Escalante Slot Canyons: The Ultimate 360° Guide

Zebra • Tunnel • Spooky • Dry Fork • Devil's Garden • Willis Creek • Rimrocks • Wahweap • Hell's Backbone • Burr Trail

The Escalante Area is a treasure trove of red rock adventures located about 5.5 hours south of Salt Lake City. The landscape here features the same incredible wave-like land formations that people fight to see at "The Wave" in Arizona, but here it is uncrowded and just as cool. The only catch? You have to earn it. These hikes are located down Hole-in-the-Rock Road, a dirt road notorious for its washboards. Prepare to rattle your teeth a little—it's part of the adventure!

Adventure #1

Zebra Slot Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Level 2 (Requires some scrambling/stemming)
• Distance: ~3 miles Round Trip (6.6 if combined with Tunnel Slot)
• Key Feature: Striped "Zebra" walls and extremely narrow passages.
• Best For: Agile hikers comfortable with tight spaces.

The Trail

We did Zebra Slot and Tunnel Slot together. The trailhead is the same (Hole in the Rock Road, ~8 miles down). While the trail to Zebra is easier to follow than Tunnel Slot, I still highly recommend having your GPS handy.

Take a look around the trail leading up to the canyon in this 360 view:

Click and drag the map to look around.

Inside the Zebra

Narrow Zebra Slot Canyon

When we arrived at the mouth of the canyon, it appeared to be just a very short slot. It got narrow really quickly. I soon realized that to see the most scenic parts, I needed to use a technique called "stemming" or "chimneying"—using your back and feet against the walls to shimmy through high off the ground.

💡 Pro Tip: Knee Pads

We didn't realize this until it was too late: You really need knee pads to get comfortably deep into Zebra. It gets SUPER narrow extremely fast, and the rock is abrasive. It is on my bucket list to attempt this again with better gear!

.

Take a look around the trail leading up to the canyon in this 360 view:

Click and drag the map to look around.

Adventure #2

Tunnel Slot Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Level 2 (Easy hiking, tricky navigation)
• Distance: ~6.6 miles Round Trip
• Elevation Change: ~442 feet
• Best For: Ages 8+ (Must be okay with cold water!)
• Key Challenge: Finding the entrance & freezing water.

Finding the "Ghost" Canyon

To get to this hike, you take Hole in the Rock Road about 8 miles down until just past a cattle guard with a parking lot on the right-hand side. The trail is just across the road from this.

Escalante Slot Canyons: The Ultimate 360° Guide

A Shocking Discovery 🌑

The coolest memory we have on the way to Tunnel Slot was finding a field of Moqui Marbles. We still talk about that amazing discovery to this day. It was shocking to wander and all of a sudden come across a field filled with these round, heavy black balls naturally formed from iron and sandstone.

The problem with this trail is it takes research to safely get through it. It is notoriously tricky to find the entrance. I actually bought an external Garmin GPS just for this hike (after reading Anne's Travels) and downloaded the coordinates on the GAIA GPS app.

⚠️ Navigation Safety Tip

This area is confusing. It is easy to get lost. Having the downloaded GAIA map (so it works offline) matched with my external GPS was a lifesaver. We found the slot, but without the GPS showing us exactly how far off we were, we might have missed the drop-in point.

The Ice Challenge

The hike starts with typical red, black, and green streaked cliffs. But then we came to the water. Tunnel Slot is often filled with water—for me in February, it was hip-deep!

We encountered a long stretch of water covered in ICE. I tried to climb around the top, but the drop was unsafe. So, we switched to water shoes and hoped the ice would hold.

Spoiler: It didn't. The ice broke immediately! It was freezing, but because I wore capri-length Under Armour pants, I could pull them up and stay relatively dry. My husband, however, soaked his cotton pants—big mistake in winter!

Entering the Tunnel

The canyon is named "Tunnel Slot" because it narrows into a dark, oval-shaped tunnel about 15 feet long and 10 feet high. It is usually filled with water. It’s not long enough to be terrifying, but the darkness combined with deep cold water gets your heart racing.

