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The Escalante River Gorge from the town of Escalante to the Hwy.12
bridge over the Escalante River is a great canyon to explore for
several hours to a couple of days. You can access the canyon from
either end, go in as far as you like and double back, or spend a
long day going the 15 miles end to end. The west end of the
canyon features a deep meandering sandstone gorge with breath
taking canyon walls and a nice open floor. Pine Creek feeds in
less than a quarter mile after you enter the canyon and provides a
small water flow. Most of the year you can simply hop across the
river in the west end. Death Hollow drains in from the north
after 6 miles and is a good turn around point for a 12 mile day
hike. Death Hollow supplies a substantial flow and stream side
vegetation becomes much thicker downstream.
The east side of the canyon beginning at the Hwy 12 Bridge
Trail Head contains much more vegetation and water. Death Hollow,
7 miles in, and Sand Creek, 3 miles in, contribute quite a bit of
water into the Escalante River. Numerous crossing of ankle to knee
deep water are required making this a great summer hike. Just over
2 miles in is the Escalante Natural Bridge and 2.5 miles in is a
nice arch, both on the south side of the canyon.
Strong hikers may walk end to end in a day (13+ miles). This
does not allow for much exploration time and transportation at
both ends would be needed. The end to end hike is also a great
overnight backpack. |