Phipps Arch

This trail-less slick rock loop hike is a secretive stunner that plateaus above Maverick Canyon then descends down to Phipps Arch and eventually leads to the crystal clear Escalante River. The hike skirts along 600-700ft Navajo sandstone overlooking a red rock garden surrounded by lush vegetation, tall cottonwood trees, affording numerous opportunities to witness just how fertile the desert can be. In addition to spectacular views, this easy/moderate loop hike (requiring a shuttle) will take you to ancient panels of rock art (pictographs) and an of course the spectacular Phipps Arch. Once you arrive at the Escalante River there are a few crossings, where you can dip your feet into the refreshing water. This hike is a true truly a gem.

**Phipps Arch hike can be combined with the Bowington Arch hike

Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (April-June) and late Summer/Fall (August-November)

Bowington Arch

This route takes you beyond Phipps Wash tributary to the prominent Bowington Arch. This hike takes you along the Escalante River through steep and colorful walls of Windgate and Navajo Sandstone. Along the hike there are two prominent archeological rock art sites: one a small cave with pictographs and another boulder wall chalked full of petro glyphs. After viewing these historical sites continue onto the arch. There are several natural pools that are adjacent to the hike which are amazing to enjoy in the warmer months, especially after a rainstorm. During the spring and early summer months wildflowers will be out and full bloom. The fall months award you with brilliant array of autumn foliage.

Distance: 6 ½ miles

Difficulty : Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (April-June) and late Summer/Fall (August-November)

Wolverine

This amazing hike will lead you into Windgate Sandstone with sheer walls that narrow to about 3 ft across and reach heights of over 700ft. As the canyon narrows you will be in awe of what nature art gallery displays including forming arches and stone catacombs delicately placed by natures erosive hand. This truly magical place was created by volcanic activity that flourished over 250 million years ago leaving behind hardened cinder cones offering a variety of purple hues with a breathtaking background. Due to the volcanic activity and mother nature’s talent a unique geological phenomenon has created an abundance of petrified trees, another highlight of the trip. There are several different routes you can choose from depending on your time frame and ability.

**The hike can loop into Little Death Hollow.

Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (April-June) and late Fall (Mid September-November)

Escalante River Bridge to Sand Creek

This is an easy dayhike where you will encounter petroglyphs, Anasazi ruins, a spring, an arch and a Natural Bridge.  You must be willing to get your feet wet as there are numerous river crossings through calf-deep water.  This hike is a spectacular stroll through a lush riparian area along the escalante river, you might spot many types of flora and fauna including wild turkeys, hawks, deer, and a variety of cacti and wild flowers.

Distance: 7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Hike provided May through September

Cream Cellar Route

This easy 3 mile hike is accessed of Highway 12 and takes you to the rim of the escalante river canyon for dramatic vistas.  This is the historic mule route that cream was once carried from Boulder to Escalante.  Portions of the old cream cellar are still visible.    Hike ends at the spectacular setting of the Kiva Koffee House where we will enjoy a beverage with a view of the canyon.

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Hike provided April through October

Zebra and Tunnel Slots

A moderate hike to a short, spectacular slot known for its unique pattern of pink and white stripes which are extremely photogenic. Hike starts about 8 miles down the Hole-in-the-Rock road.  Climbing and stemming are required to reach the main part of the slot and negotiate a small pour-off.  Carrying large packs should be avoided as the narrows are narrow. Not a good hike on hot days.   May require swimming.

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (April-June) and late Summer/Fall (August-November)

Peek-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyon

Although this hike is popular it is not easy to navigate. This non-technical but challenging loop hike will cover two uniquely different slot narrows (not intended for those that are claustrophobic). Peek-a-boo is an easy scramble up a rock ledge where you’ll find yourself needing to scramble over more small sandstone entrances which access stone sculptured chambers with several arches that you pass through to reach the end (or the beginning) of this amazingly sculptured wonderland. Spooky slot canyons boast serpentine curves, arches, pour overs, tunnels and occasional choke stones. The slot gets fairly tight in areas warranting a side (vs frontal) approach to pass. The twists and turns of this slot canyon create an eerie and haunting nature, hence the name Spooky. This loop hike includes panoramic views over Hole-in-the-Rock road and it amazing playground. This exciting and fun hike is great for all ages.

