one-way. Commercial shuttle services may be available from some of the outfitters in Escalante.
Reaching the Escalante Town Trailhead from Escalante, Utah:
From Main Street in Escalante, drive east on Highway 12 for about 1 mile.
Turn left onto 350 South at the signed junction for the Escalante Cemetery.
Continue on the dirt road east past the Cemetery for approximately 0.4 miles.
Turn left onto a dirt road and continue 0.3 miles to the trailhead and parking area.
Access to the Town Trailhead is on a dirt road but is passable under dry conditions to most passenger cars.
Reaching the Escalante River Highway 12 Trailhead from Escalante, Utah:
From Main Street in Escalante, drive east on Highway 12 for 14.4 miles.
Just beyond the bridge over the Escalante River, turn left into the signed Escalante River Trailhead.
The Hike
From the Escalante Town Trailhead, follow the dirt road from the parking north for about a quarter mile to a gate where the trail begins. High clearance vehicles can sign in at the trailhead and drive this short distance if desired. Continue on the footpath as it descends the ridge and winds through some trees before arriving at the Escalante River.
The Escalante River is usually very small here, sometimes only a trickle. Continue down canyon following the sandy trail and crossing the river as needed. Soon the confluence with Pine Creek appears on the left. This tributary often adds significant flow to the river but depending on the time of year, it may still only be ankle deep.
As you continue hiking, the walls become taller and the canyon narrows. The route is easy to follow as it continues down the watercourse, occasionally crossing over sandy benches on well-worn trails. River crossings are frequent for the entire 15-mile length of this hike and sturdy wading shoes are strongly recommended.
After about 3 miles of hiking, look for a large alcove on the left side of the canyon (37.781926,-111.557046). There are some ancient pictographs to be seen inside the alcove and the shade provides a good place to take a break on a warm day.
Beyond the alcove, the canyon continues to wind between towering sandstone walls. For those interested in backpacking, campsites are plentiful. Be sure to setup camp on sand or rock and at least 200 feet from water sources and trails. Water is available from the Escalante River but should be treated before drinking. Silt can be a problem at times so a good pre-filter may be necessary. During dry seasons, the Escalante River may run dry in these first 7 miles.
Approximately 7.5 miles from the trailhead, watch for the confluence with Death Hollow on the left. The vegetation in the area may partially block the entrance, but the flow of water out of Death Hollow is often much greater than that of the Escalante, making it hard to miss.
Death Hollow is a beautiful canyon with a perennial stream fed by the Aquarius Plateau to the north. The water is usually quite swift, and often knee deep or more, but runs clean and cold, making it an excellent place to fill up your reserves. Be sure to treat all water before drinking.
With its numerous swimming holes and small cascades, a short hike into lower Death Hollow is well worth the time. Death Hollow is much narrower than most of the Escalante River Gorge but is not without its challenges. Rampant poison ivy, deep pools, and limited camping make lower Death Hollow somewhat inhospitable.
Continue following the Escalante River beyond Death Hollow. Depending on the time of year, walking in the Escalante River may become significantly more difficult due to the increased water flow. A network of sandy trails traverses the river the remaining distance to the Highway 12 Trailhead but many river crossings are still required. If water levels are low, staying in the watercourse may be easier.
Approximately 4.5 miles beyond Death Hollow, a large side canyon called Sand Creek appears on the left. Sand Creek is easy to miss as the trail crosses a large sandy field on the opposite side of the canyon. There is a perennial stream in Sand Creek and a nice spring near the confluence with the Escalante River.
About a half-mile past Sand Creek, look for a thin arch, high on the south canyon wall. Just below the arch is an ancient cliff dwelling. A side trip to get a closer look is well worth the time. Soon after the cliff dwelling, watch the right canyon wall for a large arch known as Escalante Natural Bridge. The arch is about 100 yards off the main trail and may be hard to see without walking closer. Many people hike to this arch from the Highway 12 Bridge Trailhead as a day trip.
Continue on the sandy trail for about 2 miles past Escalante Natural Bridge to the end of the hike at the Highway 12 Bridge Trailhead. Total hiking distance is 15 miles, not including possible side trips into Death Hollow or Sand Creek.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out all trash, including toilet paper.
No campfires are allowed.
