Deep within the Grand Staircase-Escalante region of Utah, Coyote Gulch is an unexpected river oasis amongst the vast desert wilderness. Local folklore recounts tales of wandering cattlemen, outlaws, and native tribes finding refuge within the corridors of Coyote Gulch, a life saving sanctuary in the unforgiving deserts of southern Utah. And while it’s still difficult to reach the canyon, visitors who make the journey still feel the same sense of relief when they reach the sheltered sanctuaries of Coyote Gulch.
Much of southern Utah is extremely dry, with a harsh climate that makes settled life very difficult, even in modern times. But Coyote Gulch, a 40 km stretch of interconnected canyons, is home to a year-round stream that provides water for cottonwood trees, patches of lush vegetation, and even waterfalls. The Coyote Gulch stream, a tributary of the Escalante River, winds its way through the center of the Grand Staircase-Escalante region, in the Garfield and Kane counties of southern Utah in the Western United States.
And it was this water, over tens of thousands of years, that carved out the canyon from the Navajo sandstone cliffs to depths which approach 900 feet at some points. The Navajo sandstone, from which the canyon is carved, is a geological formation that forms a lot of southern Utah’s towering pink, red and white cliffs, canyons, and iconic rock features. And over the millennia, this river carved an astounding array of breath-taking features into the multi-coloured Navajo sandstone, including natural arches, hoodoo spires, rock bridges, and dome like caves.
Some of the most famous rock features in the canyon include the Jabob Hamblin Arch, the Cliff Arch, the Coyote Natural Bridge, and Stevens Arch, to name just a few. In fact, it’s rare to find anywhere on earth with so many impressive rock features in such a compact area. And this only adds to the feeling of having discovered a world within a world; with the dry barren wilderness of the open desert above, and the cool canyon beneath with its lush greenery and flowing waters.
But unlike some of America’s other national park attractions, Coyote Gulch is still relatively hard to access. There are no crowded visitor centers or viewing platforms, and even reaching the canyon by road isn’t easy. Instead, visitors need to hike on foot to see the best of the canyon, and for those who are willing to take up the mantle of adventure, wonderful surprises await.
A top destination for outdoors enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone who literally wants to get off the beaten path and experience the untouched beauty of this canyon oasis in the heart of the Utah desert.
How to Get to Coyote Gulch, Utah, America
For international travelers, the easiest way to reach Coyote Gulch is via Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), just outside the Utah state capital, Salt Lake City. This is the main international transport hub for the state of Utah, and services frequent flights from all over the world.
Flight times to Salt Lake City International Airport typically range from about 11 to 12 hours from London, 17 to 20 hours from Sydney, 20 to 24 hours from Dubai, 18 to 24 hours from Singapore, and around 2 hours from Los Angeles. Once you arrive in Salt Lake City, you’ll need to rent a car for your trip. Due to its remote location, there is no public transport that can take you to Coyote Gulch.
The ideal place to stay during your visit to Coyote Gulch is the nearby town of Escalante. The drive from Salt Lake City to Escalante is just under 500 km and should take you about 5 hours. After arriving in Escalante you can check into your hotel and rest up for the night, take a stroll around the town, and get ready for the following day’s adventures.
Escalante has a good selection of accommodation, as well as many fine restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as outdoor clothes and equipment stores where you can pick up anything you need for your trip to Coyote Gulch. From Escalante, Coyote Gulch is approximately 70 km.
Visitors can travel into Coyote Gulch alone, but unless you are an experienced hiker this is not usually a good idea. There is very limited mobile phone coverage and desert conditions can change very quickly. Instead, you can arrange a guided expedition from Escalante.
What’s the Best Time To Visit Coyote Gulch, Utah, America?
Coyote Gulch has a harsh, high desert climate with extremely hot summers and cool winters. And although the canyon itself is something of an oasis, the desert can still be very dangerous if you get lost or find yourself in trouble, particularly in the heat of the summer.
Temperatures around Coyote Gulch vary significantly throughout the year. During the winter months, between December and February, daytime temperatures range from about 7 to 15 Degrees Celsius; and during the summer, between June and August, temperatures sky rocket to 30 to 35 Degrees and frequently even higher.
The ideal times to visit Coyote Gulch are either in the spring, between April and May, or in the autumn, between September and October. At these times of year, the temperatures range between 17 and 29 Degrees Celsius, creating the perfect conditions for hiking and exploring the wilderness. What’s more, during the spring the wildflowers are in full bloom which add a beautiful splash of colour to the barren landscape. On the other hand, the autumn months are when the cottonwood trees blossom, which can also be great for photographers.
The summer and winter can be good times to visit the region, as long as you’re prepared for the conditions; however, for most people it’s better to avoid these times of year. The summer brings intense heat with sudden downpours of monsoon like rain which can cause flash floods in the canyons and be very dangerous for hikers.
Meanwhile, the winter is cold with occasional snow falls and icy trails. This makes hiking more difficult but not impossible. However, hotel and plane tickets will be cheaper at this time of year, so if you’re on a tight budget it may be an option worth considering.
Overall, the spring months, between April and May, are the best time to visit Coyote Gulch. The temperatures are ideal for hiking, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the river in the canyon is at its peak which makes the waterfalls more dramatic. Furthermore, during the spring you’ll mostly avoid the main tourist high season prices when booking your international flights.
Things To Do at Coyote Gulch and Escalante, Utah
Stay at the Ofland Hotel, Escalante
This outdoor boutique hotel is an excellent basecamp for visitors to Escalante. It provides easy access to Coyote Gulch, as well as Calf Creek Falls, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and many other local attractions.
