Escalante, Utah has incredible views, great trails, and beautiful waterfalls. In this post, we’ll talk about how to get there, where to camp, and visiting Steven’s Arch.
Escalante has my heart. It’s home to some of the most beautiful red rock in the world, but offers a remote escape, located outside Utah’s 5 National Parks. Incredible views and sweeping canyon walls make Escalante the ideal hiking destination.
Coyote Gulch, located in the Escalante Desert, is a winding canyon that has become a favorite hiking destination of mine. Its towering red rock walls, intricate water features, and unique trail systems can’t be beat. I’ve done Coyote Gulch as both a day-hike and a backpacking trip, both of which were amazing in their own way. Coyote Gulch is a forgiving trail for new travelers seeking their first big-adventure experience and equally exquisite for the seasoned hiker.
In this post, we’ll talk about the Coyote Gulch trail, the best times of year to visit, getting there, and my favorite overnight camp site. We’ll also cover more of the technical stuff like obtaining a permit (if you’re staying overnight) and must-bring items for this trail.
How Do I Get to the Trailhead?
The trailhead for Coyote Gulch is located down Hole in the Rock Road, a dirt road just outside of Escalante proper. Take Highway 12 for 20 minutes southeast out of town. You’ll come to a dirt road marked Hole in the Rock Wayside – continue down this road for 36 miles (about an hour of driving), then turn off left onto Fourty Mile Ridge Road to being the hike at “Crack in the Wall.”
Note: Coyote Gulch can be hiked from a variety of trailheads, but this route from Crack in the Wall to Jacob Hamblin’s Arch offers a short journey to the gulch, some fun slots, and an excellent arch.
When is the Best Time to Hike Coyote Gulch?
Coyote Gulch is best hiked in early spring and late fall. These are the best air, water, and overnight temperatures. Be aware of flash flood season, which is typically July – September in this region.
How Do You Get an Overnight Permit for Coyote Gulch?
A permit is only required if camping overnight in the gulch; day guests are not required to have a permit. There is no cost for the permits and can be found in town at the visitors center or at the trailhead. They seem to be more to keep a log of who is in the gulch in the case of a flash flood rather than to limit the number of guests in the canyon.
What is the Trail Like?
From the trailhead, it’s about a 2-mile sandy stretch to get out to the gulch. This part can be a bit grueling but is well worth it for the incredible hike ahead. I recommend packing lots of water and sun screening up before starting as there is a lot of exposure at the beginning of the trail. After getting through those first few miles, you’ll reach the overlook. The canyon is expansive and insanely beautiful. The fins, the sheer canyon walls, the expansive red rock views as far as you can see are all breathtaking.
You continue to hike down through some little slots as you descend towards the gulch. There is a short, tight slot portion with a slight drop in where it is helpful to lower your packs to another member of the group if possible. Another mile or so and you are hiking in a shallow river that winds through the canyon. You feel dwarfed by incredible 1000 foot plus walls on either side of you, which stretch for miles. The temperatures are cooler, walking through a gentle riverbank, and enjoying the company of friends.
Another highlight was passing under natural arches along the canyon walls. They are delicate and ginormous at the same time. These arches are sprinkled throughout the trail. There are natural waterfalls, caves, and caverns to explore, all while walking through a thin stream of water. Near the end of the trail, you’ll come to a steep canyon wall where you’ll exit the canyon. But you don’t want to leave the gully before taking another .5 mile hike to Stevens Arch.
What’s the Highlight of the Trail?
Steven’s Arch tops the list for this trail – and for good reason. After 10 miles, there’s a big U-shape in the canyon before arriving at this massive arch. Many people choose to stay overnight in this area, and it’s a great spot if you arrive early enough in the day. We dropped our packs at the exit and opted to hike with just a water bottle in hand. It was a perfect re-energizer before making the trek up and out of the canyon.
How Do You Exit the Canyon?
The exit for the canyon is about a half mile before Steven’s Arch. If you choose to camp overnight at Steven’s Arch, you’ll have to backtrack from the arch. There is a sheer wall at a steep incline beginning at a tight crack.
As a rule of thumb, we always pack webbing for the exit, although there is often webbing and rope left behind from other travelers on the ascent. Once making the journey up and out of the gulch, it is about 3 miles back to the trailhead.
What Items Should I Definitely Bring on the Trail?
- Water sandals – Chacos or Tevas are a game changer for the river portion of this hike
- Webbing – make sure you bring some for the ascent out of the gulch
- Catadyn water filter – The squeeze feature on this water bottle allows you to scoop up and filter water from the gulch while on the move. Any water filter will also help reduce weight in your pack from carrying water
I hope you enjoy this hike, it’s one of my favorite corners of the world! For more of my favorite hikes, or if you have any questions about Coyote Gulch, please feel free to drop a question in the comments below.
So awesome! Thanks for sharing!!