Best trails in North Escalante Canyons Study Area, Utah

The Cosmic Ashtray is a difficult trail leading to a unique land formation. The hike starts out sandy and soon turns to slick rock leading to the geological wonder. It can be very hot on this unmarked trail. It is not recommended to go into the ashtray/pit alone or without a rope. This is a cool hike, but beware that it's really dangerous if you don't know what you're doing and aren't prepared with survival supplies. First, 4WD is typically required to get to the trail head, as you will pass over deeply-rutted hills and very uneven slickrock in your vehicle. If you attempt this trail, you MUST have a GPS with you--it is very easy to get lost otherwise, and then exhaust yourself in the alternating sand/slick rock up-and-down. There are no cairns to mark the trail. Do not attempt to go into the ashtray without a rope anchored outside the pit, with someone holding it. Otherwise you could be stuck there for days under direct sun before someone finds you, as this is not a well-trafficked site. Spring and Fall would be best temperature-wise for this hike.Show more

Little Death Hollow is absolutely fun! The slot Canyon (3 feet wide width apart on either side) goes on for several miles. The trip back up the Wolverine Canyon is breathtaking too. You trade the soft curves of slot style canyons for Swiss cheese pock marks along the Canyon walls. While not qualifying as a slot, the pass weaves in and out of 5 foot to 30 feet widths. So you still get the maze feel of the slots. The actual hiking is moderate, probably due to the minimal elevations change and mostly gradually down hill, but the minimal water sources and distances to get back to your car makes it a ‘hard’ rating.Show more

Awesome hike up an easy drainage. Lots of cottonwood, great colors. No one else around.Show more

This route takes you down the Silver Falls Canyon to the confluence with North Silver Falls Canyon. The red rock cliffs are spectacular. For the adventurous, Silver Falls Canyon continues down to the Escalante River.Show more