💡 Gear Recommendation: Waterproof Socks

After freezing our toes off, we discovered that Waterproof Socks exist! They would have made this hike 100x more enjoyable.

Adventure #3

Devil's Garden

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Easy / All Ages
• Distance: Wandering (approx. 1 mile)
• Key Feature: Metate & Mano Arches, "Adult Playground" vibes.
• Best For: Climbing, scrambling, photography, picnics.

The Adult Playground

I absolutely love this place. While the other hikes on this list are about following a specific path (or slot), Devil's Garden is about freedom. I've been here 4-5 times, and every time I find a new route or a new treasure.

It feels like a playground for adults (and kids!). You can scramble up rocks, crawl through tunnels, and wander wherever your curiosity takes you without restrictions.

God's Chess Pieces ♟️

The rock formations here are unique. They jut out of the ground like giant chess pieces set up for a game by the gods. As you wander through the maze, you'll encounter amazing arches, ledges to climb, and cracks to squeeze through.

Don't Miss These Arches 🌉

While exploring, keep an eye out for the two stars of the show: Metate Arch (the delicate, thin one pictured above) and Mano Arch (a thicker, sturdy arch nearby). They are stunningly photogenic, especially near sunset.

💡 Pro Tip: Lunch Spot

Unlike the remote trailheads of the slot canyons, Devil's Garden has designated picnic tables and a restroom right at the parking lot. It is the perfect place to stop for lunch between adventures.

Adventure #4

Dry Fork Slot Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Level 1 (Easiest / No Stress)
• Distance: ~2 miles Round Trip
• Elevation Change: ~100 feet
• Best For: All ages, first-timers, or those intimidated by tight spaces.
• Key Feature: Wide, sandy floor with zero obstacles.

The "No Stress" Canyon

Do slot canyons intimidate you? If so, Dry Fork is your perfect starting point. It never gets scary narrow, it doesn't have crazy boulders to climb over, and as the name suggests, it is usually dry.

This is a Level 1 hike that even small children can handle. It is the perfect place to get comfortable with the high canyon walls without any of the technical challenges of Spooky or Zebra.

⚠️ Road Safety Warning

To get here, you take the same road as Spooky and Peek-A-Boo (Hole-in-the-Rock to Dry Fork Road). Be careful on the last section. There is often a steep "lip" or drop in the road that can bottom out low-clearance cars. It gets fixed occasionally, but after rainstorms, it can be tricky even for 4x4s.

Finding the Trail

From the parking lot, you follow the big "TRAIL" sign and cairns down the hill. Keep track of those cairns! If you lose sight of them, stop and scan the rock. It's easy to get wandering in the wrong direction on the slickrock.

💡 Tech Tip: GPS

Because the trail down to the canyon floor is on slickrock (where footprints don't show), I highly recommend using an external GPS receiver or the Gaia GPS App with offline maps downloaded. It gave me such comfort to know exactly where I was in relation to the trail.

Once you reach the bottom, Dry Fork is the large canyon on your left. It features textured walls similar to Spooky Gulch, but with plenty of breathing room.

Adventure #5

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Moderate (Hard Entrance)
• Distance: ~4.4 miles Loop (if paired with Spooky)
• Key Feature: The "14-Foot Wall" Entrance.
• Best For: Scrambling and teamwork.

Entrance to Peak A Boo Slot Canyon

I really wanted to hike this canyon, so I showed up knowing this was going to be a challenge, and yes indeed, it bested me the first time I went.  I was solo, and no one was around to help, so I left and it haunted me.  So I got Todd to head back with me later, and we tried it again.  This time there was a huge pond of water at the base, and you could see it was besting the group in front of us.  This time however we had stopped to talk to some fellow hikers, and he mentioned that you could get into Peek a boo by hiking around the left side, and then watching for a safe spot to drop in.  It was actually not that bad, and WAY easier than this entrance. It is not a dangerous entrance, so if it is looking scary, it is not the right spot to drop in. 

