Discover Escalante

• What to Bring: 
• Plenty of water (at least 2 to 3 liters per person)
• Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). 
• Snacks or a packed lunch. 
• A camera or smartphone for photos 
• Swimsuit and towel if you plan to enjoy the pool beneath the falls. 
• Lightweight layers for changing weather conditions. 

Safety Precautions: 

• There is very little shade along much of the trail. Start early during hot weather and carry plenty of water. 
• Stay on the designated trail to protect fragile desert vegetation and archaeological resources. 
• Watch children carefully near cliff edges and around the waterfall pool. 
• Rocks near the waterfall can be slippery. 
• Swimming is permitted, but the water remains cold year round.
• Summer temperatures can be in the high 90s making dehydration and heat exhaustion serious concerns. 

Getting There: 

The trailhead is located between Escalante and Boulder on the Scenic Byway 12 within the Calf Creek Recreation Area. A paved parking lot, restrooms, a campground, and a picnic area are at the beginning of the trailhead. The recreation area is approximately 15 miles east of Escalante and 11 miles west of Boulder. 

• What to Bring: 
• Plenty of water (at least 2 to 3 liters per person)
• Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). 
• Snacks or a packed lunch. 
• A camera or smartphone for photos
• Swimsuit and towel if you plan to enjoy the pool beneath the falls. 
• Lightweight layers for changing weather conditions. 
• Downloaded trail maps or GPS navigation 

Safety Precautions: 

• Never enter either slot canyon if rain is forecast anywhere in the area. Flash floods can occur suddenly and are extremely dangerous. 
• Peek-a-Boo requires a short, but steep scramble to enter, which may be difficult for some hikers. 
• Spooky Gulch contains extremely narrow sections that may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia or larger body frames. 
• Travel with a companion whenever possible. Let someone know your hiking plans before departing. 
• Cell service is very limited or non-existent along the route. 
• Road conditions on Hole-in-the-Rock Road can change rapidly after storms. 

This hike is not recommended for young children, anyone uncomfortable in tight spaces, or visitors with mobility limitations. 

Getting There: 

The trailhead is located between Escalante and Boulder on the Scenic Byway 12 within the Calf Creek Recreation Area. A paved parking lot, restrooms, a campground, and a picnic area are at the beginning of the trailhead. The recreation area is approximately 15 miles east of Escalante and 11 miles west of Boulder. 

Important Safety Information: 

Never enter a slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if storms are many miles away. Flash floods can occur with little warning and can be extremely dangerous. Check weather conditions before your hike and avoid entering the canyon during periods of unsettled weather. 

• What to Bring: 
• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). 
• Snacks or a packed lunch. 
• A camera or smartphone for photos 
• Downloaded trail map or GPS navigation. 
• Lightweight layers for changing weather conditions. 

Safety Precautions: 

• Never enter either slot canyon if rain is forecast anywhere in the area. Flash floods can occur suddenly and are extremely dangerous. 
• Water and mud are common in the narrow canyon section, especially after recent storms. 
• The canyon narrows significantly may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia or larger body frames. 
• Use caution on slickrock and uneven terrain. 
• Travel with a companion whenever possible. Let someone know your hiking plans before departing. 
• Cell service is very limited or non-existent along the route. 
• Road conditions on Hole-in-the-Rock Road can change rapidly after storms. 

This hike is not recommended for young children, anyone uncomfortable in tight spaces, or visitors with mobility limitations. 

Getting There: 

The trailhead is located approximately 7.8 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road, southeast of Escalante. Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a graded, dirt road that is generally suitable for most vehicles in dry conditions, but can become muddy and impassable after rain. The trail begins from a small parking area on the east side of the road. 

Important Safety Information: 

Never enter a slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if storms are many miles away. Flash floods can occur with little warning and can be extremely dangerous. Check weather conditions before your hike and avoid entering the canyon during periods of unsettled weather. 

What to Bring: 

• Plenty of water (at least 1 to 2 liters per person)
• Comfortable hiking shoes or water-resistant footwear. 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen etc).
• Light snacks or packed lunch.
• Camera or smartphone.
• Light jacket depending on weather. 

