Coyote gulch is a tributary of the escalante river, located in garfield and kane counties in southern utah, in the western united states. Recently, our family of 5, decided to hike into the gulch over spring break. To reach crack in the wall, take a short walk back from the escalante river and coyote gulch confluence and turn left south toward the large sand hill. Eventually, the trail becomes slickrock and you will have to keep an eye out for a cairn on the rim of the coyote gulch that marks the location of the crack in the wall. Coyote gulch grand staircase escalante national monument. Gopro video of the downclimb at the crack in the wall access to coyote gulch in the grand staircaseescalante national monument glen. Join eric hanson and friends as they head out on a 3day backpacking trip in coyote gulch via the infamous crackinthewall in the glen canyon recreation area of southern utah. Coyote gulch via red well hiking trail, escalante, utah. The ultimate coyote gulch backpacking guide amanda outside.
To reach crack inthewall, take a short walk back from the escalante river and coyote gulch confluence and turn left south toward the large sand hill. Backpacking coyote gulch via crackinthewall part 1. Mar 14, 2014 i would recommend entering coyote gulch by either hurricane wash, red well, or crack in the wall. Coyote gulch hike directions escalante, grand staircase, glen. I plan on taking the wife down to coyote gulch this spring and was wondering if anyone knew the length of rope needed to ascend jacob hamblin. It is easy going, except that the crack is too narrow for packs. Coyote gulch via jacob hamblin arch trail and crack in the wall. I would recommend entering coyote gulch by either hurricane wash, red well, or crack in the wall.
I have seen many a loose water bottle meet its demise rolling off the slope and dropping to the canyon bottom. I went in midapril and the water was very cold and about ankle deep. Coyote gulch day hike via crack in the wall youtube. Coyote gulch loop trail hiking trail, escalante, utah. Wed been before, entering and exiting through hurricane wash, but this time we wanted to do a loop, and that meant entering through the crack in the wall which puts you almost at the confluence with the escalante river. From the crack in the wall, you can continue north towards the confluence of the escalante river and the coyote gulch or follow a path to the left and follow the coyote gulch back west, towards jacob hamblin arch. To reach the trailheads for coyote gulch, drive on state highway 12 until you. Coyote gulch contains a number of seeps and springs in addition to a perennial stream. We missed the crack in the wall by 14 mile to the south, we saw markers all over the place which was kind of frustrating. This route, commonly referred to as the sneaker route, can be difficult to follow and requires a very steep descentascent into the canyon. Day hike crackinthewall to jacob hamblin arch in coyote.
It is strongly encouraged that all hikers use an approved solid waste disposal bag and pack it out. Of course, theres more to coyote gulch than just a few scary moments. My 9yr old hated this and was quite scared but with my help she did it. Is it possible to enter and exit through the crack in one day. Most people prefer to enter through hurricane wash or crack in the wall. Google maps directions to jacob hamblin arch trailhead here. We were blown away by the unique landscape every step of the way in this park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from march until november. One particularly good spring flows from the canyon wall just downstream from jacob hamblin arch.
The route through crack inthewall about 2 miles northeast of where you started drops you into the coyote gulch tributary. Coyote gulch, crackinthewall to jacob hamblin arch. Several small springs are located throughout the canyon but collecting water from them can be a challenge. You can either make this a 35 mile hike or a longer 1015 mile hike. Mar 28, 2018 start hiking north from the sign toward coyote gulch. The crack in the rock is the quickest way to get down to coyote gulch escalante river confluence. Its pretty there crack in the wall is another option and i think that entry point is the best. We decided to take this trail since its only 2 miles in to the bottom of coyote gulch. Because of its outstanding natural features, including two arches, a natural bridge, and several waterfalls, it is easy to understand why coyote gulch is by far the most popular hiking destination of all the escalante canyons. Also, you can hike from the tank down the sandy road if you want to enter at the bottom of coyote gulch via crack in the wall. This is a easy one way trail to crack in the wall in glen canyon national recreation area. Two night loop backpack through coyote gulch beginning by descending through crack in the rock and exiting the gulch near jacob hamblin. As mentioned above, the sand dune climb out of coyote gulch to crack in the wall and forty mile ridge departs very near the boulder jam. Brian hartman, with an assist from his grandfather, lowers a pack to robby hartman from crackinthewall.
One of the best trails into the amazing coyote gulch is via crack inthe wall. The route through crackinthewall about 2 miles northeast of where you started drops you into the coyote gulch tributary. However, i realized my group simply couldnt do this, so i decided wed take two dayhikes one starting near the crackinthewall and the other starting from the one place you can scramble out of coyote gulch further upstream. Our coyote gulch backpacking tour takes us through the famous crackinthewall route, paralleling coyote creek on its way to the escalante river. Were wanting to do it as a day hike without ascending or descending the archbut also want to see the section from jacob hamblin arch to the escalante. Therefore, to hike the whole or so miles of coyote gulch we would need to enlist a shuttle service to drop us off at crackinthewall and then we would hike back to our car at the redwell parking area. One can hike down canyon and into upper coyote gulch by setting out via the red well th or the hurricane wash th both along the hole in the rock road. Drop through an amazing slot in a tall cliff to access the escalante river. Crack in the wall follow holeintherock road 35 miles to the signed junction, then drive 7 miles to the trailhead. Oct 14, 2015 of course, theres more to coyote gulch than just a few scary moments. If you arrive with enough time, you can start your hike to coyote gulch after arriving.