Entrance to Peak A Boo Slot Canyon

The 14-Foot Wall Challenge

Peek-A-Boo is famous for its entrance. To even get into the slot, you have to climb a nearly vertical 14-foot wall. There are handholds and footholds carved into the rock, but it can be intimidating!

The first time I went solo, I managed the wall but got stuck on a 2-foot lip right after it. I spent 20 minutes trying to figure it out before giving up. It's much easier with a buddy to give you a boost!

The Secret Entrance 🤫

Struggling with the wall? Or is there a stagnant pool of water at the bottom? Follow the cliff wall to the left of the main entrance. Look for cairns leading up. You can hike up and drop into the slot canyon a little further in, bypassing the hardest start!

⚠️ Safety Checklist

Before heading into Peek-A-Boo or Spooky, ensure you have:

• Navigation: Gaia GPS app (downloaded map) + External GPS receiver + Paper Map.
• Gear: Water shoes in your backpack (for mud/puddles).
• Safety: Drop a pin at your car before leaving the trailhead.

• 

  Inside Peek A Boo Spooky Gulch Slot Canyon
  
  

Explore the twisting turns of Peek-A-Boo in this 360 view:

Adventure #6

Spooky Gulch Slot Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Level 3 (Moderate/Hard - VERY tight squeezes)
• Distance: ~4.4 miles Loop (if paired with Peek-A-Boo)
• Width: 18 inches or less (Must remove backpack!)
• Best For: Ages 6+ (Not for the claustrophobic!)
• Key Feature: Dark, bumpy black walls & extreme narrows.

"Do You Dare Go In?"

Spooky Gulch lives up to its name. It is not for the faint of heart. Before you enter, you need to know that this is one of the narrowest slot canyons in the area (second only to Cathedral Gorge in my experience).

⚠️ Claustrophobia Warning

This is not for the claustrophobic. The walls are dark, rocky, and close in on you fast. The trail is often 18 inches wide or smaller. If anyone in your group is nervous about tight spaces, I highly suggest they skip this and do Dry Fork instead.

The Arrival Moment: There comes a point in this hike where you realize "Okay, this is real." You have to take your backpack off and hold it sideways just to squeeze through the rock walls. That is the moment you know you have truly arrived in an epic slot canyon.

Texture and Darkness

Unlike the smooth stripes of Zebra Slot, Spooky Gulch has a unique personality. The walls are black and covered in a bumpy, knobby texture. Because the canyon is so deep and narrow, very little light reaches the bottom, adding to the "spooky" atmosphere.

I was so excited to do a 360 trail here, but I found out fast that it was not a great idea! 360 cameras struggle in low light and narrow spaces. I actually scratched up my poor camera trying to squeeze through these rocks. While the footage isn't perfect, it gives you a very real sense of how tight this squeeze actually is.

The Drop In

We did this as a loop with Peek-A-Boo Canyon (highly recommended). Most people go UP Peek-A-Boo and DOWN Spooky Gulch. This is important because trying to pass people going the opposite way in an 18-inch slot is a nightmare.

Entering Spooky requires dropping down into a specific hole. It’s a moderate drop, but there are usually plenty of hands to help you down.

Adventure #6

Willis Creek Slot Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Easy / Family Friendly ☀️
• Distance: Up to 5 miles (turn around whenever)
• Best For: Beating the heat, wading in water, kids.
• Location: Cannonville (1 hour from Bryce Canyon).

The "Bryce Canyon" Refresh

Sometimes, after a few days at Bryce Canyon, the views can start to feel "all the same." If you are feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or the heat, Willis Creek is the perfect refresh. Just a short drive away in Cannonville, you trade the dry hoodoos for a cool, trickling stream and shady canyon walls.

I arrived on a scorching 91-degree day, hesitant to hike. But families leaving the trail promised me it was cool inside—and they were right! The canyon walls provide constant shade, and the water keeps the air temperature perfect.

Simple Joy 💦

Don't Miss This: The best part about this hike is the creek itself! You can have a great time trying to hop from side to side to keep your feet dry, or just give in and enjoy splashing through the cool, shallow water. It turns the hike into a fun game for kids and adults alike.