Permits are required for overnight use and are available for free at the visitor center in Escalante. Permits can also be self-issued at most trailhead registers, including the register at the Egypt Trailhead.
Special Considerations
Flash flood risk is high in the Escalante River and its tributaries such as Death Hollow and Sand Creek. Do not enter the canyon when significant precipitation is expected anywhere in the drainage area. Even under blue skies, a distant storm can send water surging down to your location. A sudden change of flow or clarity may indicate an impending flood event. If a flood strikes, seek high ground and wait until the water recedes to a safe level.
Despite being in a desert environment, the Escalante River Gorge is at a relatively high elevation and therefore has a shorter window of ideal conditions. Snow and ice may be present well into the spring and the water can be very cold. Check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at 755 W Main St in Escalante, or call (435) 826-5499 for current conditions before beginning your trip.
moderate
spring, fall
The Escalante River in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has been described as the “crookedest river in the world”, and has awed humans for hundreds if not thousands of years as they explored its depths. One of the main waterways in the south of Utah, the Escalante River has its roots way up in the desert country high above Lake Powell, and heads south until it reaches the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, becoming one of the most beautiful canyons of Lake Powell. The Escalante River draws visitors year-round with its canyoneering potential. During dry months it is a fun river to hike and wade through. During wetter months it offers great tubing, and even kayaking, though the water can be fast and dangerous during periods of heavy rain.
This route explores the upper end of the river, from the town of Escalante, heading east to the Highway 12 bridge a few miles below Boulder, and requires that the hikers have a shuttle that will take them back to their vehicles in the town of Escalante—unless they are willing to turn around at the bridge and hiker 13 miles back upstream, or are only going a little way down the river.
On the northeast side of the town of Escalante, Pine Creek drops in from the north, joining with the larger Escalante River in its eastward trek toward the bridge on Highway 12. Access to the river is available in many areas of town, as it was built on the river’s banks. Many people begin their hike close to the high school, though that makes for a little overland trek before actually getting into the river. Alternatively, the area around Pine Creek Lane has a few parking areas that are closer to the river itself.
Escalante Natural Arch
This arch sits high up on the south canyon wall, easily missed by those that are not observant. It is not a huge or spectacular arch, but is just one of the many intricate and amazing things that makes the Escalante River worth the time and energy put into the trip.
Escalante Natural Bridge
The largest such structure in the National Monument, Escalante Natural Bridge sits only a third of a mile farther to the east than Escalante Natural Arch, though is much more impressive.
Highway 12 Bridge
The bridge marks the end of the upper river, though hardy explorers with plenty of time on their hands will make a pilgrimage of sorts from the town of Escalante, all the way down Coyote Gulch and Lake Powell.
The Escalante River offers outstanding scenery as it winds through a deep canyon gorge in the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The remote location of the Escalante River helped it to be the last river of its size to be discovered in the continental United States. The river spans approximately 90 miles from the town of Escalante to its terminus at Lake Powell. This trail description covers the first 15 miles of the river between the town of Escalante and the bridge on Highway 12.
The Upper Escalante River is best completed as an overnight backpack from the Town Trailhead to the Highway 12 Bridge, but can also be completed as an out-and-back from either end. Numerous attractions near each end of the hike make this an appealing route for day hikers as well.
This hike is suitable for most healthy adults. Kids may enjoy shorter day trips along the river but the full 15-mile overnight route may be too difficult for most children due to the distance and rough terrain.
Trailhead
There are two trailheads used to access the upper Escalante River: the Escalante Town Trailhead and the Escalante River Highway 12 Trailhead. A shuttle is necessary to complete the hike one-way. Commercial shuttle services may be available from some of the outfitters in Escalante.
Reaching the Escalante Town Trailhead from Escalante, Utah:
From Main Street in Escalante, drive east on Highway 12 for about 1 mile.
Turn left onto 350 South at the signed junction for the Escalante Cemetery.
Continue on the dirt road east past the Cemetery for approximately 0.4 miles.
Turn left onto a dirt road and continue 0.3 miles to the trailhead and parking area.
Access to the Town Trailhead is on a dirt road but is passable under dry conditions to most passenger cars.
Reaching the Escalante River Highway 12 Trailhead from Escalante, Utah:
From Main Street in Escalante, drive east on Highway 12 for 14.4 miles.
Just beyond the bridge over the Escalante River, turn left into the signed Escalante River Trailhead.
