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- Region
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Trip length
- 2 to 4 days (14 to 26 miles)
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Trip length: 2 to 4 days (14 to 26 miles)
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
Route planning, filtration strategies, and strict waste ethics in Escalante country.
Intended uses
- backpacking
- desert adventures
Verification notes
Last verified October 16, 2026.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
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Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics trip tools
How to get there
All four entry points are reached from Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Red Well branches off after 30 miles, Hurricane Wash parking is beside the road at 33 miles, and both Fortymile Ridge approaches use the signed junction at 35 miles. Check current road conditions before setting out. The final two miles to Crack in the Wall pass through deep sand and are not suitable for low-clearance vehicles.
- Red Well
Follow Hole-in-the-Rock Road 30 miles to the signed junction, then drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead. The stream begins about one mile into the hike.
- Hurricane Wash
Follow Hole-in-the-Rock Road 33 miles to the roadside parking area. The trailhead is across the road. Expect about 3.5 miles of hiking before reaching the stream.
- Fortymile Ridge: Water Tank
Follow Hole-in-the-Rock Road 35 miles to the signed junction, then drive 4 miles to the trailhead. This entry requires more than 100 feet of class 5 friction climbing.
- Fortymile Ridge: Crack in the Wall
Follow Hole-in-the-Rock Road 35 miles to the signed junction, then drive 7 miles to the trailhead. The final two miles cross deep sand unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Animals around Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water LogisticsAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics
Planning to fish Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics, North America? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in North America are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics?
- A North America fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current North America fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for North America yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics
Thinking about hunting Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics, North America? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in North America are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics?
- Confirm the land around Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in North America?
- A North America hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for North America yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A water-lined canyon with very different entry routes
Coyote Gulch sits in Escalante’s canyon country and contains two arches, a natural bridge, several waterfalls, and a perennial stream. Water availability and relatively straightforward route finding within the canyon make it a popular backpacking destination, but getting down to that stream varies sharply by entry point. Red Well and Hurricane Wash begin in wide, sandy washes that narrow between towering walls. The two Fortymile Ridge approaches reach the canyon more directly, but introduce either technical friction climbing or a substantial sand dune. Choose an entry for its terrain, not simply its mileage. An overnight trip allows more time in the canyon; a day visit can mean a long hike. Expect other visitors, particularly in spring and fall. This is not a dependable choice for solitude, and keeping voices low helps preserve the canyon’s soundscape.
Water logistics and wet-foot travel
Water planning starts with the approach. From Red Well, the perennial stream begins about one mile from the trailhead. In Hurricane Wash, the stream begins about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. Both Fortymile Ridge routes encounter the stream when they reach the canyon bottom, so carry enough water for the descent rather than expecting a source along the approach. Within Coyote Gulch, seeps and springs supplement the perennial stream. A particularly good spring flows from the canyon wall just downstream from Jacob Hamblin Arch. Bring a means of treating collected water and plan for repeated stream crossings or walking directly in the stream: wet feet are part of this hike. Footwear and foot care should suit prolonged wet travel. Water availability does not remove the need to carry enough for the return, especially when climbing out through sand or tackling the friction-climbing route.
Entry hazards and flash-flood awareness
The short Fortymile Ridge approaches should not be mistaken for easy shortcuts. The Water Tank route requires more than 100 feet of class 5 friction climbing, a serious distinction from an ordinary hiking descent. Crack in the Wall involves a large sand dune with 700 feet of elevation that can be strenuous to climb. Its road approach also ends with two miles of deep sand unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. Check road conditions before traveling to any trailhead, and know the route using a map and compass rather than relying on cairns. Flash flooding is another central concern. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can send floodwater into the canyon even when the sky overhead is clear, because a storm miles away may affect the drainage. Check weather conditions before hiking and especially before entering a slot canyon.
Overnight planning and canyon rules
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the Escalante District of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Obtain one at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in Escalante or at an entry trailhead. Day visitors do not need a backcountry permit but should sign the trail register. The group-size limit is 12; larger groups must split into smaller groups and remain at least half a mile apart while hiking and camping. Carry out all solid human waste using a portable toilet or an approved, specifically engineered waste-containment system; ordinary plastic or paper bags alone are not acceptable. Bring enough capacity for the whole group and trip. Pack out trash, toilet paper, and hygiene items. Fires, pets, and pack animals are prohibited. Protect food and trash from birds and other wildlife, do not feed animals, and leave natural objects where they belong. Do not build rock cairns.
Route options
- Red Well to the Escalante River13 miles one way
Enter through a wide, sandy wash and follow the developing canyon toward the Escalante River. The perennial stream begins about one mile from the trailhead, with repeated crossings and in-stream walking farther along. The stated distance is to the river, not a round trip.
- Hurricane Wash to the Escalante River12.3 miles one way
Follow a sandy wash into the narrowing canyon. The stream begins about 3.5 miles from the trailhead, making water for the initial approach an important packing consideration. Expect wet-foot travel once in the stream corridor.
- Fortymile Ridge: Water Tank to Coyote Gulch2 miles one wayTechnical: class 5 friction climbing required
A short approach with a technical entry requiring more than 100 feet of class 5 friction climbing. Water is encountered at the canyon bottom. The listed mileage ends at Coyote Gulch and does not include exploration along the canyon.
- Fortymile Ridge: Crack in the Wall to Coyote Gulch2.5 miles one wayStrenuous sand-dune climb
Reach Coyote Gulch by an approach that includes a large sand dune with 700 feet of elevation. The climb back through the sand can be strenuous. The stream is encountered at the canyon bottom; the listed mileage does not extend to the Escalante River.