The "Ship Rock" & Wavy Walls

The canyon walls here are different from the others on this list. They are carved from softer sedimentary rock, creating incredible wavy patterns of yellow, black, and orange.

Keep an eye out for a massive rock sitting right in the middle of the slot (pictured below). To me, it looks like a ship or a giant animal that got stuck trying to go upstream!

🔎 VR Treasure Hunt

While exploring the video or the trail, see if you can spot:

• The Ship Rock: The massive boulder pictured above.
• Four Cairns: A mysterious row of four stacked rocks I found along the trail.
• Wavy Walls: The distinct yellow and black stripes in the canyon walls.

💡 Gear Tip: Water Shoes

While you can hop across rocks to stay dry, it is much more fun to just wear water shoes (like Tevas or Keens) and walk right down the middle of the stream!

Take a virtual walk through the "amplitude" section where the waves in the rock get bigger and more orange:

Adventure #7

Rimrock Hoodoos: The Secret Garden

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you have to work for. While the famous Wahweap Hoodoos are spectacular, their long, flat trail is a significant commitment. Craving a hoodoo fix on a recent trip, we turned to our maps and a sense of curiosity, uncovering a different trail leading to the magnificent Rimrock Hoodoos. This hike was a true expedition—requiring a capable vehicle, a bit of bravery, and a willingness to explore. The reward was an unforgettable afternoon spent in a secret garden of sandstone giants.

⚠️ Road Safety Warning: Critical

• Impassable When Wet: Cottonwood Canyon Road turns into deep, slick clay mud when wet. It becomes impassable even for 4WD vehicles. Check the weather forecast and call the Kanab BLM Visitor Center before you go.
• Vehicle: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is non-negotiable for this road and its pull-offs.
• Navigation: There is NO cell service. You MUST have offline maps (like Gaia GPS) downloaded.

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Location: Off Cottonwood Canyon Road (near Kanab, Utah)
• Activity: 4x4 Driving, Off-trail hiking, Scrambling
• Distance: ~1-2 miles round trip
• Time to Explore: Allow 2-3 hours
• Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)

How to Find the Trailhead

Part of the magic of this hike is the discovery. I won't give you a pin, but I'll tell you how we found it:

💡 Navigation Tips

1. Scout on Google Earth: Before your trip, scan satellite views of Cottonwood Canyon Road. Look for the distinct, whitish, eroded badlands.
2. Use Gaia GPS: The trail is marked on some navigation apps. Look for trailheads on the west side of the road, approx 10-20 miles north of US-89.
3. Look for the Pull-off: It is an unmarked dirt pull-off on the west side of the road. Keep your eyes peeled!

A Garden of Sandstone Giants

The reward for our scramble was immediate and breathtaking. We found ourselves on a wide ledge filled with an incredible variety of hoodoos. Some were tall and ghostly white, others were stout and topped with heavy caprocks. We spent the afternoon wandering among them, feeling like we had discovered a secret sculpture garden.

🤔 Rimrocks vs. Other Hoodoos?

• Rimrock Hoodoos: The most adventurous. Requires 4WD and scrambling. Best for solitude.
• Wahweap Hoodoos: The longest hike (9 miles flat). Best for seeing massive "White Ghosts."
• Toadstool Hoodoos: The most accessible. Short, easy walk from a signed trailhead. Best for families.

Adventure #8

Wahweap Hoodoos

📍 Location Alert: Big Water

Note: While still in the Escalante region, this hike (and the next one) starts near Big Water, Utah on Highway 89, about 2-3 hours south of the other hikes on this list. Plan your drive accordingly!

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Level 3 (Long endurance hike)
• Distance: ~9-10 miles Round Trip
• Location: Big Water (South of Escalante, near Lake Powell)
• Best For: Endurance hikers & photographers.
• Key Feature: The famous "White Ghost" & alien landscapes.

The Long Haul

The landscape here fits perfectly with the Escalante vibe, even if it is a bit of a drive south. Be warned: This is a long day. We left early and didn't get back to the car until dinner time.

