What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4 days of backpacking in Coyote Gulch 2 additional nights in Escalante pre- and post-trail (based on double occupancy) All breakfasts, light lunches, and dinners while on the trail 2 dinners in Escalante pre- and post-trail Trailhead transport from and to Escalante Lightweight backpacking tents (unless you prefer to bring your own) Team cooking equipment Water purification and/or water resupply Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency Human waste bags where required Pre-trip gear & training advice as desired Overnight permits for GSENM / GCRNA What’s not included: Transportation to Escalante Guide gratuities Travel and medical insurance — recommended

How fit do I need to be?

To fully immerse yourself in the Coyote Gulch backpacking adventure, it’s important to be in good cardio shape and capable of carrying 35+ lbs for four consecutive days, covering 5 to 8 miles each day on uneven terrain . While the daily mileage is moderate and the elevation change minimal, the trail does present some unique challenges. Expect numerous shallow river crossings and stretches of mandatory wading, along with sections that require mild scrambling . Good mobility is essential for navigating these aspects of the backpacking experience. However, don’t let these challenges deter you! This guided tour is designed to cater to motivated first-time backpackers as well as more seasoned adventurers. With decades of experience in desert adventures, backcountry risk management, and expedition planning, your guide(s) will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

What does backpacking entail?

Backpacking means that you’ll have to carry everything you need on your adventure on your back. That includes clothes, food, personals and camping gear. Backpacking also means that there is at least one outdoor overnight in the plan, in this case it is 4 days and 3 overnights in the backcountry.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 55-65L bag) Water bottles or hydration bladders (3L capacity) Quality, durable hiking boots Hiking attire Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Down jacket Sunhat Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees or warmer Sleeping pads Personal bowl, cup, and spoon Personal snacks Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Camera — optional (but recommended) The following equipment will be provided by your guide: Lightweight backpacking tents Hiking poles Team cooking gear and meals Water purification kit Team first aid kit GPS communication Once you book the tour, your guides will provide a comprehensive gear checklist, as well as recommendations for the gear you should buy or rent for this trip. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

What about accommodation and meals?

During our Coyote Gulch backpacking tour, you can expect a mix of fresh meals and the occasional backpacker’s freeze-dried meal to fuel your adventures. While on the trail breakfasts, dinners, and light lunches are provided , along with water, coffee, and tea to keep you hydrated and energized. For those with dietary restrictions, fret not! With prior notice (leaving a note for the guide during the booking process), most dietary needs can be accommodated to ensure everyone enjoys delicious and satisfying meals throughout the journey. As for accommodation, your trip fee includes a hotel night (double occupancy) and team welcome & closing dinners in Escalante before and after the trail portion. This helps minimize logistical stress and provides a comfortable start and finish to your adventure. During the backpacking portion, you’ll spend three nights camping in the backcountry, sleeping in your tent beneath the starry desert skies. Get ready for an unforgettable blend of wilderness exploration and hearty meals to fuel your journey!

Is there a place to leave my vehicle?

There is a safe spot to park your vehicle for the duration of the Coyote Gulch backpacking trip.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. The maximum number of participants for this tour is 10, with 2 guides. It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate. Backpacking in Coyote Gulch can be arranged for private and for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Escalante, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport or Las Vegas Herry Ride Airport . From there, you can rent a car or carpool with other backpackers (it’s about a 5-hour drive tio Escalante). Another option is flying into <a href="https://www.cedarcityut.gov/2360/Airport?utm_campaign=Brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=cedar%20city%20regional%20airport&utm_content=3194588-e1-ng-mp-c12431049971-g119629580138-a605770443021-uCj0KCQjwn7mwBhCiARIsAGoxjaIQcVtojLROgTANtiTVzniIe5QPl9hkTuMGtvdneLitxz0nAJJCr_4aAn1mEALw_wcB-cat10053430-kcedar%20city%20regional%20airport-mod&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn7mwBhCiARIsAGoxjaIQcVtojLROgTANtiTVzniIe5QPl9hkTuMGtvdneLitxz0nAJJCr_4aAn1mEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cedar City Regional Airport , which is around 2 hours away by car. You will meet your guide at your accommodation in Escalante in the afternoon of Day 1, followed by a trip briefing and dinner.

