Lake Powell - Glen Canyon NRA
Hiking trails

Overview - Map - Description - Things to Do - Camping/Lodging - Nearby

 

Short Hikes near Wahweap

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

This very short walk takes you to a viewpoint on the canyon rim high above the Colorado River. It affords an unparalleled view of the river, the canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam.

Directions: From U.S. Hwy. 89, turn west on Scenic View Drive, 1.5 miles south of Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Take the first road to the right, and park in the parking area at the end of the road. (You may also access Scenic View Drive just south of the Park Headquarters building.)

The Hike: From the parking area, follow the metal handrail down the uneven rock steps. It is about 470 feet to the viewpoint. This scenic view provides spectacular vistas of the Colorado River as it flows through Glen Canyon and of Glen Canyon Dam itself. Please note: The guard rails are there for your safety. Please do not climb on the walls or on the rocks.

Hanging Garden

Turn off is one quarter mile (.4km) east of Glen Canyon Bridge (the opposite side from Carl Hayden Visitor Center) on Hwy 89. Trailhead parking is 500 yards (455m) off of Hwy 89. This hike leads you to a luxuriant Hanging Garden: A desert oasis on the mesa top high above the Colorado River and Lake Powell.

Securely hidden by Jurassic Navajo sandstone, this seep spring quickly takes hostage every drop of rainwater it can absorb. Slowly it liberates this water over time to create a surprisingly lush plant and animal habitat that delights and surprises those who discover it. The desert is astonishingly subtle and delicate. If you walk quietly, you will see and hear more. It can refresh observations and awaken inactive senses with each step you take.
0.1 mile (1.6km) round-trip
Easy to Moderate

Horseshoe Bend View Point 

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of northern Arizona, Horseshoe Bend stands as a remarkable geological marvel. This natural wonder is a horseshoe-shaped meander carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Colorado Plateau. Located just a short drive from the town of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend offers panoramic views of the Colorado River, making it one of the most visited and photographed destinations in the American Southwest.

Read more about Horseshoe Bend View Point and Trailhead. 


Photo of Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River. Photo credit 4kodiak from Getty Images Signature.

 

Antelope Point
Just a short distance from Page on highway 98, turn onto the Antelope Point road. Though lacking in developed trails, Antelope Point offers opportunity for exploration. Take a walk-a-bout through slick rock formations west of the parking near the launch ramp. Perhaps you will discover a perfect spot to enjoy the lake and take a swim.
Distance varies
Easy to Moderate

The Chains
Just east of the Glen Canyon Dam, take a dirt road heading north off of highway 89. Lake shore access is possible depending on current lake elevation. Please note: the lake is very deep at this location and good swimming skills are required. Take a walk-a-bout north of the parking lot for a self guided adventure through slick rock sand formations.
Distance varies
Easy to Moderate
Hwy 89 North

Skylight Arch
To get to Skylight arch, drive 7.6 miles north of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Turn left on an unmarked dirt road. Follow it to a corral. Take the left road and drive it for another 0.25 mile. On the right is a mesa. The moderate hike to the top will lead you to the arch. As this is an inverted arch, you will be standing on top of and looking down through it at the same time. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding area as well.
Driving time from Carl Hayden Visitor Center- 10 minutes, hike time: approx 2 hours
Moderate

Blue Pools - Wash/Arch and Slot
The Blue Pools area is located 10.3 miles north of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Turn south (left) between Utah milepost 3 and 4 onto an unmarked dirt road. Approximately 50 feet off the road is a metal gate which you will have to open. Drive through, close the gate, and park.
The Wash and Arch: From the parking area, turn left (away from the highway) and follow the wash about 1 mile. Near the end, the wash will climb up and connect to a dirt road. Follow this around the corner and look up. You will see the arch. This is a very sandy walk with no shade. 1-2 hours.
The Slot Canyon: You must have ropes and rappelling experience to access the slot canyon! From the parking area, turn right (towards the highway). Enter the slot from the top. About 20 feet down is an 8 foot drop requiring a rope. The next drop is about 40 feet further and is deeper. The slot takes you through Entrada Sandstone about 1 mile one way. 1-2 hours.
Driving time from Carl Hayden Visitor Center- 15 minutes, hike time: 1-2 hours for wash/arch; 1-2 hours for slot
Moderate

