- Region
- UT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm any permit requirements with Dixie…
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service, Dixie National Forest, Escalante Ranger District
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Box-Death Hollow Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Box-Death Hollow Wilderness
How to get there
Box-Death Hollow Wilderness is on the Escalante Ranger District of Dixie National Forest in south-central Utah. Hells Backbone Road offers views into its canyons. Confirm the approach and trail access for the chosen itinerary with the ranger district; snow can make the area inaccessible.
- Hells Backbone Road
A scenic road offering views into the wilderness canyons. Treat it as a viewing approach, not as a confirmed trailhead for a particular hike.
- The Box Trail #34009
A maintained hiking corridor through The Box, the canyon formed by Pine Creek. Confirm the trail entry location and approach with the Escalante Ranger District before departure.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
UT, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
Sandstone canyons and forested plateaus
Box-Death Hollow Wilderness occupies rugged canyon country in south-central Utah’s Dixie National Forest. Vertical gray-orange Navajo sandstone walls rise above two tributaries of the Escalante River, with slickrock and forest adding to the terrain’s complexity. Pine Creek runs north–south through a steeply dipping monocline to form The Box. Farther east, Death Hollow Creek cuts through a more gently dipping monocline. These folds expose layers of sedimentary rock and help explain the sharp changes in the landscape. Pinyon and juniper cover many of the plateaus above the canyon bottoms. The name Death Hollow refers to livestock that died trying to cross the steep canyon. This is remote, demanding terrain rather than a destination to explore without a researched route.
Choosing a hike and preparing for canyon travel
The Box Trail #34009, Roundy Trail #34012, and Coleman Trail #34011 are the wilderness’s only maintained trails. Nine miles of trail run the length of The Box; that figure should not be treated as a round-trip distance or applied to other itineraries. Beyond the maintained trails, travel can involve following drainages or undesignated routes. Backpacking through Death Hollow is a difficult undertaking for experienced backcountry hikers, with extensive planning and research warranted before departure. Canyon narrows can flood after rain, so weather assessment belongs at the center of trip planning. Do not enter narrows when flooding is possible. Carry navigation tools and know how to use them in steep canyon terrain. No potable water is available at the site; plan drinking-water supplies and treatment rather than assuming creek water is safe.
Access conditions, wildlife, and wilderness boundaries
The wilderness is open unless snow makes it inaccessible. Hikers are allowed, and horse riders are allowed but not recommended; all OHVs and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles and e-bikes, are prohibited. The Forest Service lists no site fee. Confirm any permit requirements with the Escalante Ranger District before a trip. Hells Backbone Road provides scenic views into the canyons, offering a way to see the landscape without committing to a backcountry route. Along creek banks, wildlife may include mule deer, occasional cougars, and elk in winter; give animals space and keep food secured. Brown and rainbow trout occur in Pine Creek and portions of Sand Creek. The adjacent Phipps-Death Hollow area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, so check boundaries when planning travel beyond the national forest wilderness.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Box-Death Hollow Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 37.9112, -111.5820
- Latitude (DMS)
- 37° 54′ 40.2″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 111° 34′ 55.3″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Box-Death Hollow Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Vertical gray-orange walls of Navajo sandstone stand above two canyon tributaries of the Escalante River in Box-Death Hollow Wilderness. This is canyon country, home to numerous monoclines--places where...
Key takeaways
- Region: UT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 37.911, -111.582
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Box-Death Hollow Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Animals around Box-Death Hollow Wilderness
Sandstone canyons and forested plateaus
Box-Death Hollow Wilderness occupies rugged canyon country in south-central Utah’s Dixie National Forest. Vertical gray-orange Navajo sandstone walls rise above two tributaries of the Escalante River, with slickrock and forest adding to the terrain’s complexity. Pine Creek runs north–south through a steeply dipping monocline to form The Box. Farther east, Death Hollow Creek cuts through a more gently dipping monocline. These folds expose layers of sedimentary rock and help explain the sharp changes in the landscape. Pinyon and juniper cover many of the plateaus above the canyon bottoms. The name Death Hollow refers to livestock that died trying to cross the steep canyon. This is remote, demanding terrain rather than a destination to explore without a researched route.
Choosing a hike and preparing for canyon travel
The Box Trail #34009, Roundy Trail #34012, and Coleman Trail #34011 are the wilderness’s only maintained trails. Nine miles of trail run the length of The Box; that figure should not be treated as a round-trip distance or applied to other itineraries. Beyond the maintained trails, travel can involve following drainages or undesignated routes. Backpacking through Death Hollow is a difficult undertaking for experienced backcountry hikers, with extensive planning and research warranted before departure. Canyon narrows can flood after rain, so weather assessment belongs at the center of trip planning. Do not enter narrows when flooding is possible. Carry navigation tools and know how to use them in steep canyon terrain. No potable water is available at the site; plan drinking-water supplies and treatment rather than assuming creek water is safe.
Access conditions, wildlife, and wilderness boundaries
The wilderness is open unless snow makes it inaccessible. Hikers are allowed, and horse riders are allowed but not recommended; all OHVs and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles and e-bikes, are prohibited. The Forest Service lists no site fee. Confirm any permit requirements with the Escalante Ranger District before a trip. Hells Backbone Road provides scenic views into the canyons, offering a way to see the landscape without committing to a backcountry route. Along creek banks, wildlife may include mule deer, occasional cougars, and elk in winter; give animals space and keep food secured. Brown and rainbow trout occur in Pine Creek and portions of Sand Creek. The adjacent Phipps-Death Hollow area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, so check boundaries when planning travel beyond the national forest wilderness.