Safety measures in Coyote Gulch, Utah

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency during your adventure, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Two backpackers hiking in the Cottonwood Gulch.

Happy backpacker below a sandstone arch in Southern Utah.

Layered sandstone rock formations and an arch in Coyote Gulch, Escalante, Southern Utah.

A stream winding between large sandstone rock formations and a backpacker at one of its banks, Coyote Gulch, Escalante, Southern Utah.

A backpacker admiring scenery in Coyote Gulch.

Aerial view of the town of Escalante, Utah.

Backpacker looking at small cottonwood trees and a massive sandstone rock formation, in Coyote Gulch, Utah.

A ten below cottonwoods, with red sandstone rock formations behind, in Coyote Gulch.

Backpacker admiring scenery while sitting atop a sandstone rock formation in Coyote Gulch.

A backpacker below the impressive John Hamblin sandstone arch in Coyote Gulch.

A tent in the Coyote Gulch, below a huge sandstone arch.

Backpackers lying down and enjoying themselves amidst gorgeous Coyote Gulch landscapes.

A proud backpacker near a red sandstone rock formation, Coyote. Gulch, Utah.

Backpackers taking a break, sitting down and admiring the beautiful scenery of Coyote Gulch.

COYOTE GULCH | UTAH

Coyote Gulch Backpacking Tour

5.00 ()

Season

October

Duration

6 days (4 days in the backcountry)

Accommodation

Tents while on the trail; hotel before and after backpacking

Difficulty

Guide

Dreamland Safari Tours

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $1,745 () / 6 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

If there were a hall of fame for backpacking, Coyote Gulch would undoubtedly steal the spotlight. Located in the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante, it’s a winding, narrow canyon that snakes its way down through incredible red rock country and joins with the Escalante River. This desert paradise seems to have come straight out of a fantasy movie. Its arches, bridges, and waterfalls nestled amidst sky-high red cliffs seem to reach for the heavens and are all embraced by the rich foliage of Cottonwood trees. Choose this all-inclusive 6-day backpacking adventure and let yourself be whisked away from the hustle and bustle into this lush oasis hidden deep within the canyons of Escalante.

Adventure highlights

Incredible scenery

Discover millions of years of geological history amidst arches, bridges, and lush canyonlands of Coyote Gulch
Living in the great outdoors

Spend a total of 4 days hiking and sleeping under the stars in the incredible Escalante backcountry
All-inclusive experience

This means all accommodation, permits, meals, ground transport, and technical equipment is covered!

Itinerary

Get ready for an unforgettable 6-day backpacking adventure through the stunning Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase-Escalante. Explore a canyon straight out of a fantasy movie, complete with arches, bridges, and waterfalls nestled among towering red cliffs and lush Cottonwood trees. Our all-inclusive tour includes expert guide(s), pre- and post-trail lodging in Escalante, trailhead transportation, meals, overnight permits, and camping gear. Immerse yourself in the enchanting wonderland of Coyote Gulch and leave with memories to last a lifetime.

Upon your arrival in Escalante, UT, check into your hotel and meet your Coyote Gulch guide(s) at around 5pm. We will then go through the details of our adventure before enjoying our dinner at 7pm. We’ll get to meet each other before heading to our rooms for a good night’s sleep.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Escalante
After breakfast, we’ll do a gear check, followed by the drive towards Hurricane Wash Trailhead along historic Hole In The Rock Road. Enjoy the beautiful scenery before getting to the trailhead, which marks the official beginning of the Coyote Gulch backpacking tour! Once we’ve reached our first camping spot, we’ll set up our tents and enjoy our first alfresco dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
In the mornings we will eat our breakfast and break down our camp, hike, enjoy a light lunch, hike some more and set up our camp again. For the next two days, we’ll backpack the length of Coyote Gulch, past Jacob Hamblin Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge, and Cliff Arch towards the Escalante River. We then reverse our steps to return along the same route that we followed on the way in. The views are spectacular in both directions!

