Best trails in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah

Backpacking Reflection Canyon is an intense, challenging hike that takes you through slot canyons, climbing up and down shifty sandstones and traversing rugged terrains and ravines. With that said, you'll be blessed with a view like no other of Reflection Canyon found at the end of the hike. Offline map is recommended. Users have reported that the trails are not marked well. Show more

This would be the most common route - park at the Water Tanks if 2WD (37.389971, -111.034848) or Coyote Trailhead if 4WD, descend via the Crack-in-the-Rock (37.419111, -110.984897) and down the dunes to the river, passing Stevens Arch (37.433528, -110.979202) and Coyote Natural Bridge (37.416267, -111.027685), camping somewhere along the way and exiting near Jacob Hamblin Arch (37.419008, -111.043115) At least 120 feet of rope is strongly recommended to exit near Jacob Hamblin Arch, it's fairly steep (see photos), not for the acrophobic - generally an able bodied person will be able to climb up and secure a rope for the less agile. It's also possible to tie a rope, descend near Jacob Hamblin Arch for a day trip, then remove the rope on the way back up. Extra ropes are recommended for lowering packs at Crack-in-the-Rock or Jacob Hamblin Arch. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN COYOTE EVEN WHEN LEASHED.Show more

This hike takes you to the Golden Cathedral at the bottom of Neon Canyon. Do not underestimate this hike. On paper it doesn't seem like it should be too difficult, but it is more challenging than most expect. The route crosses the open, arid desert in constant sun over a mixture of sandstone and loose sand. The loose sand zaps forward momentum making you work for each step. Winds can pick up sand and blow it in your eyes. The constant sun and high temperatures will dehydrate you quicker than usual. Many groups--even prepared ones--have had dehydration issues. Bring more water than you expect and a filter to resupply at the river. (the river is very silty so consider bringing a pre-filter as well). Follow existing trails and take care to avoid the cryptobiotic soil crust as one foot print takes decades to recover from. The cryptobiotic soil crust is what holds the loose sand together so vegetation can grow.Show more

From the trailhead, hike miles along a sandy trail to reach the rim of the canyon. Then squeeze through Crack in the Rock and then hike to the bottom of Coyote Gulch being greeted by towering red rock cliffs found at the canyon bottom. From there you hike south to the mouth of the Escalante River, cross it and then encounter a steep climb to Stephen's Arch, the eye of Stevens Arch is 220 feet across and 160 feet tall. The views from under Stephen's is breathtaking. Once you force yourself to leave you hike back the way you came and continue up Coyote Gulch to Jacob Hamblin's Arch, climb out (rope recommended), and then head south through alternating sand and slick rock back to the trailhead.Show more

Spectacular views passing through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area along Hurricane Wash and Coyote Gulch to the Escalante River.Show more

A high clearance vehicle with 4WD is recommended to reach this trailhead.Show more

One of the many canyons in the Grand Staircase/Glen Canyon National Recreation areas. This out and back hike takes you from the plateau down into the gulch where the water level gets a little deeper as you go, never really more than knee deep outside of rainy weather. Secure a back country overnight permit from the visitor's center in Escalante. Start out at the red well trailhead located off the Hole in the Rock road. Hike down into the gulch and follow for miles passing Jacob Hamblin Arch, Indian Petroglyphs, & Natural Bridge. Plenty of Campsites along the way to choose from.Show more