Coyote Gulch is a remote and spectacular hiking and backpacking destination, known for its unique geological formations and natural beauty. This hidden gem in the American Southwest offers a diverse landscape of towering canyon walls, intricate arches, and a perennial stream. Its allure is the opportunity to immerse oneself in a pristine wilderness environment.
Geographic Location
Coyote Gulch is in Southern Utah, within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This canyon is a tributary of the Escalante River, carving through red rock country. It is approximately 30 miles southeast of Escalante, a common starting point for visitors. Its remote location contributes to its unspoiled character.
Access Points and Routes
Reaching Coyote Gulch involves navigating unpaved roads, typically Hole-in-the-Rock Road, which branches off Utah Scenic Byway 12 about 5 miles east of Escalante. Primary access points include trailheads such as Fortymile Ridge (35 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road), Red Well (30 miles), and Hurricane Wash (33 miles). Fortymile Ridge offers routes like the “Crack-in-the-Wall,” involving a narrow fissure and steep sand dune descent. Many of these roads necessitate high-clearance or 4×4 vehicles, especially after rain, due to washboard conditions, deep sand, and mud.
Notable Features and Activities
Coyote Gulch features unique natural attractions. Iconic formations include Jacob Hamblin Arch, a towering structure large enough to walk under, and Coyote Natural Bridge, where the stream flows directly beneath a sandstone span. Waterfalls, such as Kiva Falls and Jacob Hamblin Arch Falls, add to the scenic beauty, often cascading over deep alcoves. The canyon walls exhibit characteristic Navajo sandstone formations, and lush riparian vegetation thrives along the winding stream, creating a striking contrast with the arid desert surroundings. These features make the gulch popular for photography and hiking.
Planning Your Visit
Preparation is important for a safe visit to Coyote Gulch. Overnight stays require a backcountry permit, obtainable at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center or trailheads. The most favorable times to visit are spring (March to early June) and fall (late September to November) when temperatures are mild, avoiding summer heat and winter cold.
Hikers should carry ample water (at least 3 liters), navigation tools like a map and compass, and appropriate footwear for walking through water, as the perennial stream often requires direct passage. The difficulty level ranges from moderate to strenuous, depending on the chosen route, with some sections involving steep scrambles or sand dunes. Visitors must be aware of flash flood potential, especially during monsoon season (July-September), and adhere to Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all waste.