Safety Precautions: 

• Expect to cross the creek multiple times and get your feet wet. 
• Avoid the canyon if rain is forecast anywhere in the drainage area due to flash flood risk. 
• Be aware that rocks near the water can be slippery.
• Cell service is limited, so dowload maps before leaving town. 

Getting There: 

The trailhead is located along Skutumpah Road, about 15 miles south of Cannonville, Utah. From Cannonville, head south on Kodachrome Road, which eventually becomes Skutumpah Road. The road is mostly well-graded dirt and typically passable for most vehicles in dry conditions, but it can become muddy and difficult after rain. There is a small, unmarked parking area near a cattle guard where the trail begins. GPS coordinates for the trailhead are approximately 37.50 degrees N, 112.2205 degrees W. 

What to Bring: 

• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). 
• Snacks or a packed lunch. 
• Camera or Smartphone. 
• Downloaded trail map or GPS navigation. 
• Lightweight layers for changing weather conditions. 

Safety Precautions: 

• Summer temperatures can be extremely hot; start early and carry extra water. 
• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert soils and vegetation. 
• Watch for wildlife, including rattlesnakes during warmer months. 
• Cell service may be limited in parts of the park. 
• Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly during monsoon season. 
  
  

Getting There: 

Just 30 minutes from Slot Canyons Inn, Kodachrome Basin offers breathtaking scenery, fewer crowds than many nearby parks, and countless opportunities to experience the beauty and serenity of Southern Utah's canyon country. 

What to Bring: 

• Plenty of water (at least 2 to 3 liters). 
• Sturdy walking or hiking shoes. 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
• Snacks or a picnic lunch. 
• Camera or binoculars. 
• Layers for changing weather conditions. 

Safety Precautions: 

• Summer temperatures can be extremely hot; start early and carry extra water. 
• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert soils and vegetation. 
• Watch for wildlife, including rattlesnakes during warmer months. 
• Cell service may be limited in parts of the park. 
• Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly during monsoon season. 

Getting There: 

Just 30 minutes from Slot Canyons Inn, Kodachrome Basin offers breathtaking scenery, fewer crowds than many nearby parks, and countless opportunities to experience the beauty and serenity of Southern Utah's canyon country. 

What to Bring: 

• Plenty of water (at least 2 to 3 liters). 
• Sturdy walking or hiking shoes. 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
• Camera or Smartphone. 
• Snacks or a picnic lunch. 
• Layers for changing weather conditions. 

Safety Precautions: 

• There are no designated trails through much of the area, so watch your footing on uneven sandstone surfaces. 
• Stay back fro cliff edges and elevated rock formations. 
• Summer temperatures can be extremely hot. Carry plenty of water and avoid the hottest part of the day. 
• Cell service is limited or unavailable. 
• Do not climb on delicate archs or fragile rock formations. 
• Leave all natural features undisturbed and practice Leave No Trace principles. 

Getting There: 

From Escalante, travel southeast on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto the signed Devil's Garden access road and continue a short distance to the parking area. Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a graded dirt road that is generally suitable for most vehicles in dry conditions but can become muddy and difficult to travel after rain. 

What to Bring: 

• 3 to 4 Liters of water per person. 
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
• Trekking Poles 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). 
• High energy snacks and a packed lunch. Prepare more food if camping overnight. 
• Camera or Smartphone. 
• Downloaded trail maps or GPS navigation. 
• Lightweight layers for changing weather conditions. 
• Dry bags or waterproof protection for electronics 
• First-aid kit 
• Head-lamp in case hike takes longer than expected
  

Safety Precautions: 

• This is a remote, backcountry hike with no services and limited or non-existent cell service. 
• Never enter narrow canyon section if rain is forecast anywhere in the drainage area due to flash flood risk. 
• Stream crossing are common and feet will likely get wet. 
• Be prepared for deep sand, uneven terrain, and long distances. 
• Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. 
• Navigation can be challenging, especially when entering or exiting the canyon. 
• Backpackers should be familiar with "Leave No Trace" principles and current permit requirements. 

Getting There: 

The most popular trailhead is Hurricane Wash, located approximately 33 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Escalante. Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a graded dirt road that is generally passable in dry conditions, but can become muddy and impassable after rain. Other access routes include Red Well, Fortymile Ridge, and Crack-in-the-Wall, each offering different levels of difficulty and adventure. 