The Hike
From the Escalante Town Trailhead, follow the dirt road from the parking north for about a quarter mile to a gate where the trail begins. High clearance vehicles can sign in at the trailhead and drive this short distance if desired. Continue on the footpath as it descends the ridge and winds through some trees before arriving at the Escalante River.
The Escalante River is usually very small here, sometimes only a trickle. Continue down canyon following the sandy trail and crossing the river as needed. Soon the confluence with Pine Creek appears on the left. This tributary often adds significant flow to the river but depending on the time of year, it may still only be ankle deep.
As you continue hiking, the walls become taller and the canyon narrows. The route is easy to follow as it continues down the watercourse, occasionally crossing over sandy benches on well-worn trails. River crossings are frequent for the entire 15-mile length of this hike and sturdy wading shoes are strongly recommended.
After about 3 miles of hiking, look for a large alcove on the left side of the canyon (37.781926,-111.557046). There are some ancient pictographs to be seen inside the alcove and the shade provides a good place to take a break on a warm day.
Beyond the alcove, the canyon continues to wind between towering sandstone walls. For those interested in backpacking, campsites are plentiful. Be sure to setup camp on sand or rock and at least 200 feet from water sources and trails. Water is available from the Escalante River but should be treated before drinking. Silt can be a problem at times so a good pre-filter may be necessary. During dry seasons, the Escalante River may run dry in these first 7 miles.
Approximately 7.5 miles from the trailhead, watch for the confluence with Death Hollow on the left. The vegetation in the area may partially block the entrance, but the flow of water out of Death Hollow is often much greater than that of the Escalante, making it hard to miss.
Death Hollow is a beautiful canyon with a perennial stream fed by the Aquarius Plateau to the north. The water is usually quite swift, and often knee deep or more, but runs clean and cold, making it an excellent place to fill up your reserves. Be sure to treat all water before drinking.
With its numerous swimming holes and small cascades, a short hike into lower Death Hollow is well worth the time. Death Hollow is much narrower than most of the Escalante River Gorge but is not without its challenges. Rampant poison ivy, deep pools, and limited camping make lower Death Hollow somewhat inhospitable.
Continue following the Escalante River beyond Death Hollow. Depending on the time of year, walking in the Escalante River may become significantly more difficult due to the increased water flow. A network of sandy trails traverses the river the remaining distance to the Highway 12 Trailhead but many river crossings are still required. If water levels are low, staying in the watercourse may be easier.
Approximately 4.5 miles beyond Death Hollow, a large side canyon called Sand Creek appears on the left. Sand Creek is easy to miss as the trail crosses a large sandy field on the opposite side of the canyon. There is a perennial stream in Sand Creek and a nice spring near the confluence with the Escalante River.
About a half-mile past Sand Creek, look for a thin arch, high on the south canyon wall. Just below the arch is an ancient cliff dwelling. A side trip to get a closer look is well worth the time. Soon after the cliff dwelling, watch the right canyon wall for a large arch known as Escalante Natural Bridge. The arch is about 100 yards off the main trail and may be hard to see without walking closer. Many people hike to this arch from the Highway 12 Bridge Trailhead as a day trip.
Continue on the sandy trail for about 2 miles past Escalante Natural Bridge to the end of the hike at the Highway 12 Bridge Trailhead. Total hiking distance is 15 miles, not including possible side trips into Death Hollow or Sand Creek.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out all trash, including toilet paper.
No campfires are allowed.
Permits are required for overnight use and are available for free at the visitor center in Escalante. Permits can also be self-issued at most trailhead registers, including the register at the Egypt Trailhead.
Special Considerations
Flash flood risk is high in the Escalante River and its tributaries such as Death Hollow and Sand Creek. Do not enter the canyon when significant precipitation is expected anywhere in the drainage area. Even under blue skies, a distant storm can send water surging down to your location. A sudden change of flow or clarity may indicate an impending flood event. If a flood strikes, seek high ground and wait until the water recedes to a safe level.
Despite being in a desert environment, the Escalante River Gorge is at a relatively high elevation and therefore has a shorter window of ideal conditions. Snow and ice may be present well into the spring and the water can be very cold. Check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at 755 W Main St in Escalante, or call (435) 826-5499 for current conditions before beginning your trip.
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