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (April-June) and Fall (Mid September-November)

Additional day hikes include: Little Death Hollow, Fiftymile Creek, Upper Muley Twist. (see below)

Overnight destinations: 1 night/2 day

Fiftymile Creek

A stunning remote slickrock canyon. This seldom-visited hike explores narrow passages, slot canyons, caves, petro-glyph panels, deep alcoves (one with a budding arch), 500ft canyon walls and wildlife due to the perennial streams. The hike ends at Lake Powell where you’ll find views of the lake accessible during Spring. Camping can be anywhere along the route but we prefer the superb campsite under an alcove in the sand. This hike requires some river bed bouldering for approx. ½ mile although the rest of the hike is not technical.

Distance: 9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (April-June) and late Summer/Fall (August-November)

Upper Muley Twist

This loop hike is known for its numerous arches, breathtaking panoramic views, narrow passages and access to the geological wonder known as the Waterpocket Fold. There are several different entrances to this area which can make the hike vary from a long day hike to an overnight backing adventure (preferred). Best times to hike are spring and fall. In late spring wildflowers will be abundant and temperatures a reasonable.  Fall offers similar temperatures and autumn foliage in contrast to the painted desert landscape.  Elevation change is about 900 feet which makes for a leisurely stroll through this magnificent canyon.

Distance: 9-15 miles depending on where you begin and what suits you

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Hike provided in Spring (April-May) and Fall (Late September-November)

Little Death Hollow

This scenic overnight backpacking trip is a spectacular loop hike adventure which takes you through Windgate and Kayenta Sandstone (rare for the area) into narrow passages then through a long colorful slot canyon. During the trip you will see petro glyphs, pictographs and enjoy the vast scenic natural playground. The area is littered with petrified wood, another unique feature offered on the hike. In the spring the hike warrants and abundance of wildflowers and other plant life due to the aquifers in the area. You can even find freshwater mountainside springs throughout the hike in the spring months. The fall provides an abundance of truly colorful foliage. Swimming holes are available to cool off in just off the trail…a nice treat during the warmer temperatures. Camp sites along the route are lush and are often located under or around the lush patches of Cottonwood trees. This is a moderate hike with only one area that requires technical maneuvering over a boulder.

Distance: 16 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike is offered in Spring-Early Summer (April-June) and Fall (Mid September-November)

Multiple overnight backpacking trips

Boulder Mail Trail

This hike covers an old mail trail used by mail carriers and mules to deliver mail in and out of the town of Boulder up until 1940.  As Boulder was the last town in the continental United States to receive mail by mule, this trip is of historic significance. Unlike most hikes in the area, which explore the canyons, Boulder Mail Trail is an over-land route that cuts across Sand Creek, Death Hollow, and Mamie creek.  Much of the hiking is done on gentle slick-rock slopes, offering majestic vistas of the distant Henry Mountains, Circle cliffs, Water-Pocket fold, Forty mile cliffs, and Navajo Mountain.  This hike is a great hike in the spring and fall due to fair weather and temperatures.  The hike is conveniently located between the towns of Boulder and Escalante.  The Trail-head is but a short three mile drive from the BMGR and is a great way to explore the transition zone between the alpine Boulder Mountain and the vast desert expanses below.

Distance: 15 miles

Time: 2 nights/ 3 days

Difficulty: Strenuous

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (Mid April-June) and late Summer/Fall (Late August-November)

Coyote Gulch

Known as the 'crown jewel' of the Escalante, this majestic hike offers it all. Springs, arches, bridges, waterfalls, grand alcoves, and evidence that native peoples once called this place their home.  Filled with great camping spots that often have flowing springs nearby, coyote gulch has something for everyone.  Whether for a family outing or a solitary adventure to witness the pristine beauty of this deeply carved canyon, a trip through coyote gulch and the surrounding areas can be done in three to five days depending on time restraints and how much exploration is desired.  Breath taking scenes include Stevens Arch, Jacob Hamblin Arch, and a natural bridge which the stream and trail passes directly beneath. Numerous hanging gardens also appear in lower coyote due to the wet and lush environment caused by the springs and lack of direct sunlight.  Despite it's high rate of visitation and status as a world renowned back-pack trip, it is rare to see more than one or two groups of revelers exploring this spectacular wonderland.  Other than a short exposed section near the confluence of the Escalante and Coyote, the hike can be considered moderate to easy.

Distance: 18 miles

Time: 3 nights/ 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Hike provided in Spring/early Summer (Mid April-June) and late Summer/Fall (September-November)