The trail follows a river bed, so it is hard to get lost, but it is a long slog. The payoff? Walking along the base of epic cliff walls and finding slot canyons that feel completely untouched by other humans.

💧 Hydration Alert

Because this hike is 9+ miles in the open desert sun, a standard water bottle won't cut it. I highly recommend a CamelBak or similar hydration pack.

The Famous "White Ghost"

The crown jewel of this hike is the White Ghost. These hoodoos are formed by hard rock caps protecting the soft white sandstone underneath, creating ghostly white towers with brown hats.

My husband Todd captured this amazing aerial footage of the area.

A Secret Discovery 🦖

I found it fun to wander off the trail a little to explore side slots. In one hidden canyon (about 1-2 miles in on the right), we found huge round stone balls littering the floor. We realized these were the tops of ancient Hoodoos that had fallen off and rolled into the slot! It felt like a dinosaur playground.

Explore the hidden slot canyon we found in this 360 view:

And here is the view standing right next to the "Ghostly" towers:

Adventure #9

The White Valley: Wahweap's Secret

The Wahweap Hoodoos were amazing, but as we walked the long riverbed, we noticed a side canyon branching off. It sparked a curiosity we couldn't shake. So, we returned with a new mission: to discover what secrets lay up that canyon. What we found was the breathtaking White Valley—a maze of white cliffs so pristine it feels like you are the first to explore it.

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Strenuous (Route-finding required)
• Terrain: Maze-like canyons, steep drop-offs.
• Navigation: Advanced (Must track your path)
• Best For: True explorers seeking solitude.

A Tale of Two Canyons

While the main Wahweap hike is a straightforward slog up a wash, the White Valley is a true exploration. There are very few trails here. We struggled to find a safe path down into the valley floor, often getting turned around by cliffs. I would not have felt comfortable exploring this maze without my Gaia GPS app recording my trail to ensure we could get back out.

Hidden Gems 🐪

Keep your imagination active here! The formations are unique and have earned fun local names. Keep an eye out for Camel Rock and other unique shapes hidden in the white stone.

Adventure #10

Bonus Trip: Crosby Canyon

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Location: Near Big Water, Utah (Same area as Wahweap)
• Vibe: Mars on Earth 🪐
• Best For: Scenic Driving & 4x4 Exploration.
• Highlight: Driving straight to the water's edge of Lake Powell.

A Landscape From Another Planet

Since you are already down in Big Water for the Hoodoos, you absolutely should take the detour to Crosby Canyon. It is technically part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, but the access feels like pure Escalante wilderness.

The rock formations here change dramatically from the white hoodoos to striated gray and purple badlands. Driving through here feels less like Utah and more like landing a rover on Mars. It is a popular spot for locals to drive their 4x4s right down to Warm Creek Bay on Lake Powell.

Adventure #11

Hell's Backbone & Upper Calf Creek Falls

📍 Location Alert: Highway 12

Note: This adventure is located North of Escalante (towards Boulder) on Highway 12, unlike the Hole-in-the-Rock hikes. It pairs perfectly with a drive over the famous Hell's Backbone Bridge.

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Difficulty: Moderate Hike + Scenic Drive
• Distance: Hike is ~2.5 miles Round Trip
• Best For: Solitude, waterfalls, swimming, scenic driving.
• Key Feature: The "Death Box" Bridge & The Waterfall.

The Drive: Hell's Backbone Bridge

Before you even reach the falls, the journey there is an adventure in itself. Hell's Backbone Road connects Boulder and Escalante via a high, narrow ridge. The highlight is the bridge, which spans a massive, gorgeous canyon.

The drive is mostly a well-maintained dirt road (passable by cars if you go slow), but the drop-offs are real!

Drone footage of the bridge (Credit: TJackSurvival).

Nature's Lesson: Resilience 🌱

In Hells Backbone Canyon, I spotted a tree growing directly out of solid rock. It had to dig its roots deep to find life-giving water in a hard location.