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, we’ll return to Hurricane Wash trailhead, followed by a drive back to Escalante & hotel check-in. What follows is a team celebration dinner! Go over the experience you’ve just had with fellow backpackers before getting some well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Escalante
The tour finishes in the morning. Take a last chance to take a walk in the town to grab some breakfast before heading back to the airport. Say goodbye to your Coyote Gulch guide(s), fellow backpackers and to Utah—or continue touring on your own!

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Meet your guide

5.00

Dreamland Safari Tours

Dreamland Safari Tours have been guiding outdoor enthusiasts along Utah’s most spectacular trails since 2001. Through the last 20 years, Dreamland received customer accolades and grew to become the largest and most comprehensive tour company in the Kanab Area. Paul and Sunny, current owners of Dreamland, are lifelong backcountry adventurers with a long history of exploring the Southwest. They are excited to introduce you to the secrets of the spectacular desert landscapes in Dreamland’s backyard.

5.00 (3 reviews)

AMAZING company!

Andrea L (March 2023, source: Tripadvisor)

Incredible company. Personal service, kind people, experienced and knowledgeable guides. Mel and Maddi were excellent backpacking guides for two backpacking trips in Coyote Gulch and Reflection Canyon. Mike was super knowledgeable about geology and history of the area on our day tour to South Coyote Buttes. I think I could spend many days in Kanab just going out with Dreamland on their various tours! Look no further!

Fabulous multiple times over!!

isabear27 (April 2022, source: Tripadvisor)

Best Kanab tour company ever! If you are going to tour this Utah area, this is the company to use! Everyone on staff is super responsive, kind, helpful, informative and safety oriented. I have been on three tours with Dreamland and will continue to book them for future visits. I have been consistently impressed with their guide’s education, knowledge, sharing, and attention to detail. It is especially great to have a driver with a four-wheel-drive vehicle to take us to places we would otherwise not be able to access. In terms of cost, it is not that much more expensive to hire this tour company than to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle! Thank you Dreamland!! I’ll be back!

Dreamland Safari tour is a must!

Mermaidgalit (October 2022, source: Tripadvisor)

If you’re in the Kanab area a Dreamland Safari tour is a must! And if you’re not planning a trip yet, put it on your list. Everyone should see these places at least once in their lifetime. They rival the national parks. Dreamland guides are truly the best. We had 2 tours with Maddi, 2 tours with Andrea and 1 tour with Mel. These guides know the area and navigate the roads like the back of their hands. They made us feel like our comfort, safety and enjoyment of the trips was their top priority. They helped navigate the trails and got us to the picture perfect spots I had hoped for. These guides work so hard and make it seem easy. I am so grateful for what they do and the services they provide. Such genuine people and we so enjoyed our week with them, and already can’t wait to go back. They all live in the area and care for the land – they provide tours in a manner that protects and respects the beauty of it. Two of our tours were overnights, which I was a bit nervous for as we hadn’t slept in a tent in a very long time. They made us feel completely at ease and pampered (Thank you Maddi and Andrea!). And even for the avid campers/outdoors people, I’d highly recommend getting to these places with Dreamland as the roads are difficult and remote – yet again they make it look easy. Andrea, Maddi and Mel – thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4 days of backpacking in Coyote Gulch
  - 2 additional nights in Escalante pre- and post-trail (based on double occupancy)
  - All breakfasts, light lunches, and dinners while on the trail
  - 2 dinners in Escalante pre- and post-trail
  - Trailhead transport from and to Escalante
  - Lightweight backpacking tents (unless you prefer to bring your own)
  - Team cooking equipment
  - Water purification and/or water resupply
  - Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency
  - Human waste bags where required
  - Pre-trip gear & training advice as desired
  - Overnight permits for GSENM / GCRNA
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Escalante
  - Guide gratuities
  - Travel and medical insurance — recommended
To fully immerse yourself in the Coyote Gulch backpacking adventure, it’s important to be in good cardio shape and capable of carrying 35+ lbs for four consecutive days, covering 5 to 8 miles each day on uneven terrain. While the daily mileage is moderate and the elevation change minimal, the trail does present some unique challenges. Expect numerous shallow river crossings and stretches of mandatory wading, along with sections that require mild scrambling. Good mobility is essential for navigating these aspects of the backpacking experience.