Bucktank Draw and Birthday Arch
Located off Utah Highway 89 at mile marker 9? or 17.3 miles from Carl Hayden Visitor Center, this pleasantly simple, easy to moderate hike in a sandy and partial bedrock sandstone draw leads you south to a box canyon, a large arch and a small sized slot canyon. Park your car on the south side of Hwy 89 just at the west end of the metal railing and head down the sandy slope through the gate into the draw. The arch is located approximately 1.5 miles from the road snuggled in along the western cliffs. When you spot the arch, you will need to traverse ? to ? mile west over sandy uphill slopes. To get directly under the arch requires caution as you scramble up and over loose rocky ledges. Getting to the top requires work and backtracking until you have found a doable way up. The slot canyon is on the opposite side of the canyon fairly easy to spot from the arch. It is worth the cross country trek to see this very narrow, short slot.
Driving time from Carl Hayden Visitor Center- 20 minutes, hike time: approx 3 hours
Easy to Moderate

Wiregrass Canyon
This longer, more strenuous hike takes you into Wiregrass Canyon, a steep-sided wash which leads down to Lake Powell. The hike through the wash provides views of colorful cliffs, balanced rocks, alcoves, and natural bridges.
Directions: From Page or Wahweap, drive north on U.S. Hwy 89 to Big Water, Utah. Between mileposts 7 and 8, turn right. (There is a sign on the highway indicating "Big Water City.") Turn right 0.3 mile from the junction. (There is a sign which reads"Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - State Highway 12" and which indicates the road.) Drive 4.6 miles to "Wiregrass Canyon Back Country Use Area." Park in the pullout provided. Please note: The dirt road to Wiregrass Canyon is accessible to 2WD vehicles when the road is dry. Wet weather, however, can make the road impassable for even 4WD vehicles. Ask a park ranger for current weather and road conditions.
The Hike: Wiregrass Canyon extends for approximately 3 miles from the road to Lake Powell. There is no trail as such, but it is easy to follow the wash. In some places it will be necessary to climb out of the wash and detour around pour-offs (drop-offs where waterfalls flow during flash floods). Narrow footpaths around these pour-offs have been created by hikers. Cairns (small piles of rocks) help to mark the main canyon. About 1 mile from the road, you will find a small natural bridge, formed when flood waters from the canyon paralleling Wiregrass Canyon finally cut through the narrow canyon wall. Flood waters now rush through this natural bridge into Wiregrass Canyon, and the periodic streams have abandoned the lower part of the parallel canyon. As you continue down the wash, you will see balanced rocks, small arches high in the canyon walls, and side canyons which you are welcome to explore. Near Lake Powell, but still in the wash, you will see a second natural bridge.
The USGS 7.5 minute Lone Rock Quadrangle may be helpful. It may be purchased at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
Wiregrass Canyon provides little shade, and the rocks reflect the sun's heat. Fall, winter, and spring are the best times for this hike. If hiking in the summer, start as early in the morning as possible.

Cottonwood Road
Twenty-seven miles north of Carl Hayden Visitor Center, near milepost 18 on Hwy 89, the Cottonwood Road winds 46 miles north through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Cannonville, Utah, connecting with Hwy 12.
Traveling north, the road crosses through diverse scenery: the badlands that look like moonscape, by the Paria River with cottonwood trees, up and over the Cockscomb, the stone monuments of Grosvenor Arch and Kodachrome Basin State Park, eventually leading to Hwy 12. Hiking opportunities are numerous and include Hackberry Canyon, Yellow Mountain, Cottonwood Canyon Narrows, the Cockscomb, and Grosvenor Arch. Hike for an hour or take a longer hike - the choice is yours. There are books dedicated to different hikes along the Cottonwood Road. It may help to read ahead if you want to do some serious hiking. The Cottonwood Road is not passable when wet. Check road conditions before traveling.
Many established trails - Distance varies
Easy to Moderate to Difficult

Paria Rimrocks - Toadstool Trail
Explore the Paria Rimrocks on this moderate 1.5 mile round trip hike leading to hoodoos and balanced rocks. Drive north on highway 89 from the Glen Canyon Dam. Turn into the dirt parking area on the right just past Utah mile marker 19. Slip through the hikers-gate, sign the register, and head up the wash. When you think you are at the end, guess again; scramble up the trail obstacle and find your way to the hoodoo garden. Maps are available at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Big Water.
Driving time 30 minutes; dirt trail– some scrambling required over trail obstacles 1.5 miles round trip
Moderate

