Coyote Gulch Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

This route is but one way to explore Coyote Gulch within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and can be done as an overnight or a long day hike. It makes a loop with the most scenic stretch of Coyote Gulch and uses two exciting access points for entry and exit. These are Crack in the Wall Trail and the Jacob Hamblin Arch Route, both of which require some rock scrambling and sure-footedness to safely negotiate. Most of the premier camping is closer to Jacob Hamblin Arch, but you can find decent camping throughout the loop. Note that a backcountry permit is required for camping.

Bring a water filter and water tablets if you plan on refilling water in the Gulch, as there have been high levels of E.coli reported. You must also bring a wagbag as all waste must be carried out. If backpacking, be sure to bring at least 20 feet of rope to lower your pack through the Crack in the Wall.

You must get backcountry permits at the Escalante Visitor Center if you plan on camping overnight. Per the land management: "All human body waste solids shall be contained and carried out using a portable toilet or a specifically engineered bag waste containment system in Coyote Gulch." Bring wag-bags regardless of whether you'll be doing an overnight or a dayhike in Coyote Gulch. The health of this delicate riparian ecosystem depends on you!

It takes about an hour and a half to drive to the parking spot from the start of Hole in the Rock Road, and it's located on a side road called Forty Mile Ridge Road. Park in the dirt clearing on a low hill next to a large water tank. It is not advised that you go further than this unless you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, but the sandy road does keep going to a second trailhead. After parking at the tank you'll walk this road for just shy of three miles to begin the trail. If you happen to have two vehicles that are both capable 4WD, then you could set a shuttle to cut out this portion.

Although the parks department does not maintain the trail into Coyote Gulch, there are some directional cairns that we followed successfully, but be sure to bring a map, old school or downloaded on your device. The route enters the Gulch at a place called Crack-in-the-wall that is just that. I recommend bringing about 20 feet of rope or cord to lower your packs through this narrow slot. It will make the downclimb much easier.

From the crack in the wall, you can continue north towards the confluence of the Escalante River and the Coyote Gulch, or follow a path to the left which is a shortcut of sorts to get into Coyote Gulch canyon. Continuing up Coyote Gulch is the way to Jacob Hamblin Arch and the rest of this loop.

The natural spectacle in Coyote Gulch is mind-blowing, and this is well-known as one of the most scenic canyon routes anywhere. You have to work for the views, however, by wading upstream through flowing water. I went in mid-April and the water was VERY cold and about ankle deep. There were definitely spots where running through water was unavoidable so I'd recommend you bring a pair of water shoes to change into for this section, or just embrace having wet feet for the day.

Several miles of this trekking in and out of the water and scrambling over small ledges will lead you eventually to the highlight rock formation, which is Jacob Hamblin Arch. Take time to linger here and get photos from all the angles, because the next part of the hike could be the toughest yet.

You'll need to take the Jacob Hamblin Arch Route to exit, which leads straight out of the canyon on sloping slickrock. Sometimes fixed ropes are in place, sometimes not. You'll want good traction for this and a good eye for routefinding. There will likely be cairns to lead you on, but they aren't always reliable. Once out of the canyon, you'll have a hot hike through open desert on the trail back to your car.

Note: You can just as well do this loop in reverse, which makes the river walking in Coyote Gulch a bit easier. However, the entry via Jacob Hamblin Arch Route is much harder going down, and going upward through Crack in the Wall would be trickier too. I recommend going counterclockwise as I've described.

Here are some GPS coordinates that may be helpful:

Trailhead: 37.389971, -111.034848
Crack-in-the-Rock: 37.41911, -110.984897
Down the Dunes to the River
Stevens Arch: 37.433528, -110.979202
Coyote Natural Bridge: 37.416267, -111.027685
Jacob Hamblin Exit: 37.419008, -111.043115

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