Route options
- The Box Trail #340099 miles through The Box
Follow the maintained trail through Pine Creek’s sandstone canyon. Nine miles of trail run the length of The Box; plan the return or onward travel separately. Rain can bring flooding to canyon narrows.
- Roundy Trail #34012
One of the three maintained trails within the wilderness. Confirm its alignment and suitability for the intended itinerary with the ranger district before setting out.
- Coleman Trail #34011
Another maintained trail within the wilderness. Research its course and connections before incorporating it into a hike through this rugged canyon landscape.
- Death Hollow backpacking routeDifficult; for experienced backcountry hikers
A demanding backcountry journey through Death Hollow for experienced hikers. Expect route planning beyond the maintained trail network, with drainage travel or undesignated routes and serious attention to flood conditions.
Sample itineraries
- The Box Trail day hike · 1 day
Follow Box Trail #34009 into Pine Creek's sandstone canyon, choosing an out-and-back distance suited to conditions and ability. Nine miles of trail run the length of The Box; this plan does not assume a full traverse. Confirm access and the rain forecast before entering.
- Hells Backbone canyon overview · 1 day
Travel Hells Backbone Road for views into Box-Death Hollow's deep canyons. This is a landscape-viewing alternative to committing to a difficult wilderness route. Check road and snow conditions before setting out; do not assume the road provides direct access into the canyons.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; access depends on snow conditions
Check whether snow still limits access. Carry layers for changing conditions, and reassess canyon plans whenever rain is forecast: narrow passages can flood after rainfall.
Summer
Summer; plan around weather and water needs
Prepare for sun exposure on slickrock and plateaus. Potable water is unavailable at the site. Carry drinking water and treatment equipment, and avoid canyon narrows when rain threatens.
Fall
Fall; verify conditions before departure
Pack layers and leave enough daylight for slow travel through rugged terrain. Rain remains a canyon-flood concern. Check access rather than assuming roads and trails remain snow-free.
Winter
Winter; snow may prevent access
The wilderness is open unless inaccessible due to snow. Check access before traveling and prepare for cold conditions. Elk may occur along creek banks in winter; observe without approaching.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; access depends on snow conditions | Check whether snow still limits access. Carry layers for changing conditions, and reassess canyon plans whenever rain is forecast: narrow passages can flood after rainfall. |
| Summer | Summer; plan around weather and water needs | Prepare for sun exposure on slickrock and plateaus. Potable water is unavailable at the site. Carry drinking water and treatment equipment, and avoid canyon narrows when rain threatens. |
| Fall | Fall; verify conditions before departure | Pack layers and leave enough daylight for slow travel through rugged terrain. Rain remains a canyon-flood concern. Check access rather than assuming roads and trails remain snow-free. |
| Winter | Winter; snow may prevent access | The wilderness is open unless inaccessible due to snow. Check access before traveling and prepare for cold conditions. Elk may occur along creek banks in winter; observe without approaching. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm any permit requirements with Dixie National Forest's Escalante Ranger District before departure.
Fees: No fee.
Official source: Dixie National Forest | Box-Death Hollow Wilderness · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Canyon narrows can flood with raging water after rain. Check the forecast and avoid entering narrow passages when rain threatens.
- Steep canyon walls and slickrock create serious fall exposure. Avoid committing to terrain without a safe way back.
- Remote, rugged terrain makes navigation demanding. Box Trail #34009, Roundy Trail #34012, and Coleman Trail #34011 are the only maintained trails.
- Death Hollow backpacking is difficult and intended for experienced backcountry hikers. Extensive planning and route research are necessary.
- Snow can make the wilderness inaccessible. Verify current access conditions before traveling.
- Potable water is not available at the site. Carry sufficient drinking water and treat any creek water collected.
What to pack for Box-Death Hollow Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Emergency communication device
- First-aid kit and headlamp
- Drinking water and extra carrying capacity
- Water filter or other treatment
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Footwear with dependable traction
- Insulating layers
- Rain shell
- Emergency shelter
Box-Death Hollow Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Box-Death Hollow Wilderness?
- It lies in south-central Utah on Dixie National Forest's Escalante Ranger District. Deep sandstone canyons, slickrock, and forest define the landscape.
- Which trails are maintained?
- Box Trail #34009, Roundy Trail #34012, and Coleman Trail #34011 are the only maintained trails. Beyond them, travel may involve drainages or undesignated routes and requires strong navigation skills.
- Is Death Hollow suitable for beginner backpackers?
- It is a difficult route for experienced backcountry hikers, not a straightforward introductory backpack. The rugged, remote landscape demands extensive planning, route research, and careful weather assessment.
- Are bikes or horses allowed?
- Bikes, e-bikes, OHVs, and other mechanized vehicles are prohibited. Hiking is allowed. Horse riding is allowed but not recommended.
- Is drinking water available?
- No potable water is available at the site. Creeks are part of the landscape, but carry drinking water and treatment equipment rather than assuming untreated creek water is safe.
- Why is it called Death Hollow?
- The name refers to livestock that fell to their deaths while trying to cross the steep canyon. Pine Creek forms The Box; Death Hollow Creek lies east of it.