Pareah Townsite
Paria Movie Set, Pahreah Cemetery, and Pahreah Town Site are located 5 miles off of Utah Highway 89 at approximately mile marker 30.5 or about 39 miles from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. A five mile dirt road leads you to the structures and artifacts that tell the story of many former inhabitants who settled or visited the area; and of a once ideal Hollywood movie set for some of our most memorable western films. Both Paria and Pahreah are pronounced the same – rhymes with Maria. The Paria River runs slow and muddy most of the time but occasionally can exceed its banks. Use caution, but feel free to go ahead as this river will beckon you strongly to cross it and walk upstream or in stream to get a stronger sense of the area's rich history - an area which people once called their home.
Driving time: 45 minutes; hike time: 30-60 minutes
Easy
Lees Ferry Area
Lonely Dell ($1 Guide Available)
Lonely Dell Ranch. Parking area at Lees Ferry
.1 mile (1.6km) round-trip
Grassy and flat
Easy

Paria*
End of Lonely Dell trail. The entire canyon is 45 miles (72.4km) one way, take a day trip into and out of the canyon as you see fit
Sandy wash and multiple river crossings
Difficult
River Trail/Lees Fort
Lees Ferry at launch ramp parking area
.2 mile (3.2km) round-trip
Sandy
Easy

Spencer Trail
Lees Ferry at end of River Trail
2.2 mile (3.5km) one-way1700 foot (518.2m) rocky climb up switchbacks
Difficult

Bullfrog Pedestal Alley
From the Bullfrog Visitor Center, take Highway 276 north approximately 4.4 miles (7 km) to the marked junction with the Burr Trail. Turn left onto the Burr Trail and go about 4.8 miles (7.7 km) to the Pedestal Alley parking area. The trailhead is across the road from the parking area. Sandy and rocky, must cross some washes.
.3 mile (4.8km) round-trip
Easy to moderate
There is little to no shade, questionable cell phone reception, and no water available on these trails. Be sure to bring enough water, wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a hat; and tell someone where you are going. Pets on leashes are permitted. Do not enter any trails through washes if there is a potential for Flash Floods!
* Overnight hikes along Paria River require a permit from the Bureau of Land Management.
Backcountry Hiking in the Escalante
Roads & Trailheads

Utah Highway 12 is the major route to the area with side roads leading to established trailheads or starting points. The historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road begins five miles east of the town of Escalante and continues south 57 miles to the Hole-in-the-Rock historic site where Mormon pioneers built a road down to the Colorado River. Trailheads can be reached by taking the Harris Wash, Egypt, Early Weed Bench, Red Well, Hurricane Wash or Fortymile Ridge roads (all signed at their intersections with the Hole-in-the-Rock Road).

The Burr Trail begins at Boulder, Utah and continues 66 miles to Highway 276 near Bullfrog. Trailheads for Deer Creek and The Gulch are along this road. The Wolverine Road leads south from the Burr Trail 13 miles east of Boulder and the Moody Creek Road leads south from the Burr Trail just west of Capitol Reef National Park. There are no established trailheads along these roads, but they provide access to the Wolverine Petrified Wood Natural Area, Horse Canyon, Silver Falls Creek, Moody Creek and others. The Hell's Backbone Road leads north around the upper reaches of Death Hollow and Sand creek and connects to Highway 12 at Escalante and again 3 miles west of Boulder. Trailheads for The Box and Death Hollow are along this road. Only Highway 12 and the Burr Trail (for most of its length) are paved. Travel conditions on the other roads may vary depending on the season and recent weather so check at the Information Center for current conditions.

The Hikes

The canyons of the Escalante River offer many fascinating trips. The Escalante is rugged country with no formal trail system. Hikers should be experienced in the use of map and compass and thoroughly familiar with the techniques of canyon and slickrock hiking. Maps and other information are available at the Interagency Visitor Information Center in the town of Escalante. Always consult with a ranger at the Information Center for route information, trail and weather conditions, and other necessary information needed for a safe trip.
The following are just a few of the many hikes available in the Escalante wilderness. Happy trails!

