I had the opportunity this weekend to hike Coyote Gulch with friends this weekend. It was my first time in this part of Utah.

We drove down from Northern Utah via Scipio, Sigurd, Torrey, and Boulder with the section of road between Torrey and Escalante being by far the most scenic as we drove on the east slope of Boulder Mountain and over the Hogsback on the Scenic Byway of State Route 12 into Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

We met one of my friends dad as he had flown his personal plane into the Escalante Airport. We took the Hole in the Rock Road from Highway 12 down to near the Fortymile Ridge Water Tank trailhead where we camped for the night.

Hiking Coyote Gulch

Saturday morning we followed cairns across the landscape into the seemingly nothingness of the desert landscape. There were occasional hills to go over or around. Sparse wildflowers added beauty to the desolate landscape. Lose your cairn trail and you’re in some serious trouble.

We could see rolling petrified hills that we found out rose above Coyote Gulch as we got closer. Finally we came to the 30+ degree slope of sandstone that would drop us in near Jacob Hamblin Arch.

We went up stream a little to see Jacob Hamblin Arch before we snaking our way down stream under Coyote Natural Bridge and down to a waterfall near Cliff Arch. I later found out that we had somehow missed a canyon feature shortly downstream from Coyote Arch called Black Lagoon. Next time.

It was awesome to have the experience to see the lush vegetation that flourishes in the harsh desert landscape offering hikers and wildlife refuge from the heat of the day.

In Review

The hike was not difficult. Hiking from the trailhead to the gulch is exposed to the sun but fairly flat. Once in Coyote Gulch, shade and water is easily found to help keep cool. The only significant elevation gain/loss is one climb/descent out of/into the gulch near Jacob Hamblin Arch. This entrance into the gulch requires friction climbing that some hikers will prefer use of a rope. I was able to do it without one but good traction on your shoes is a must.

A permit is not required for day hikers. Overnight camping in the gulch requires a backcountry permit.

My only regret from the hike was that I did the whole thing wearing flip flops! I even carried a pair of good shoes with me, but forgot to put them on the entire time. Needless to say, I’m walking like an old man today and of course everyone I've seen today has laughed at me. I’m glad I can entertain them.