What to Bring: 

• 3 to 4 liters of water per person
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with excellent traction
• Water shoes or footwear suitable for crossing the Escalante River
• Downloaded offline map and GPS navigation
• Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen)
• High energy snacks and a substantial lunch
• First-aid kit
• Lightweight layers for changing temperatures
• Trekking Poles
• Headlamp in case the hike takes longer than expected 

Safety Precautions: 

• Navigation is one of the biggest challenges. Much of the route is unmarked, and hikers should be comfortable with backcountry route-finding and GPS navigation. 
• The Escalante River must typically be crossed. Water depth and current vary considerably depending on recent weather and seasonal conditions. DO NOT attempt a river crossing if the water is too deep or moving too swiftly. 
• Neon Canyon and the surrounding drainage are subject to flash flooding. Never enter when thunderstorms or heavy rain are forecast in the surrounding area or upstream. 
• The route includes steep slickrock and loose terrain. Good footwear and careful footing are essential. 
• There is little shade during much of the approach, and summer heat can be dangerous. Carry plenty of water and consider an early start. 
• Cell service is generally unavailable. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. 
• Avoid relying solely on your phone for navigation. Download maps before leaving Escalante and carry a backup power source. 
• Check current weather, road, river, and trail conditions before setting out. Check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center (755 W Main Street, Escalante, UT) to confirm conditions. 

Getting There: 

From Escalante, travel southeast on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for approximately 16 miles, then turn onto Egypt Road and continue toward the Egypt trailhead area. Egypt Road is considerably rougher than Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly after rain, and the road may become impassable. 

From the trailhead, hikers travel cross-country through the Egypt Bench toward the Escalante River. After descending to and crossing the river, continue to the mouth of Neon Canyon and follow the canyon to Golden Cathedral. Because the route is largely unmarked and remote, visitors should download a detailed route map and GPS coordinates before leaving Escalante rather than relying only on written directions.

What to Bring: 

• 1 to 2 liters of water per person
• Sturdy hiking shoes or water-friendly hiking footwear
• Trekking poles
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen) 
• Snacks
• Camera or Smartphone
• Lightweight layers depending on the season
• Downloaded trail map 
  

Safety Precautions: 

• The trail requires multiple crossings of the Escalante River, so expect to get your feet wet. Water levels and currents vary with weather and seasonal conditions. 
• Do not attempt a river crossing if the water is unusally high, deep, or moving too swiftly. 
• Use caution on wet rocks, muddy banks, and uneven terrain.
• Check the weather before hiking. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause rapidly changing water conditions and flash flooding within the Escalante River drainage. 
• Summer temperatures can become very hot. Carry plenty of water and consider hiking during the cooler morning hours. 
• Cell service is limited or non-existent in the canyon, so download maps before leaving Escalante. 
• Watch children carefully around the river and near steep or rocky areas. 

Getting There: 

From Slot Canyons Inn, travel east through Escalante on Scenic Byway 12 toward Boulder. Continue approximately 14 miles from Escalante to the Escalante River Trailhead, located near the highway bridge where Highway 12 crosses the Escalante River. 

Look for the trailhead and parking area along Highway 12 near the river crossing. From the trailhead, follow the Escalante River Trail upstream. The route follows and crosses the river several times before reaching the Escalante Natural Bridge. 

Unlike many of the area's backcountry attractions, the trailhead is accessed directly from paved Scenic Byway 12, so visitors do not need to travel miles down a dirt road to enjoy this hike. 

What to Bring: 

• Bring at least 1 to 2 liters of water per person; more during hot weather
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with excellent traction
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen)
• Snacks
• Camera or Smartphone
• Lightweight layers for changing weather
• Downloaded offline trail map or GPS navigation 
• Trekking poles can be helpful on steep sections 

Safety Precautions: 

• The route includes a steep descent over exposed slickrock, followed by a strenuous uphill climb on the return. Good footwear with traction is important. 
• Follow the rock cairns carefully. The route crosses open slickrock and can be difficult to follow in places. 
• Avoid approaching exposed cliff edges and supervise children closely.
• The slickrock can become extremely slippery when wet. Avoid hiking during rain, snow, or icy conditions. 
• There is very little shade along the exposed portion of the trail. During summer, hike early and carry plenty of water. 
• Rocks around the waterfall and pool may be slippery. 
• Check the weather before departing. Thunderstorms and heavy rain can create dangerous conditions in canyon country. 
• Cell service may be limited or non-existent, so download your map before leaving Escalante. 
  

