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!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
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:
The following equipment will be provided by your guide:
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.
There is a safe spot to park your vehicle for the duration of the Coyote Gulch backpacking trip.
Group sizes and pricing
Backpacking in Coyote Gulch can be arranged for private and for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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!