Boulder Mail Trail

boulder mail trail
The Boulder Mail Trail Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument The Boulder Mail Trail is a unique hike in that it doesn't follow a canyon, but instead is an overland route that crosses canyons and vast expanses of exposed sandstone. The trail is the original route between Escalante and Boulder used by mules to carry supplies and the mail.
The most common way to hike the trail is to start at the Boulder Airport Trail Head and end at the Escalante Trail Head just east of town. Because this is a point to point hike, two vehicles or a shuttle is needed to return. The Boulder Airport Trail Head is located at 6800 feet and the Escalante Trail Head is at 5800 feet, so the hike is generally downhill although three major drainages must be crossed. The first drainage heading west is Sand Creek. Sand Creek is about 2.5 miles from the Boulder Airport Trail Head and contains year-round water. The next drainage, about 2 miles further down the trail, is Death Hollow. This canyon is really worth checking out. It is deep, narrow, and has water year-round. There are some great campsites in the bottom of Death Hollow, but beware of the weather. This canyon can flood quickly and dangerously. A mile and a half past Death Hollow is Mamie Creek which contains a nice little natural bridge. Antone Flats occupies the next 4 miles with its beautiful exposed and bleached Navajo Sandstone benches and little ponderosa groves. From the western edge of Antone Flats, you drop off of the monocline (with views of the Town) and down into Pine Creek to the Escalante Trail Head. The Boulder Mail Trail is fairly well cairned, however, this hike requires a map and compass. The entry and exit points for Death Hollow are very specific. There is no water between the canyons. This is a great hike to do in the late spring or early fall due to its high elevation and cooler temperatures. Great campsites can be found all along the trail.
maps / guide books
Trails Illustrated: Canyons of the Escalante Hiking the Escalante Custom Topo: Boulder Mail Trail / Escalante River Come in to Utah Canyons Desert Adventure Store for shuttle services, more information and advice on this hike.

hike summary

Rating: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: 16 miles one way
Topography: Elevation loss of 1000 feet from Boulder Airport TH to the Escalante TH.
Access: Hwy 12, each trail head is less than one mile off of Hwy 12
Water: Year round water is available in the Sand Creek, Death Hollow, and Mamie Creek
Fee: None, free overnight permit required.

getting there

Getting to the Boulder Airport Head from Escalante generally takes less than one hour depending upon road and weather conditions.

The Escalante Trail Head is located just east of town. Turn into the town cemetery and proceed through the cattle guard to the right. Follow this road for a quarter mile and take the first left. Follow this road for a quarter mile to the trail head. This can be done in an automobile.

To reach the Boulder Airport Trail Head from Escalante take Hwy 12 east 25 miles to the turn off for Hell's Backbone Road. In less than a quarter mile, take the first left back to the west. This will take you to the Boulder Airport runway, cross the runway (watch for planes) and proceed another 100 yards to the trail head.