Getting There: 

From Escalante, travel east on Scenic Byway 12 toward Boulder. Continue past the entrance to Lower Calf Creek Falls and climb the dramatic section of Highway 12 toward Boulder. 

The Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead is located off Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder, near mile marker 81. Look for the signed turnoff and parking area on the west side of the highway. The trailhead is approximately 25 miles from Escalante. 

The trail begins by descending across slickrock toward Calf Creek. Follow the established route and rock cairns carefully as you make your way down into the canyon. Upper Calf Creek Falls is an excellent choice for adventurous hikers looking for a shorter excursion with a little more challenge. The combination of sweeping slickrock views, beautiful canyon scenery, and the secluded waterfall makes it one of the Escalante area's hidden gems. 

What to Bring: 

• Water
• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction. 
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen)
• Camera or Smartphone
  Light jacket or layers during cooler months
• Binoculars for enjoying the surrounding scenery and wildlife. 
  

Safety Precautions: 

• The initial climb is steep and exposed to the sun, so take your time and carry water.
• Summer temperatures can become very hot. Morning or evening hikes are more comfortable during the hottest months. 
• The Sleeping Rainbows Trail has steep, rocky sections, and requires more careful footing. 
• Stay on established trails and supervise children around steep slopes and rocky areas. 
• Watch for rattlesnakes and other desert wildlife particularly during warmer months. 
• Please do not collect or remove petrified wood. It is protected within the state park and should remain for future visitors to enjoy.
• Check current park and trail conditions before beginning your hike. 

Getting There: 

From Slot Canyons Inn, travel toward Escalante on Scenic Byway 12. Turn North onto Reservoir Road and follow signs for Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. It's approximately 1.5 miles from Slot Canyons Inn, making it one of the easiest attractions in the area to reach. The road is paved and parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and other facilities are available. 

Because Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is so close, it's a wonderful choice for guests who have only a few hours available, families looking for a shorter adventure, or anyone wanting a relaxing activity after tackling one of the area's more strenuous hikes. 

What to Bring: 

• Plenty of Water
• Sturdy hiking or walking shoes with good traction 
• Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Camera or smartphone
• Layers or a jacket - even during Summer
• Dowloaded park map 
• Traction devices during snowy or icy conditions

Safety Precautions: 

• Bryce Canyon sits at a high elevation of roughly 8,000-9,000 feet, so visitors may become tired or short of breath more quickly than expected. Take your time and stay hydrated. 
• Remember that hikes into the amphitheater begin downhill - you'll have to climb back up to the rim. Allow extra time and energy for the return climb. 
• Stay on designated trails and behind railings at overlooks. Steep drop-offs are common throughout the park. 
• Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. Lightning is a serious concern along exposed ridgelines and overlooks. 
• Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day. Carry layers even when the day begins warm. 
• Snow and ice are possible from fall through spring and can make trails extremely slippery. 
• Wildlife should be observed from a safe distance and never fed. 
• Check current National Park Service weather, trail, road, and shuttle information before your visit. 

Getting There: 

From Slot Canyons Inn, travel west on Scenic Byway 12 toward Cannonville and Tropic. Continue west on Highway 12 through the beautiful Canyon and past Mossy Cave to the round-about and follow signs to Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Approximately 45 miles west of Slot Canyons Inn and generally takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey itself is part of the experience. Scenic byway 12 passes through some of Southern Utah's most beautiful landscapes, making Bryce Canyon an excellent day trip from Slot Canyons Inn. 

Whether you simply enjoy the magnificent views from the rim or hike down among the hoodoos, Bryce Canyon offers an unforgettable experience and a wonderful complement to the slot canyons, waterfalls, and remote landscapes surrounding Escalante.