Coyote Gulch - Backpack, Canyoneer, and Hike near Escalante, Utah
Coyote Gulch, Utah, USA,Escalante,Utah
37.39255637896062, -111.04853869665608
39.9 miles SE of Escalante, Utah
Address: Coyote Gulch, Utah, USA
GPS: 37°23'33.2"N 111°2'54.7"W
Maps | Directions
State: Utah
Trails/Routes: 20.4 mi

Backpack, Canyoneer, and Hike

Coyote Gulch is a natural slot canyon near Escalante, Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Lake Powell State Park. Coyote Gulch is any backpacker's paradise with a flowing river, many places to camp and sleep under the stars, and explore the beauty along the Escalante River and the Grand Staircase. The hike is very remote, leaving hikers feeling at peace and at one with nature as they follow the Escalante River through the red rock slot canyon. Entering and exiting the river frequently, hikers are blessed with views of lush plant life that complements the beauty of the red rock landscape that surrounds them. Some of the hot spots to see and experience at Coyote Gulch include, Cliff Arch, Black Lagoon, Coyote Natural Arch, and Jacob Hamblin Arch. There is also Stevens Arch that is a little off the beaten path but is worth the extra effort put in to see it. 

The 26 mile hike is a difficult one, but well worth the effort as you experience another unique setting in Southern Utah. Although the trailhead is hard to access, requiring hikers to drive miles of rocky terrain to reach the trailhead, it is well worth the effort to see the natural beauty of the slot canyon.

Start your journey at the Moki Stairs trailhead and head directly on to BLM 270. From there, hike to the Coyote Gulch access point and descend into the Slot Canyon. If you desire to hike the full trail about 2-4 days is needed to complete the hike, depending on your speed and skill. Exit the Slot Canyon at the Hurricane Wash and take the trail back to BLM 270 where you will be led back to the Moki Stairs trailhead.

The best times to access this hike are early spring (mid March to April), the early summer months and the early fall (from September to mid October) to avoid flash floods during heavy rain season in Southern Utah. Getting caught in a rainstorm in a slot canyon is not safe for hikers. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip to make sure rain is not in the forecast near the canyon or even upstream. Because the Coyote Gulch slot canyon is so long, it can make it difficult to find high ground if there were to be a flash flood. Please be advised of flash floods at all times. 

Coyote Gulch is one of the most beautiful and unique hikes available in Utah. It is a hidden gem that you won't regret experiencing!

1.0K Written by torontoty1214

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Escalante, Utah

  1. Head east on UT-12 E/W Main St toward S Center St
    Continue to follow UT-12 E
    (5.0 mi)
  2. Turn right onto BLM200/Hole in the Rock Rd (36.1 mi)
  3. Turn left onto BLM270/Fourty Mile Ridge Rd
    Destination will be on the left
    (4.3 mi)
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Guest Review/Comments

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Natural arch along the Escalante River courtesy of Jake Law Natural arch along the Escalante River courtesy of Jake Law↗
Entrance to Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Entrance to Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Family at the entrance to Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Family at the entrance to Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Landscape of Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Landscape of Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Entrance to Coyote Gulch Slot Canyon courtesy of Jake Law Entrance to Coyote Gulch Slot Canyon courtesy of Jake Law↗ Cliff Face in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Cliff Face in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Plant life in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Plant life in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Family at Coyote Gulch wash courtesy of Jake Law Family at Coyote Gulch wash courtesy of Jake Law↗ Rock Column in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Rock Column in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Rock face in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Rock face in Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Arch cut by the Escalante River Arch cut by the Escalante River Slickrock in Coyote Gulch (Black and White) courtesy of Jake Law Slickrock in Coyote Gulch (Black and White) courtesy of Jake Law↗ Natural Monument Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law Natural Monument Coyote Gulch courtesy of Jake Law↗ Escalante River in Coyote Gulch Slot Canyon courtesy of Jake Law Escalante River in Coyote Gulch Slot Canyon courtesy of Jake Law↗ Another natural Monument near Coyote Gulch (Black and White) courtesy of Jake Law Another natural Monument near Coyote Gulch (Black and White) courtesy of Jake Law↗
1.0K

Added by torontoty1214

Trails

Distance ?

20.4 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-238 feet

Real Ascent ?

3,365 feet

Real Descent ?

3,603 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-55° to 38°)

-141% to 78%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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