With excellent on-site amenities, including a large outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, private outdoor showers, communal areas, a general store, and even a traditional drive-in movie theater, this family-friendly resort is great for couples, solo travelers, and small groups. The atmosphere is relaxed with fire pits and an on-site food truck, making it the ideal place to relax in between hiking trips and excursions in the Grand Staircase-Escalante region of Utah.
There’s a charming selection of accommodation at the Ofland Hotel that ranges from stylish contemporary cabins to beautifully restored vintage Airstream trailers. All rooms have free WiFi, indoor and outdoor seating areas, ensuite modern bathrooms, and air conditioning, while premium cabins also enjoy private decking areas where you can watch the sun set over the desert in the evening.
The Ofland Hotel is well suited for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts who want to combine the best of glamping with the amenities of a resort. What’s more, the staff at the front desk are always on hand to help you out with making arrangements for day trips, excursions, and your onward travel arrangements.
You can find out more about the Ofland Hotel, and book your cabins or rooms, on the official website, here.
4 Day 3 Night Guided Hiking Trip to Coyote Gulch
This 4 day guided hiking trip through Coyote Gulch is a wonderful way to discover the hidden beauty of the spectacular oasis in the arid wilderness of southern Utah. You’ll explore the Navajo sandstone rock formations and iconic arches, trek along the Coyote Gulch’s floor, stop at cascading waterfalls, discover huge Cathedral-dome caves, and sleep under a canopy of stars each night.
The tour includes all permits for access to the canyons, tents and ground cloths for sleeping at night, breakfast and dinner each day, as well as cooking equipment, water bags, water filters, and other shared group equipment that you’ll need along the way. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and any personal snacks that you’d like to eat during the trek.
Your guides will recount stories about the canyon, highlight stand out rock features and explain the geological formations. Crucially, your guides will ensure that the trip runs smoothly and everyone is kept safe throughout – something which is essential, especially if you’re not an experienced hiker yourself.
A great mutli-day trip that is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and over the age of 16, including small groups, couples, and solo travelers. The tour begins at 7 am in Escalante, and returns late on the afternoon of the 4th day.
You can find out more about the 4 day hiking trip to Coyote Gulch, and book your places on the expedition, here.
Horseback Riding Tour of Red Canyon
For a truly authentic experience of exploring the American West there’s no better way than to do so on horseback! This 3 hour tour takes you through Utah’s stunning Dixie National Forest, where you’ll be led along winding trails though the forest, stopping to explore canyons, ravines, and ridge lines.
After meeting with your guides you’ll receive a brief introduction to handling and riding the horses – but don’t worry, these are extremely well trained and friendly horses. Then you’ll set off down the trail towards Losee Canyon. You’ll pass spectacular scenery and have plenty of chances to take some unforgettable photos of the towering red cliffs, colourful Navajo sandstone rock formations and the region’s unique hoodoos, thin spires of rock that rise up from the canyon floor.
Your guides will also share stories about the old Wild West, including local legends about folk heroes such as the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy who once traveled the same paths that you’ll be riding on! You’ll even visit a former outlaw hideout on the trail to have a look around.
Suitable for all skill levels – so you don’t need to be an experienced horse rider – this half day horseback riding tour is a fun way to explore the stunning forests of Red Canyon. The tour meets at 26 S Main St, in Bryce, and you should try to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the group.
You can find out more about this 3 hour horseback riding tour through the Red Canyon, and book your places on the trip, here.
Zebra Slot Canyon Hiking Tour Day Trip
The Zebra Slot Canyon is one of the most striking canyons in Utah, with its candy-striped sandstone walls that make it an iconic location for photographers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante, this guided tour combines scenic driving, desert hiking, and an exploration of the Zebra Slot Canyon.
Departing from Escalante, the trip begins with a drive along 8 miles of rugged dirt road, after which you’ll set off on a 5 mile round-trip hike. First you’ll pass through the open desert until you arrive at the canyon’s entrance. And then you’ll continue on into the canyon – as if you’re stepping into another world – to discover the quarter-mile long candy-striped canyon.
The Zebra Canyon’s red, orange, and white stripes are the result of remarkable geological formations that took place over millions of years, but today they are simply a magnificent feast for the eyes! After exploring the Zebra Canyon, taking some photos, and having a little rest in the shade, you’ll head back out across the open desert to the vehicles.
Your guides will then drive you back to town and drop you off at the meeting place. The tour meets at the Canyon County Lodge, Escalante. It’s a good idea to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the tour.
You can find out more about the hiking trip to Zebra Canyon, and book your places on the tour, here.
Eat at the North Creek Grill, Escalante
Recently voted one of the top restaurants in Utah by Salt Lake magazine, the North Creek Grill in Escalante is located in a certified International Dark Sky area, which means you can enjoy a gourmet meal under one of the clearest night skies in the world! Sitting beneath the stars, you can sample the farm-to-table menu of seasonal dishes and fusion recipes, while soaking in the views of the desert plains in the valley below.
Among the many highlights on the menu are the pasture-raised meats, including roasted half chicken, Canyon meadows braised short rib, and grass-fed coulotte, served alongside vegetables, locally sourced salads, and more. There’s also a great selection of snacks to share, side dishes to accompany your mains, as well as finger-licking desserts to finish up the night.
The restaurant also showcases the work of local artists which gives the establishment a real sense of place. An ideal choice for couples looking for a romantic dinner under the stars, families with children, and small groups, the North Creek Grill is one of Escalante’s must-visit attractions.
You can find out more about the North Creek Grill, check out the latest menu and book your table, at the official website, here.