MOODY CREEK

MAPS: USGS Scorpion Gulch 7.5 minute quadrangle.
TRAILHEAD: From Boulder, Utah, follow the Burr Trail road east 19 miles to the signed Petrified Wood Area access road. Drive south on this road 20 miles to the Moody Creek road. (You can also follow the Burr Trail road 33 miles east to the Moody Creek road. Both roads eventually meet and continue south into Moody Creek.) The road descends into the dry wash of Main Moody Creek Canyon and follows it for about 3 miles.

About 3 miles east of Main Moody Creek Canyon, just west of Purple Hills, is a fork. The right fork leads south into Middle Moody Creek. The road is generally passable for four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. (Road conditions vary and are subject to the weather!) The road is passable for about 2 miles. Park at this point. (The last mile before the wash crossing is in poor condition and is closed to vehicles anyway.)

HIKING DISTANCES: From the parking area to the Escalante River (via Middle Moody Creek) - 6 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: Water may sometimes be found in Middle and East Moody Canyons, but it is best not to count on it. A fairly dependable trickle of water flows intermittently in the lower mile of East Moody Canyon.
HIKING CONDITIONS: The hike down Moody Creek is scenic and moderately strenuous, without technical difficulties.

GENERAL INFORMATION: From your vehicle, follow the road one mile to the wash, enter the wash, and proceed downstream. Middle Moody Canyon is quite broad and open and has many colorful Chinle formations topped by cliffs of Wingate sandstone. Walking is easy, as it is throughout most of this hike. The canyon gradually narrows; the Chinle formation diminishes, and the Wingate cliffs become dominant by the time you reach Main Moody Canyon.
Follow Main Moody Canyon downstream to the Escalante River. You can retrace your steps, or you can make a loop hike by walking down the Escalante River 1.5 miles to East Moody Canyon. Ascend the canyon and take the north branch. Continue up the north branch to the next fork. Take the right fork, but instead of following the bottom of the canyon, climb the ridge between the two canyons and follow the remains of an old uranium exploration road. This is a continuation of the road from the Purple Hills to Middle Moody Canyon. It leads out of the north branch of East Moody Canyon through a saddle and down into Middle Moody Canyon.

Views from the saddle include extensive, richly-colored exposures of the Chinle formation and an expansive view to the north of the upper reaches of Middle Moody Canyon, the Circle Cliffs, and Deer Point. Below the saddle on the north is the remains of an old uranium exploration camp. Follow the road down past the cabin and west along the south side of upper Middle Moody Canyon. The road follows the south side of this inner canyon until the canyon ends and can be crossed. You can walk back up the road to your vehicle.

DAVIS GULCH

MAP: USGS Davis Gulch 7.5 minute quadrangle.
TRAILHEAD: Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road approximately 50.5 miles to the crossing of upper Fiftymile Creek. Continue about one-tenth of a mile beyond the crossing to an unmarked flat area on the south side of the road. From this point, the unmarked cross-country route heads north-northeast, paralleling Fiftymile Creek for about .5 mile, then northeast to an old stock trail which descends into lower Davis Gulch.
HIKING DISTANCE: From the trailhead to the stock trail - 3.5 to 4 miles (one way); stock trail to Lake Powell - .25+ mile (one way); Lake Powell to pouroff in upper Davis Gulch - 3.5 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: A small stream begins just upstream from Bement Arch. There are no usable seeps or springs. Pocket water and plunge pools are seasonal.
HIKING CONDITIONS: The approach route to the stock trail is over sand and slickrock. The stock trail route into Davis Gulch does not present any problems. The route from the stock trail to Bement Arch is quite brushy, and there are a number of beaver ponds which must be waded through or circumvented. Upstream from Bement Arch, the route is sandy, without dense brush.
GENERAL INFORMATION: When hiking from the Fiftymile Point area, stay close to Fiftymile Creek for the first .5 mile, then stay somewhat to the west of Davis Gulch and hike parallel to it until you reach the stock trail area. Getting too close to the rim of Davis Gulch results in much more up and down walking over rolling slickrock, especially near the upper end of the gulch. A small slot canyon tributary, difficult to cross, will also be encountered about a mile north of the road - if you are too close to the rim.
About 3.5 - 4 miles from the road, observe the small plateau on the opposite side of Davis Gulch. A notch in the plateau's side near the top is a landmark for finding the stock trail. (A much larger notch can also be seen downstream in Davis Gulch. This larger notch is about .25 mile downstream of the stock trail.) When you are directly opposite the first notch, head toward the canyon rim to find a bowl-shaped depression. The stock trail may not be readily apparent, but you can find it if you explore around a bit.
From the bottom of the stock trail, the hike downstream to Lake Powell or upstream to the pouroff is straightforward. Please follow established trails where possible, and avoid starting new ones, especially near the lower end of the gulch.
An alternate entrance into Davis Gulch is a challenging scramble down through the narrows at the upper end. This involves chimneying down past several chockstones and pouroffs. Much of the route is very difficult. One long slickrock chute ends in a drop off into a pool and cannot be climbed back up unless a rope is left in place. Other pools may be deep enough to require swimming, or they may be dry, depending on recent weather. If this route is taken, it is best to continue on down the canyon and return by way of the stock trail and across the bench.

