Coyote Gulch via Red Well

Dogs No Dogs

Features Cave · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

If you are searching for a stunning southern Utah canyon backpacking adventure off of the national park circuit, Coyote Gulch might be just what the doctor ordered. It is popular, but draws nowhere near the crowds of more famous canyons like those in Zion or Capitol Reef. The varied scenery of this backpack trip spans dry wash beds, flowing streams, waterfalls, towering canyon walls, cottonwood groves, sand dunes, arches, and a natural bridge. - Overview by Brent Uhrig, Outdoor Project.

Even in the dry season, Coyote Gulch is wet and there are many stream crossings. You'll be moving along the route in a few inches of water, so be prepared with proper footwear. Check conditions during the spring snowmelt, and always check the weather for the potential for flash floods. Familiarize yourself with the info on this page before visiting: nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/…

Coyote Gulch is a delicate riparian corridor. Stay on already-established trails, do not trample on soil crusts, and pack out all solid human waste and trash as required by the land manager. Campfires are prohibited. Do not touch fragile archeological resources. A composting toilet is available at Big Spring Alcove. The pit toilets at Jacob Hamblin arch have been closed.

This hike begins at the Red Well Trailhead 1.5 miles off Hole-In-The Rock Road. The turnoff for the Red Well Access Road (BLM 254) is 31 miles from the information kiosk.

The route runs along the plateau, sunny and dry, for 1.5 miles before descending into Coyote Gulch. The gulch slowly narrows and enters a canyon, where the trail merges with the sandy creekbed. At most times of year, a trickle of water will appear in the creek after just a few miles, and it slowly grows in volume heading down the canyon.

At about 6.5 miles into the hike you'll reach the junction with Hurricane Wash (which provides alternate access from the Hurricane Wash Trailhead). From here, the remaining 7.5 mile of canyon until the Escalante River confluence hold the most spectacular scenery, and it's where the best camping is to be found.

At 8.1 miles from the start, you'll reach Jacob Hamblin Arch (also known as Lobo Arch). This formation is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of this hike. It's cathedral-like grandeur cannot be done justice in the writing of this description; be sure to stop here and take the arch in. Near this arch is also one of the most popular areas to camp, and several good sites can be found.

Next, you'll arrive at Coyote Natural Bridge at 9.8 miles. This is a a 50-foot span of sandstone that carved out by the stream flowing beneath it. Good campsites can be found in this vicinity as well. Roughly 0.7 miles past the natural bridge the remnants of Fremont Native Americans can be seen, including an old dwelling and pictographs. Very near this location, a side trip via a primitive trail and small canyon branches north to access the Black Lagoon, a good spot for swimming.

Continuing downstream in Coyote Gulch, the next major landmark is Cliff Arch, a jug handle arch high on the north wall. This area can present some challenges for passage. Follow the high bench on the north side of the wash for an elevated viewpoint of a large cottonwood grove and several waterfalls below. Passage is also supposed to be possible on the south side of the canyon. From the bench, a small scramble will quickly return to the water edge. This area below Cliff Arch provides many more campsite opportunities.

Coyote Gulch ends at its confluence with the Escalante River in a larger canyon. Roughly half a mile above the confluence, however, the hike's most difficult obstacle presents a challenge. A large boulder jam clogs the lower canyon, but it can be bypassed by traversing a steep slickrock ledge on the south side. It is recommended to stay low near the edge while crossing. The ledge will end at a point roughly 5.5 feet off the ground where logs have been placed to assist downclimbing.

The sand dune climb out of Coyote Gulch via Crack in the Wall Trail begins just before this ledge. If you don't want to reach the Escalante River, it is not necessary to traverse the ledge. At the confluence of the Escalante River, those wishing to view Stevens Arch from the canyon floor can wade across the river and travel upstream approximately 0.25 miles where the 220-foot-wide, 160-foot-tall natural arch high in the canyon wall will come into full view. - Additional info by Brent Uhrig, Outdoor Project.