The Lesson: May we be like this awesome tree—not giving up, not dwelling on what we lack, but digging down in our souls to find that source of goodness. Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Be that tree!

"Death Box Hollow" & The Storm

⛈️ A Story of Storms

Our trip here was memorable! We were on the bridge when an intense storm rolled in. Lightning surrounded us, and hail pounded our truck roof so hard it damaged the paint! My husband joked that we were in a "metal death box" in "Death Box Hollow" on "Hell's Backbone." You can't get much crazier than that!

But after the storm came serenity. The hike to Upper Calf Creek Falls is a journey into a hidden oasis. Unlike the famous Lower Falls, this upper section offers solitude and peace.

🎣 Bonus: High Mountain Lakes

This drive also gives you access to the beautiful Boulder Mountain lakes. Pine Lake, Posey Lake, and Barker Lake are fantastic spots for fishing or kayaking if you want a break from the red rock heat.

The Hike: Navigation Warning

The trailhead for Upper Calf Creek is unmarked and tricky to find (trust your GPS!). Once on the trail, you must navigate down steep slickrock by following cairns (stacked rocks).

I view following cairns like listening to the Holy Ghost—small, quiet markers that guide you on the right path. I admit, I got a little prideful about how "good" I was at following them, and promptly got lost by following a fake cairn! It was a humbling reminder to pay close attention. I ended up in a small rock slide (scary!) but used my Google Maps pin to get back safely.

💡 Tech Tip: Track Your Path

Because it is so easy to get turned around on the slickrock, I strongly suggest using an app like Gaia GPS to record your track on the way in. This gives you a "breadcrumb trail" to follow on the way out if you lose sight of the cairns.

Explore the trail and the beautiful falls in this 360 view:

Adventure #12

The Toadstools: Earth's Stupendous Stripes

Have you ever looked at the landscape and wondered, "How did those incredible patterns get there?" I'm constantly mesmerized by the fantastic stripes and painted patterns found on the earth's surface. They are like giant, natural works of art. This journey is a quest to find some of the most stunning examples, from the whimsical shapes of the Toadstools in Kanab to the colorful, rolling hills of the Painted Desert.

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Location: Kanab, Utah (off Hwy 89)
• Difficulty: Easy / Family Friendly
• Distance: ~1.5 miles Round Trip
• Best For: Whimsical formations, geology lovers, kids.
• Key Feature: Balanced rocks and colorful clay stripes.

The Secret Left Turn

Most people hike the short trail, take a picture of the main "Red Toadstool," and leave. Do not make this mistake!

The secret is to get to the main open area of the big hoodoos against the cliff and head to your left. Keep wandering into the little coves and side canyons. That is where you find the true wonderland of hidden hoodoos and white "ghost" formations that most visitors miss entirely.

The Painted Earth 🎨

Beyond the hoodoos, the landscape unfolds into rolling hills of purple, red, and grey clay—the famous Chinle Formation. It looks like a painter's palette spilled across the desert. It is a stunning, colorful contrast to the red rock you see everywhere else.

🔎 VR Treasure Hunt

While exploring, see if you can spot:

• The White Toadstools: Can you find the iconic white formations that give the area its name?
• The Painted Hills: Look for the shots exploring the rolling hills of colorful clay.
• A Balanced Rock: Find the best example of a large, dark cap rock balancing on a thin pedestal.

Adventure #13

The Grand Finale: The Burr Trail Loop

Ever dream of venturing into a land where ancient canyons whisper secrets and panoramic vistas steal your breath away? This adventure has been on my bucket list for years, ever since my deceased Dad, a fellow adventurer, shared how much he loved it. It took time and the perfect conditions, but finally, the stars aligned for us to conquer the legendary Burr Trail Loop!

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Location: Boulder to Bullfrog (Loop)
• Activity: Scenic Driving, Hiking, Arch Hunting
• Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• Best For: Breathtaking vistas, massive arches, and driving famous switchbacks.
• Time: Full Day Adventure

A 90-Mile Odyssey

This isn't just a drive; it's an immersion into the raw, untamed heart of Utah. The switchbacks were some of the very favorite we have ever driven, winding down massive canyon walls. There were just so many spots where we couldn't help but pull over and say "Aah!" at the canyons and hoodoos.