FIFTY-MILE CREEK

MAPS: Sooner Bench and Davis Gulch 7.5 minute quadrangles.
TRAILHEADS: 1. Cave Point - This aptly-named projection from Fiftymile Bench is the landmark for this unsigned access route. Follow Hole-in-the-Rock road approximately 47.5 miles. Here, the road dips into a small draw, recognizable by a lightly-defined road heading west toward Cave Point. Park at this draw and walk east down the draw, a tributary which joins Fiftymile Creek 2.1 miles downstream.
2. The Soda - Follow Hole-in-the-Rock road approximately 49.3 miles to a sign which identifies a spring near the road. Back up a short distance and park in the parking area above the cattle watering tank. Walk past the tank and down the downstream.
HIKING DISTANCES: From Cave Point trailhead to Lake Powell - 5.2 miles (one way); The Soda trailhead to Lake Powell - 5.5 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: A small stream begins about 2.5 - 3 miles downstream from the trailheads in Fiftymile Creek. There are no usable seeps or springs.
HIKING CONDITIONS: There are no technical difficulties on this hike. A short section of narrows about .5 mile upstream from Lake Powell requires wading, so wading shoes are recommended.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Hikers starting from the Cave Point trailhead will encounter a pouroff about .3 mile down the channel from the road. This obstacle is easily circumvented by backtracking a short distance and exiting the stream channel on the north side. Parallel the channel and drop back down to the streamed once you are past the pouroff. Other than this one pouroff, there are no other obstacles on either route.
About .3 mile beyond the confluence of the two major tributaries, the small stream of water appears. A short distance farther is an alcove-type arch on the north rim high above the streamed.
Entering from the north about 2.25 miles from the confluence of the two tributaries is a side canyon well worth exploring. This short tributary progressively narrows to a point where some interesting chimneying (a rock climbing technique) possibilities are available to those who are so inclined. If you have a Davis Gulch quadrangle, notice how this side canyon lies along a northwest-southeast joint which has created similar side canyons in Willow Gulch to the north and Davis Gulch and Clear Creek to the south.
Downstream from this tributary is the short narrows section where wading will be required. You can continue down the canyon for some distance beyond the narrows, depending on the current level of Lake Powell.

HARRIS WASH

MAPS: USGS Silver Falls Bench and Red Breaks 7.5 minute quadrangles.
TRAILHEAD: Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road south from Highway 12 about 10.5 miles to the signed junction, then 6.5 miles on a fair road to the signed trailhead and hiker registration box.
HIKING DISTANCE: From Harris Wash trailhead to the Escalante River - 10 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: A perennial stream flows in Harris Wash. Generally, seeps and springs are of insufficient flow to provide usable quantities of water.
HIKING CONDITIONS: Harris Wash is an easy hike with no technical difficulties. The stream must be continually crossed or waded. Wear appropriate shoes.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Harris Wash offers an excellent opportunity to see a stream course develop from a broad, sandy wash to a deeply-entrenched canyon. A minimum of two days should be spent exploring Harris Wash. Begin the hike from the trailhead by walking downstream in the wash bottom. Do not cross the wash and continue on the road, for it leads only to an abandoned drill pad.
About 3.5 miles downstream, the creek passes through a narrow notch. To the north of the notch is an abandoned stream meander, known as a rincon, which was created when the stream cut through and straightened its course. To the south is a brushy side canyon which comes to a pouroff about one-third of a mile up.
Harris Wash continues its winding course 7 miles to the Escalante River. Two more side canyons enter the wash from the south, and, though brushy, can provide interesting exploring opportunities. As the canyon nears the Escalante River, high cliff walls soar, streaked with magnificent patterns of desert varnish. The lower three miles of Harris Wash exhibit the scale and grandeur typical of the canyons of the Escalante.
Once you reach the Escalante River, you can continue upstream about one-third mile to the stark, dry, extremely beautiful Silver Falls Creek, which enters from the east. You may wish to spend a day exploring this extraordinary canyon which derived its name from the great streaks of desert varnish which drape the canyon's walls. Silver Falls Creek is generally dry, so carry all the water you may need.

