Slot Canyons around Escalante, Utah
Apr 9th, 2006 | 10:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2003
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Slot Canyons around Escalante, Utah
Hi Everyone,
We're planning a trip through Utah in late June, and along the way from Moab to Bryce, we were thinking of stopping off and spending the night at Escalante. While there, we were considering hiking the Slot Canyons.
Has anyone any experience with the slot canyons, and perhaps know of any decent outfitters? Let me know if you have any pointers. Thanks.
We're planning a trip through Utah in late June, and along the way from Moab to Bryce, we were thinking of stopping off and spending the night at Escalante. While there, we were considering hiking the Slot Canyons.
Has anyone any experience with the slot canyons, and perhaps know of any decent outfitters? Let me know if you have any pointers. Thanks.
Apr 9th, 2006 | 11:51 AM
#2
Joined: Apr 2003
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You will not need an outfitter or guide for any of these slots. Do not hike in slot canyons if there is any chance of rain in the area due to flash flood danger and clay road surface which becomes impassable when wet. A high clearance vehicle is helpful. There is an excellent Interagency Visitor Center on S Main St in Escalante.
Buckskin Gulch which is a side canyon of the Paria River is a two day trip if you go the entire length. Can reach the trailhead (TH) by taking Rock House Valley Rd South for about 4 miles from Hwy 89(between mileposts 17 & 18) to the Buckskin TH or most people start at Wire Pass TH 4 miles past the first turnoff. There is a 10' drop will have to climb down (no real problem). Go as far as you want & return same way. The path can be muddy so wear old shoes. There is a small BLM charge to enter.
If you take the Cottonwood Canyon Rd off Hwy 89 there are several slots you can check out. Willis Creek Gorge and Cottonwood Wash Narrows (not really a slot canyon). This is spectacular road to take as travel along the Cockscomb.
Near Escalante take the Hole-in-Rock Rd which is 5m E of town (there is sign indicating turn off Hwy 12) about 33 miles from intersection w/Hwy 12 (road is washboard, gravel & very dusty. Along the way will pass Devils Garden (12m off Hwy12)which has a number of hoodoos. Continue on 14.5 miles past Devils Garden come to a lone forked juniper tree on the right side of the road. Right after this tree take the next left. This is very rough but passenger car can make it-driven slowly. Go 1.7 miles bearing left at the fork to the parking area. Here begins hike to Narrows of the Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch, Peek-a-boo, Spooky & Brimstone Gulches. Peek-a-boo is somewhat difficult to climb into, Spooky is much darker and very confining. I did not attempt Brimstone. Can get copy of Slot Canyons of the SW put out by Photo Traveler Publications 213-660-0473 or check any number of websites available.
Buckskin Gulch which is a side canyon of the Paria River is a two day trip if you go the entire length. Can reach the trailhead (TH) by taking Rock House Valley Rd South for about 4 miles from Hwy 89(between mileposts 17 & 18) to the Buckskin TH or most people start at Wire Pass TH 4 miles past the first turnoff. There is a 10' drop will have to climb down (no real problem). Go as far as you want & return same way. The path can be muddy so wear old shoes. There is a small BLM charge to enter.
If you take the Cottonwood Canyon Rd off Hwy 89 there are several slots you can check out. Willis Creek Gorge and Cottonwood Wash Narrows (not really a slot canyon). This is spectacular road to take as travel along the Cockscomb.
Near Escalante take the Hole-in-Rock Rd which is 5m E of town (there is sign indicating turn off Hwy 12) about 33 miles from intersection w/Hwy 12 (road is washboard, gravel & very dusty. Along the way will pass Devils Garden (12m off Hwy12)which has a number of hoodoos. Continue on 14.5 miles past Devils Garden come to a lone forked juniper tree on the right side of the road. Right after this tree take the next left. This is very rough but passenger car can make it-driven slowly. Go 1.7 miles bearing left at the fork to the parking area. Here begins hike to Narrows of the Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch, Peek-a-boo, Spooky & Brimstone Gulches. Peek-a-boo is somewhat difficult to climb into, Spooky is much darker and very confining. I did not attempt Brimstone. Can get copy of Slot Canyons of the SW put out by Photo Traveler Publications 213-660-0473 or check any number of websites available.
Jun 7th, 2006 | 06:03 PM
#4
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,240
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Recommend Escalante Outback Adventures, Drew and Julia Crozby. Although we are experienced desert hikers, we are glad we had a guide. The hike through Peekaboo, Spooky and a 3rd slot were fantastic, but I don't think we would have managed them well on our own. Also, they were not easy to find and the terrain can be brutal if you are unprepared.
Jun 25th, 2006 | 09:37 PM
#5
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 61
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Great information.At 47 years of age..and one of my first slots... I did hike spooky and peek a boo. You don't need a guide just a love for red mud and getting wet is small confined spaces! A wonderful area worth many a nights. I will never forget it.
