In April 2007 I visited Coyote gulch via the Hurricane wash trail. The trail head starts 33 miles down Hole in the Rock Road, outside Escalante Utah. The backpack trip would have been a round trip of 24.6 miles, but I was unable to hike all the way to the Escalante river (and Lake Powell). Past the third waterfall, there was a steep descent down slickrock. I felt I could not safely make the descent solo, and the consequences for error would have been a 10 foot fall onto a rock ledge. I opted to turn around at that point (hopefully I can return with a partner some day and make the entire distance)!
Hurricane wash starts out as a dry stream bed and gradually descends into deep canyons and narrows. A trickle of a stream begins about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. At the intersection of Coyote gulch, the stream gets deeper. At that point, it is necessary to change into wading shoes since you'll be spending a majority of your hiking time in the water. I found it was best to wear socks with my Tevas, because sunscreen was not protecting my feet and ankles. The scenery in Coyote gulch is amazing-- huge rock walls, three arches, three waterfalls, Indian ruins, and petroglyphs. My second campsite was in direct view of Jacob Hamblin arch, and directly across from fresh spring water. It was very handy not to have to pump all my water for the next three days!
The forecast for my trip was for bright sunny weather and no chance for rain. Imagine my surprise when it started raining on day #3! When I awoke to cloudy skies on day #4, I packed up my tent quickly and made a quick exit. I didn't want to get caught in a slot canyon during rising water. The high water mark was visible at my campsite, and it was over my head. So I didn't stand a chance if a big storm was brewing, and I had no way to find out the (changed) weather forecast.
Hiking 8 miles against the river current, against the prevailing wind -- with a full backpack -- meant my exit wasn't so "quick". I returned to town a day early and got a motel. It was all for naught -- the weather was great the next day. Better safe than drowned, but I was not able to complete my exploration of other slot canyons I had planned in the area. Thankfully I did get in a full day of bonus hiking at Capitol Reef National Park on the way home.
Also below are a few photos taken this past winter.
Click a picture to see a larger view
and explanations.