COYOTE GULCH - HURRICANE WASH

MAPS: USGS King Mesa and Stevens Canyon South 7.5 minute quadrangles.
TRAILHEADS: 1. Red Well - Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road 30 miles to the signed junction, then drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead and hiker registration box. This trailhead provides access to upper Coyote Gulch.
2. Hurricane Wash - Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road 33 miles to the parking area beside the road. The hiker registration box is located 0.2 mile down the wash.
3. Fortymile Ridge - Follow Hole-in-the-Rock road 35 miles to the signed junction, then drive 7 miles to the trailhead. The last two miles of this road is through deep sand and is not suitable for low-clearance vehicles.
HIKING DISTANCES: From Red Well trailhead to the Escalante River - 13 miles (one way); Hurricane Wash trailhead to the Escalante River - 12.3 miles (one way); Fortymile Ridge to Crack-in-the-Wall (access to lower Coyote Gulch or the Escalante River) - 2 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: Coyote Gulch contains a number of seeps and springs in addition to a perennial stream. One particularly good spring flows from the canyon wall just downstream from Jacob Hamblin Arch.
HIKING CONDITIONS: The perennial stream in Coyote Gulch begins about one mile from the Red Well trailhead. The stream in Hurricane Wash begins about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. Wading shoes are a must.
The hike through Coyote Gulch is relatively easy, with two minor exceptions - a climb down a ledge near a waterfall and a steep descent down sandstone followed by a rather difficult climb down a second ledge.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Coyote Gulch contains two arches, a natural bridge, and several waterfalls. It is easy to understand why this beautiful canyon is by far the most popular hiking destination of all the canyons of the Escalante. When hiking in Coyote Gulch in spring or fall, plan on encountering a number of other visitors.
A minimum of three days will be required to explore the length of Coyote Gulch. From Red Well or Hurricane trailhead, the canyon develops from wide, sandy washes to a narrow canyon with towering walls. Follow the wash downstream from either trailhead. Hurricane Wash joins Coyote Gulch about 5 miles from the Hurricane Wash trailhead.
The hike through the lush riparian zone of Coyote Gulch is relatively easy - except for those two exceptions. At the second waterfall below Cliff Arch, follow the ledge along the south wall to a place about 100 feet downstream where it is possible to scramble down off the ledges.
About 0.4 mile up Coyote Gulch from the Escalante River is an impenetrable boulder jam. To bypass this obstacle, follow the trail on the right-hand side of the stream across the lower portion of a sand slide and then traverse the fairly steep slickrock slope. (Stay low and near the edge.) The slickrock slope ends at a ledge about 5.5 feet high against which lean several small logs to assist hikers in climbing back up.
You can enjoy an outstanding view from the canyon rim by hiking from Fortymile Ridge to Crack-in-the-Wall. After scrambling down through the crack - a narrow route between the cliff face and huge rock slabs which have peeled off the cliff - a trail leads down a steep sand dune to lower Coyote Gulch. It is great to hike down the dune, but it is definitely strenuous hiking back up! The elevation difference is about 700 feet.