Coyote gulch escalante 2020 all you need to know before. As you approach coyote gulch, you can see the escalante river and stevens arch off to the northeast. Three days are best to see all this canyon has to offer. Coyote gulch high desert adventure april 28, 2016 by lorelei felchlin located in the vast grand staircaseescalante desert, coyote gulch is a winding, seminarrow canyon that snakes its way down through incredible red rock country, and joins with the escalante river just above lake powell. The gulch is large enough that any trek will be long it just may or may not involve scrambling up slickrock via finger and toeholds. Hike on this trail for a little under a mile and you will come to crack in the wall. Coyote gulch via red well is a scenic hike from the desert rim to the escalante river through coyote gulch canyon. Join eric hanson and friends as they head out on a 3day backpacking trip in coyote gulch via the infamous crackinthewall in the glen. Coyote gulch via jacob hamblin arch trail and crack in the. The crack descents in a threepart series of plates against the wall to the top of a broad and huge sand dune that trails into coyote.
Backpacking coyote gulch in grand staircaseescalante. Looking down on coyote gulch just east of hamblin arch. After scrambling down through the crack a narrow route between the cliff face and huge rock slabs which have peeled off a trail leads down a steep sand dune to lower coyote gulch. Apr 28, 2016 coyote gulch high desert adventure april 28, 2016 by lorelei felchlin located in the vast grand staircaseescalante desert, coyote gulch is a winding, seminarrow canyon that snakes its way down through incredible red rock country, and joins with the escalante river just above lake powell. As stated the conditions of this dirtsand road vary and the last couple of miles. Coyote gulch healthy trail guides intermountain live well. Coyote gulch is to the left of rodney, behind the knob. Were thinking about entering at crack in the wall and exiting hurricane wash. This portion of the trail ascends 700 feet of sand dune in roughly 1 mile to reach crack in the wall. This is a challenging climb, and it is recommended that hikers lower their packs by way of a rope, instead of trying to climb down with them. She isnt a great climber so i was wanting to give her an edge. Coyote gulch jerry happy for a brief respite from the sun. Coyote gulch is one of the most popular hikes in grand staircaseescalante national monument, filled with waterfalls, arches, and alcoves. Also, since the early years a different route into coyote gulch was discovered via the crackinthewall trail.
One of the best trails into the amazing coyote gulch is via crack in the wall. Mar 29, 2009 coyote gulch is to the left of rodney, behind the knob. Day hike crackinthewall to jacob hamblin arch in coyote gulch. A wonderful trip into the most beautiful canyon of the southwest. This portion of the trail ascends 700 feet of sand dune in roughly 1 mile to reach crackinthewall. By amanda outside a utahbased blogger with tips and inspira. Over 25 mi 40 km long, coyote gulch exhibits many of the geologic features found in the canyons of the escalante, including high vertical canyon walls, narrow slot canyons, domes, arches, and natural bridges. Click through for the ultimate guide to planning your backpacking trip. Its a sandy 2 mile slog from the tank to the 40 mile trailhead for the crack entrance. Crack in the wall is a slice of sandstone that has broken off from the canyon wall and has created a nice pathway from the top of the rim to the giant sand slide below.
Coyote gulch, crackinthewall to jacob hamblin arch utah. The route decends into the canyon of the escalante via hole in the rock, turns up coyote gulch, and passes under jacob hamblin arch before exiting up the moki steps to mesa above. I want to start from the crack in the wall and exit jacob hamblin. How to hike coyote gulch in grand staircase escalante in. Overlandoff trail route connects from the top of moki steps to the fortymile ridge trail. Red well looked interesting from the confluence of coyote gulch and i explored the lower 1 mile section.
As mentioned above, the sand dune climb out of coyote gulch to crackinthewall and forty mile ridge departs very near the boulder jam. Water tank to coyote gulch 2 miles one way fortymile ridge. Backpackers should note that the crack in the wall can make it impossible to pass. Crackinthewall is a slice of sandstone that has broken off from the canyon wall and has created a nice pathway from the top of the rim to the giant sand slide below. One of the unexpected highlights for me was backpacking coyote gulch just off of holeintherock road though it is technically in the glen canyon national recreation area, most begin the coyote gulch hike within grandstaircase escalante. Start hiking north from the sign toward coyote gulch. This trail goes by crack in the wall and escalante river. This makes for one heck of a day hike, but can easily be turned into a multiday backpacking adventure. Crackinthewall, stevens arch and the escalante river. Climbing down to coyote gulch through the crack in the wall. Its too far to plan on walking after a long sandy slog out of coyote gulch via crack in the wall or hurricane wash. Apr 25, 2015 recently, our family of 5, decided to hike into the gulch over spring break. Jun 22, 2012 my favorite way to hike coyote gulch now is to leave a shuttle vehicle at the willow tank trailhead and drive the 10 miles out 40 mile ridge to the crack in the wall trailhead.