However, don’t let these challenges deter you! This guided tour is designed to cater to motivated first-time backpackers as well as more seasoned adventurers. With decades of experience in desert adventures, backcountry risk management, and expedition planning, your guide(s) will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Backpacking means that you’ll have to carry everything you need on your adventure on your back. That includes clothes, food, personals and camping gear. Backpacking also means that there is at least one outdoor overnight in the plan, in this case it is 4 days and 3 overnights in the backcountry.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 55-65L bag)
  - Water bottles or hydration bladders (3L capacity)
  - Quality, durable hiking boots
  - Hiking attire
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Down jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees or warmer
  - Sleeping pads
  - Personal bowl, cup, and spoon
  - Personal snacks
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
The following equipment will be provided by your guide:
- - Lightweight backpacking tents
  - Hiking poles
  - Team cooking gear and meals
  - Water purification kit
  - Team first aid kit
  - GPS communication
Once you book the tour, your guides will provide a comprehensive gear checklist, as well as recommendations for the gear you should buy or rent for this trip. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
During our Coyote Gulch backpacking tour, you can expect a mix of fresh meals and the occasional backpacker’s freeze-dried meal to fuel your adventures. While on the trail breakfasts, dinners, and light lunches are provided, along with water, coffee, and tea to keep you hydrated and energized.

For those with dietary restrictions, fret not! With prior notice (leaving a note for the guide during the booking process), most dietary needs can be accommodated to ensure everyone enjoys delicious and satisfying meals throughout the journey.

As for accommodation, your trip fee includes a hotel night (double occupancy) and team welcome & closing dinners in Escalante before and after the trail portion. This helps minimize logistical stress and provides a comfortable start and finish to your adventure. During the backpacking portion, you’ll spend three nights camping in the backcountry, sleeping in your tent beneath the starry desert skies.

Get ready for an unforgettable blend of wilderness exploration and hearty meals to fuel your journey!
There is a safe spot to park your vehicle for the duration of the Coyote Gulch backpacking trip.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
  - The maximum number of participants for this tour is 10, with 2 guides.
  - It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate.
Backpacking in Coyote Gulch can be arranged for private and for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Escalante, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport or Las Vegas Herry Ride Airport. From there, you can rent a car or carpool with other backpackers (it’s about a 5-hour drive tio Escalante). Another option is flying into Cedar City Regional Airport, which is around 2 hours away by car.

You will meet your guide at your accommodation in Escalante in the afternoon of Day 1, followed by a trip briefing and dinner.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency during your adventure, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
- Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
- The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
You can secure one of the set dates with a $500 deposit upon booking. The remaining amount is to be paid 30 days prior to departure, at the latest. Should your guides be unsuccessful in obtaining permits for your trip, you are entitled to a full refund of your deposit minus the booking fees. If the client cancels the booking…
- - 91+ days prior to departure, your deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another tour by your guides within 24 months of your booking date.
  - 61-90 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 20% of the full trip price.
  - 31-60 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 30% of the full trip price.
  - 8-30 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 40% of the full trip price.
  - 30 days to 48 hours prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 70% of the full trip price.
  - Within 48 hours of departure, the client forfeits 100% of the full trip price.