TWENTY-FIVE MILE WASH

MAPS: USGS Sunset Flat and Egypt 7.5 minute quadrangles.
TRAILHEADS: 1. Twentyfive Mile Wash - Follow Hole-in-the-Rock road 16 miles to the signed Egypt road junction, then drive 3 miles on a good road to the signed parking area. There is no hiker registration box at this trailhead.
2. Egypt - Many visitors make a loop hike from Egypt trailhead to Fence Canyon, the Escalante River, Twentyfive Mile Wash, and back to Egypt trailhead. To reach Egypt trailhead, follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road 16 miles to the Egypt road junction and then 10 miles to the trailhead.
3. Early Weed Bench - Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road 23 miles to the signed Early Weed Bench road, then drive 6 miles on a fair to poor road to the signed trailhead. Access to Twentyfive Mile Wash is by way of a tributary named Fox Canyon.
HIKING DISTANCES: From Twentyfive Mile Wash trailhead to the Escalante River - 14.2 miles (one way); Egypt trailhead to the mouth of Twentyfive Mile Wash via the Escalante River - 8.7 miles (one way); Early Weed Bench trailhead to the Escalante River via Fox Canyon - 7 miles (one way). At least two to three days should be spent exploring the wash.
WATER AVAILABILITY: Twentyfive Mile Wash contains a perennial stream (beginning 4 - 5 miles from the trailhead), but there are no usable seeps or springs. A stream with numerous pools flows in Fence Canyon. Fox Canyon provides a good water supply. Water from any pool or spring should be boiled or treated before drinking.
HIKING CONDITIONS: Twentyfive Mile Wash presents an easy hike with no technical difficulties. Wading shoes are needed for walking in the stream. The streamed tends to contain a considerable amount of clay, so the wash presents a somewhat "muckier" hike than other canyons, especially after high stream flows.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The hike from the Twentyfive Mile Wash trailhead begins by hiking down the dry wash and simply following the streamed.
The loop hike from Egypt trailhead entails descending an old stock trail down a fairly steep slickrock slope before descending into Fence Canyon and on to the Escalante River. The hike then continues 5.5 miles downriver to the mouth of Twentyfive Mile Wash where the route proceeds upstream to one of several possible exits from the canyon back to Egypt trailhead. Hikers interested in this loop hike may contact a ranger at the Interagency Visitor Information Center for more detailed route information and a free route guide.

The route from Early Weed Bench into Fox Canyon begins by heading in a northerly direction and descending off the bench. This route takes the hiker down over slickrock to a small tributary of Fox Canyon. (This will actually be the second tributary encountered. The first is easily crossed.) This second drainage can be crossed in only a few places, most of which are toward the upper end of the drainage. Once you have crossed the second drainage, follow the tributary toward Fox Canyon to the east, to a point between this tributary and the next short drainage into Fox Canyon downstream. This point provides the access route down into Fox Canyon and is composed of several short, steep slickrock pitches onto a silt bench. Please look for the well-used route off the upstream end of this bench and avoid contributing to erosion by creating a new path. It is now possible to follow Fox Canyon, which is fairly brushy, downstream to Twentyfive Mile Wash.

SCORPION GULCH

MAPS: USGS Egypt and Scorpion Gulch 7.5 minute quadrangles.
TRAILHEAD: Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road south from Highway 12 about 23 miles to the Early Weed Bench turnoff at Cat Pasture, then drive 6 miles on a fair to poor road to the end of the road at an old drill site. The hiker registration box is located about a half mile before the end of the road.
HIKING DISTANCE: From Early Weed Bench trailhead to the head of Scorpion Gulch - 5.5 miles (one way). From the head of Scorpion Gulch to the Escalante River - 3.3 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: Water won't normally be found between the trailhead and the midpoint of Scorpion Gulch except after heavy rains. A few seeps and pools can be found in the lower half of Scorpion Gulch, and a small stream normally flows in the lower end.
HIKING CONDITIONS: This is a rather challenging hike requiring cross-country route-finding skills. There is a lengthy hike over slickrock and sand, a descent down a sand dune, and walking through soft sand and alluvial deposits. The lower half of Scorpion Gulch is an easier walk beside a small stream with no difficulties other than two boulder jams and a small pouroff, requiring some minor scrambling.
GENERAL INFORMATION: From the end of the road at the abandoned drill site, follow the remains of an old jeep trail about 1.5 miles until it turns to the south. At that point, continue east across a sandy, flat area. If you are near the preferred route, you will see a small arch to the south.
About a mile after leaving the jeep trail, you will descend from a small plateau down onto Scorpion Flat. The flat is comprised entirely of rolling slickrock with intermittent patches of sand. Before descending onto the flat, it is wise to locate Scorpion Gulch from a high point and take a compass bearing on the upper end of it. After making the descent, you will not see Scorpion Gulch again until you reach it. The approximate direction is east-southeast.
Access into Scorpion Gulch is by way of a sand dune on the north side of the canyon about .25 mile downstream from the pouroff at the upper end. About three-fourths of a mile downstream is another sand dune which completely blocks the canyon. The downstream side of this dune is steep and easy to descend, but it is quite a struggle to get back up!