Don't Miss This: Trinity Arch 🌟

In Upper Muley Twist Canyon, you will find what is possibly the most beautiful and unique arch I have ever seen: Trinity Arch. It is a spectacular marvel where three distinct arches intertwine in a breathtaking embrace. It is an absolute must-see highlight of the journey.

Secret Stops & Hidden Treasures

Keep your eyes peeled at the end of Long Canyon for incredible hoodoos and an epic Vista View. Also, look for the area marked "Petrified Wood" on Gaia maps near Frog Canyon. We were blown away that we didn't even need to hike the full trail—the area was a treasure trove of petrified wood right near the start!

⚠️ Driving Tips & Safety

Road Conditions: This loop involves serious dirt roads. The Muley Twist road can be intimidating at the start (we almost turned around!), but if you have high clearance and confidence, it gets better.

Best Time: Late Spring (after roads are graded) or Early Fall (before winter storms). Avoid if rain is forecasted!

Preparedness: Full tank of gas, spare tire, and offline Google Maps are mandatory.

Experience the journey in full 360° VR:

Or watch the Cinematic Adventure version:

Adventure #14

Grosvenor Arch

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Location: Cottonwood Canyon Road (near Cannonville)
• Difficulty: Easy (Short Walk)
• Best For: Scenic Drive, Mid-day Adventure, Families.
• Key Feature: Massive 150-foot tall double arch.

The Mid-Day Perfect Stop

Sometimes you want an adventure that doesn't involve hiking miles in the scorching sun. Grosvenor Arch is the perfect solution. It is a massive sandstone double arch, towering about 150 feet high and spanning 100 feet wide.

The hike is short, easy, and paved, making it accessible for almost everyone. The real "adventure" here is the 10-mile drive down the dirt Cottonwood Canyon Road to reach it.

💡 Pro Tip: The Backside

Most people walk up, take a picture of the front, and leave. Don't be that person! Walk around to the backside of the arch for a unique perspective and often better lighting.

Since the hike is short, pair this with a scenic drive through the nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park for a full day of beautiful views without the strenuous hiking.

Adventure #15

The Boulder Mail Trail

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• Location: Starts near Escalante Airport (or Boulder)
• Difficulty: Strenuous / Expert (Due to heat & navigation)
• Distance: Variable (I hiked ~12 miles RT to the pools)
• History: The original mail route between towns (1902-1924)
• Key Feature: Telegraph lines, slickrock waves, Death Hollow.

A Brutal History Lesson

This trail is steep in history—literally. It is the old route that mail carriers used to ride on horseback to deliver mail between Escalante and Boulder before Highway 12 was built. It crosses massive expanses of slickrock and descends into deep canyons.

I decided to hike this starting early morning from the Escalante side. I thought it would be a deep, shady canyon hike (expecting poison ivy and water). I was wrong. The trail is mostly exposed white sandstone with cross-hatching patterns. It is fascinating to see the old telegraph lines still stringing along the trail, but by 10 AM, the white stone turned the landscape into a literal oven.

⚠️ Summer Warning: The Heat Trap

Do NOT do this hike in the summer. The white sandstone reflects the sun, creating an intense "oven effect" with zero shade. I struggled significantly with the heat. I had to ration my drinking water strictly and resorted to filling empty bottles with dirty pothole water just to pour over myself to keep cool on the return trip.

The Pools & The Slickrock

I didn't have two cars for a point-to-point, so I hiked in about 6 miles to the pools (likely near Mamie Creek or dropping into Death Hollow) and turned back. The landscape is unique—endless waves of white sandstone—but navigation is tricky.

💡 Tech Tip: Record Your Trail

Because so much of this trail is on open slickrock, it is incredibly easy to lose the path. You must record your track on a GPS app (like Gaia) to ensure you can find your way back, especially if heat exhaustion sets in.