We chose to enter through jacobs hamblin trail because it is the shortest distance into the gulch. There are four different entry points for coyote gulch, and most of them involve at least one. Me myself clamboring up out of the crack in the wall coyote gulch that says it roadwalking is so much fun. Coyote gulch hike directions escalante, grand staircase. Mar 25, 2018 coyote gulch has me a little concerned. It is great to hike down but definitely strenuous hiking back up. How to hike coyote gulch in grand staircase escalante in one day. The route through crack in the wall about 2 miles northeast of where you started drops you into the coyote gulch tributary.
Backpacking in coyote gulch cindy smith photography. Coyote gulch is one of them, with worldclass narrows, towering canyon walls, and outstanding natural bridges and arches. Crack in the wall trail hiking trail, escalante, utah hiking project. Cliff arch via coyote gulch and coyote gulch jacob hamblin trail. My two friends and i want to do coyote gulch on a long, oneday hike but none of us want to do the steep ascent or descent near jacob hamblin. Hike on this trail for a little under a mile and you will come to crack inthewall. Backcountry permits are required if you plan to camp. Coyote gulch via crackinthewall grand canyon trust. Last week, tricia and i took a 3 days 2 nights camping trip in coyote gulch in grand staircaseescalante national monument. One heads for the confluence of coyote gulch and the escalante river.
You can obtain a permit at the escalante interagency visitor center in the town of escalante or at either crack in the wall or hurricane wash trailheads. Brian hartman, with an assist from his grandfather, lowers a pack to robby hartman from crack in the wall. The route exits the canyon via crackinthewall and provides access to fortymile ridge trailhead. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from march until november. Alternately one can begin in lower coyote gulch which can be accessed via the crackinthewall th at the end forty mile ridge road or via longer thruhike routes like the hayduke trail. Nov 19, 2018 coyote gulch is a classic southern utah backpacking trip. Hurricane wash joins coyote gulch approximately 5 miles from the hurricane trailhead. Coyote gulch, crackinthewall to jacob hamblin arch is a 12. Coyote gulch is a classic southern utah backpacking trip. Alternately one can begin in lower coyote gulch which can be accessed via the crack in the wall th at the end forty mile ridge road or via longer thruhike routes like the hayduke trail. Human waste has become a problem in much of coyote gulch. Backpacking coyote gulch via crackinthewall part 1 youtube. Easy hiking, water availability, and spectacular scenery make this a must do hike. Coyote gulch is best accessed via the nearby town of escalante off scenic byway 12, the same one youd find yourself on if youre driving from zion or bryce to arches national park.
If you choose to start at the crack trailhead, keep in mind there are some sections of deep, soft sand its advisable to have four wheel drive for that section. Coyote gulch is a side canyon of the escalante that can be explored as an intense hike or a notquitesointense hike, depending on your preference. The perfect trip down coyote gulch is three days and two nights. T here is a lesser know, and much shorter route called either the short cut or water tank route. The most commonly used takeout point is at the confluence of coyote gulch and the escalante river. One of the best trails into the amazing coyote gulch is via crackinthe wall. We spent two nights down there and hiked out at jacob hamblin arch. Crack in the wall coyote gulch utah glen canyon national.
A crack in the 50foot cliff allows hikers to shimmy their way down to the sand dune below, and on down to the confluence of the escalante river and coyote gulch. This guide includes the best time of year to go, how to get a permit, water availability, and so much more. Utah canyon guides escalante, utah shuttle service. Hike through the best parts of the gulch before climbing up a 3rd4th class ramp at jacob hamblin arch to loop back to your car. Crack in the wall is accessed by continuing to drive down forty mile ridge road. Enter and exit coyote gulch through the crack in the wall. Aug 11, 2017 join eric hanson and friends as they head out on a 3day backpacking trip in coyote gulch via the infamous crack in the wall in the glen canyon recreation area of southern utah. I hope my photos come close to showcase its breathtaking natural beauty. Crack in the wall is another good route, but requires people and their packs to fit through an 18 inch wide crack, before reaching the main trail. One can hike down canyon and into upper coyote gulch by setting out via the red well th or the hurricane wash th both along the holeintherock road.
Hurricane wash and red well trailheads begin west of the heart of coyote gulch, and require longer, hotter, and dryer approaches, but they eliminate any scrambling, and are the best routes for groups of younger individuals. Coyote gulch high desert adventure backpacking with kids. Coyote gulch glen canyon national recreation area u. Coyote gulch canyoneering, escalante, tom jones, trip report tom jones march 18, 2004 backpack gear test, coyote wash, stevens arch. Eventually, the trail becomes slickrock and you will have to keep an eye out for a cairn on the rim of the coyote gulch that marks the location of the crackinthewall.