FENCE CANYON

MAP: USGS Egypt 7.5 minute quadrangle.
TRAILHEAD: Follow the Hole-in-the-Rock road south from Highway 12 about 16 miles to the signed Egypt road junction, then drive 10 miles on a fair road to the signed trailhead and hiker registration box.
HIKING DISTANCE: From Egypt trailhead to the Escalante River - 2.75 miles (one way).
WATER AVAILABILITY: A stream with numerous pools flows in Fence Canyon.
HIKING CONDITIONS: Hiking from Egypt trailhead to the river results in an elevation loss in excess of 1,000 feet. A steep slickrock slope is encountered initially; at other places, sandy areas must be traversed; the canyon bottom is quite brushy. Wading shoes are optional unless you are planning to hike up or down the Escalante River.
GENERAL INFORMATION: A beautiful panorama awaits you from the Egypt trailhead at the edge of Allen Dump Bench. You can see views of the Escalante country, the Henry Mountains, and Fence Canyon as it leads toward the Escalante River. Fence Canyon is primarily used as a route to the Escalante River and other canyons up- or downstream, but Fence Canyon itself presents an interesting day hike.
The hike begins at the edge of Allen Dump Bench and winds down to a steep slickrock slope. Near the top of the bench is a fairly obvious and well-used path switchbacking down to the slickrock. Please use the path and avoid shortcutting the switchbacks or creating new paths. A stock trail utilizing steps cut into the rock leads down the slickrock, but the trail is not always easy to find. It is possible to walk down the slickrock without using the trail, however.
Both Fence Canyon and its unnamed northern branch have impassable pouroffs at their upper ends. To descend into Fence Canyon, it is necessary, therefore, to skirt its northern rim and head toward the point at the confluence of the two canyons. The route follows an old stock trail which descends into the south branch of Fence Canyon near the point. Both ranches of Fence Canyon present a beautiful and interesting hike.

Rules, Regulations, Precautions

Travel in the desert, whether by foot, animal,or vehicle, leaves its mark. Stay on established roads and trails where they are provided. All vehicles, including mountain bikes, are required to stay on roads.
When hiking cross-country, attempt to minimize your impact on the land. Walk in dry, sandy washes if weather permits. Cross slickrock and other hard-surface areas. Hiking abreast is usually preferable to hiking in a line. Avoid cryptobiotic crusts (the dark mixture of mosses, lichens, fungi, bacteria, and algae which binds and enriches desert soils and prevents erosion). Keep group sizes small. Maximum group size is twelve in the Escalante subdistrict.
Picket pack and saddle stock away from campsites and water sources. Animals may damage trees if tied to them. You must carry pellet feed for your animals. Grain and hay will spread weed seeds.
Dogs threaten wildlife and lessen your chances of seeing wild animals. Pets can foul streams and trails and may be considered an intrusion by other people. Pets must always be leashed in park service areas.
Always carry and drink plenty of water. A gallon (4 L) of water per person per day is recommended.
Avoid the heat. Wear reflective clothing and a hat. Use sunscreen.
Do not hike alone. Hike with another person and leave your trip itinerary with someone so you can be located in case of a mishap.
Flash floods can occur with little warning. Check with a park ranger for current weather conditions.
Pack out everything that you pack in. Carry out all trash and food scraps. Avoid feeding wildlife, for human food is harmful to wild animals.
Leave the scenery as it is. Do not carve or write on the rocks or the walls.
Plants, wildlife, and cultural artifacts are protected by law. Take only pictures; leave behind nothing.
Sanitation

Personal sanitation and waste disposal require special attention in the backcountry. The desert is dry. This means ANYTHING you leave behind will more likely be preserved before it decomposes. All human wastes should be deposited in a portable toilet or otherwise removed from desert soils. Pack out wastes and toilet paper, and deposit in an appropriate receptacle.
Water

Pothole water is a precious and necessary source of water for desert wildlife. If you pollute that source or otherwise make it unavailable, you have just made life that much harder for them.
When washing anything, including yourself, use only biodegradable soap and pour wash water on the ground away from other water. Washing should be done at least 100 ft from any water source, including potholes

Overview - Map - Description - Things to Do - Camping/Lodging - Nearby

 

 
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