Sample itineraries
- Red Well overnight · 2 days
Enter through Red Well and return the same way, choosing a turnaround that suits the group. The stream begins about one mile from the trailhead. The Escalante River is 13 miles one way; reaching it is not necessary for this overnight plan.
- Hurricane Wash backpack · 3 days
Allow three days for an out-and-back exploration from Hurricane Wash. Carry water for the approach: the stream begins about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. Sandy washes narrow into a canyon with towering walls. The Escalante River is 12.3 miles one way; adjust the turnaround to your pace.
- Crack in the Wall long day hike · 1 day
Enter from Fortymile Ridge: Crack in the Wall and return by the same route. Coyote Gulch is 2.5 miles one way, with water encountered at the canyon bottom. Budget effort for the strenuous 700-foot sand dune. The final two road miles cross deep sand unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Expect other hikers and backpackers; spring is a particularly popular season. Plan for repeated stream crossings and wet feet. Check weather and road conditions before setting out.
Summer
Summer
Check forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms before entering the canyon. Distant storms can cause flash flooding even beneath clear skies. Carry water for the approach rather than relying on immediate stream access.
Fall
Fall
Fall brings particularly frequent encounters with other visitors. Do not count on solitude. The route includes many stream crossings or walking in the stream; pack for wet feet and check current weather.
Winter
Winter
Check current weather and road conditions rather than assuming access will be straightforward. Plan clothing and footwear around repeated stream crossings. Water access still depends on the entry route.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Expect other hikers and backpackers; spring is a particularly popular season. Plan for repeated stream crossings and wet feet. Check weather and road conditions before setting out. |
| Summer | Summer | Check forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms before entering the canyon. Distant storms can cause flash flooding even beneath clear skies. Carry water for the approach rather than relying on immediate stream access. |
| Fall | Fall | Fall brings particularly frequent encounters with other visitors. Do not count on solitude. The route includes many stream crossings or walking in the stream; pack for wet feet and check current weather. |
| Winter | Winter | Check current weather and road conditions rather than assuming access will be straightforward. Plan clothing and footwear around repeated stream crossings. Water access still depends on the entry route. |
Permits, fees & closures
Backcountry permits are required for overnight stays in the Escalante District of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Obtain one at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center or an entry trailhead. Day hikers do not need a backcountry permit but should sign the trail register.
Official source: Coyote Gulch - Glen Canyon - National Park Service · Verified October 16, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Flash floods can follow heavy rain or thunderstorms miles away, even when skies overhead are clear. Check weather before hiking and especially before entering a slot canyon.
- Fortymile Ridge: Water Tank requires more than 100 feet of class 5 friction climbing. Its two-mile approach to Coyote Gulch is not a simple walking shortcut.
- Fortymile Ridge: Crack in the Wall includes a sand dune with 700 feet of elevation that can be strenuous to climb.
- The final two road miles to Crack in the Wall cross deep sand and are unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. Check road conditions before driving to any trailhead.
- Most canyon travel involves repeated stream crossings or walking in water. Expect wet feet and choose footwear accordingly.
- Water is not immediately available at every entry. Hurricane Wash reaches the stream about 3.5 miles from the trailhead; the Fortymile Ridge routes reach it at the canyon bottom.
What to pack for Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics
- Water containers with enough capacity for the dry approach
- Water-treatment supplies for collected stream or spring water
- Footwear suitable for repeated stream crossings
- Dry socks and protected spare clothing
- Map and compass
- Route information for the chosen entry and exit
- Current weather forecast and road-condition information
- Portable toilet or approved engineered human-waste bag system sufficient for the entire trip
- Bags for packing out toilet paper, hygiene items and all trash
- Food and trash storage impervious to entry by birds and other wildlife
Wildlife you may see
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Protect food and trash from birds and other wildlife with storage they cannot enter.
Escalante River Canyon: Coyote Gulch Entry Routes and Water Logistics FAQ
- Where can water be found?
- Coyote Gulch has a perennial stream, seeps and springs. A particularly good spring flows from the canyon wall just downstream from Jacob Hamblin Arch. The stream starts about one mile from Red Well and about 3.5 miles from Hurricane Wash. Carry approach water and treat collected water.
- How do the entry routes differ?
- Red Well and Hurricane Wash approach through sandy washes that narrow downstream. Water Tank reaches Coyote Gulch in two miles one way but requires class 5 friction climbing. Crack in the Wall reaches it in 2.5 miles one way and includes a strenuous sand dune.
- How are Red Well and Hurricane Wash reached?
- For Red Well, follow Hole-in-the-Rock road 30 miles to the signed junction, then drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead. For Hurricane Wash, follow Hole-in-the-Rock road 33 miles to roadside parking; the trailhead is across the road. Check road conditions before traveling.
- What are the group-size rules?
- The limit is 12 people. Larger groups must split into smaller groups and maintain at least half a mile of separation while hiking and camping. Limits are strictly enforced.
- What must be packed out?
- Pack out all trash, toilet paper, hygiene items and solid human waste. Use a portable toilet or an approved engineered waste-containment system. Ordinary plastic or paper bags alone are not permitted for solid human waste. Bring enough capacity for the whole group and trip.
- Are fires, pets or new cairns allowed?
- Fires and pets are not permitted, including pack animals such as horses, llamas and goats. Do not build cairns: they can mislead hikers and damage resources. Navigate with a map and compass, and leave rocks, flowers and other canyon features in place.