Coyote Gulch

Coyote Gulch

Escalante, Utah

  • Length: 12 miles
  • Difficulty: 5/10; 1B VI
  • Season: Spring and Fall
  • Type: Point-to-point

Coyote Gulch is one of the most beautiful and popular hikes in the area. Though located in the remote Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of Southern Utah, Coyote Gulch is worth the time and effort required to visit, and worthy of its famed status. Although those who enjoy the feeling of seclusion might resent the evidence of past grazing, for most the beauty of the high Navajo Sandstone canyon walls, the sparkling streams, and the three main attractions - two arches and a natural bridge - will make this hike a favorite.

The best seasons for the hike are spring (March to mid-June) and fall (September to October). During the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and even receive snow. Summer carrys extreme heat, flash floods, and endless deer flies. For current conditions call the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at (435) 826-5499. Water is easily accessible throughout the canyon, however it will need to be treated. Also, dogs are not allowed in the canyon. Campfires are not allowed in the Glen Canyon NRA and are discouraged on BLM lands. Overnight permits are required within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for all overnight backpacking with a maximum group size of 12. Permits are free of charge and may be obtained at the Hurricane Wash trailhead or at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center.

 

Trailhead Directions

Drive on State Highway 12 until you reach the Hole-in-the-Rock Road (officially the Glen Canyon Recreation Area Road) and Coyote Gulch turnoff sign. This is where the road makes a large U curve from SE to NE. At the bottom of the U, you will be exiting the highway to the south on a large, maintained dirt road. This is about 5 miles southeast of Escalante, Utah and 41 miles east of the Bryce Canyon turnoff. Escalante is the nearest city with your last available services. Be aware that these dirt roads may be washed out or have stretches of soft sand, so four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

Hurricane Wash Trailhead: Travel on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for 33 miles. Directly off the road on your left you will see a turnout that leads to a livestock corral. Immediately after this there will be another turnout to your right. This is trailhead and the dry Hurricane Wash. Begin hiking east into Coyote Gulch.

Fortymile Ridge Trailhead: Drive on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for 35 miles. On the left is the turnoff that says Fortymile Ridge Trailhead where you turn and travel northeast for 4 miles until you reach a small hill and turnoff. Over the hill is the trailhead sign and a water tank. Begin hiking north to Coyote Gulch.

 

Coyote Gulch Trail Guide

The two most common ways of getting into Coyote Gulch is taking Hurricane Wash and hiking in 8 miles, or driving to the Fortymile Ridge Trailhead and hiking 2 miles into Coyote Gulch and arriving at Jacob Hamblin Arch. Though you can camp anywhere in the canyon, I've found that south of Jacob Hamblin Arch is a great place.

Coyote Gulch via Hurricane Wash Trailhead: Taking the Hurricane Wash route is pretty simple. Parking right off the road when you reach Hurricane Wash and backpacking in can be brutal with the hot sun and no shade for miles. Once you join with Coyote Gulch, you can camp where you'd like, though I like Jacob Hamblin Arch.

Lower Coyote Gulch via Fortymile Ridge Trailhead: For less advanced backpackers or those who are looking for a quickly hike, the Fortymile Ridge route is shorter and easier. It is also better for those wanting to explore the Lower Coyote Gulch. As you make your way from the trailhead, you will see a hill directly straight ahead that you want to stay on the left of. Some parts of the trail... doesn't really have a trail so keep your eyes out for cairns. For this 2-mile stretch of cross-country hiking, a compass or GPS is highly recommended to be able to find the enterance into the gulch. If you follow those you will eventually start to see the gulch. A way that can help direct you to the best way into the gulch is the 'White Eagle' on the canyon wall (see the picture on the left - above and to the left of the person's head). Head straight for the eagle and you will soon reach what seems like an impossible descent into the canyon. If you found the right place, there is a steep hill into the canyon but walkable. This is the most challenging part of this hike: climbing into the gulch near Jacob Hamblin Arch. The climb involves scrambling up a 100-foot pitch of slick rock that ascends from the canyon floor at an angle close to 45 degrees. A 100-foot length of rope is useful here for raising backpacks. If you choose to use a rope in this spot, there are hidden places to tie your rope through. For most, if you just slowly make your way down you'll be fine. Once you've made it into the gulch, head upstream and you will come to a nice little sandbank just past Jacob Hamblin Arch.Coyote Gulch routes

 

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