In this remote part of the river the canyon is deep and narrow. We'll find routes on the benches above the canyon, explore two side canyons on our day hikes and, best of all, have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful canyon. In order to explore the country and accommodate different interests and abilities we split into smaller groups on the day hikes.
Each day hike offers the opportunity for difficult and demanding routes, however the only required hiking and the basis for the rating is that into and out of base camp. The hike into this base camp is rated moderate to difficult. The hike to base camp is 6 miles with an elevation loss of 1200 feet, steep elevation changes.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: We meet in Boulder, UT at 9 am. We provide a duffel bag for your gear (25 lbs. max.) and drive to the trail head. Our hike begins with an amazing overview of this section of the river, then on the red Navajo sandstone to a sand and slick rock bench for 3 miles of hiking with views of the Escalante to the north and tributaries to the south. We follow an old cattle trail into the canyon where cottonwood and willows line the river between red Wingate walls. We camp on a sharp bend in the canyon where a deep side canyon enters. (6 miles total)
Day 2: We hike downstream and up a narrow Wingate gorge where some walls are covered by lichen and overhangs are vertically striped. Alcoves high above the canyon floor hold more Anasazi architecture. We hike out of a side canyon full of caves used by the Anasazi and up onto a group of slick rock domes for a view of the area.
Day 3: Back upstream an old horse trail takes us out of the canyon. Once on top we hike the Wingate slick rock to explore an exciting narrows that divides this spectacular bench.
Day 4: We hike downstream passing Anasazi ruins perched on a small ledge above the river with rock art, signs of prehistoric agriculture and tool making. Further downstream are beautiful tapestried walls, Moki steps (pecked handholds used as ladders) and more prehistoric rock art. Some of us will opt for a climb up a deer trail out of the canyon for a great view.
Day 5: We hike up and out of the canyon and back to the vehicle. Drive back to Boulder, arriving by 6 p.m. (dinner not included).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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USA
Utah
Hiking & Trekking
Camping
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