Coyote Gulch — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

I did a day hike in and out to Jacob Hamlin Arch. I DO NOT recommend this. It is definitely a place for backpacking for at least two nights. The 36 miles of Hole in the rock road to get to the trail head is the bumpiest road ever. Took a solid 2 hours to drive it in a Wrangler. Then about a 2.5 mile hike through the desert before getting to your decent. (Know how to follow desert trails) Once you come to the 600 foot decent a 200 foot grappling rope is necessary to traverse the steep rock as well as to get back up it. The gulch, arch and just all the surrounding are absolutely incredible. One of the coolest places I went. Hiking back out in the afternoon was horrible. I had limited water and the temperature in the desert had climbed to 113. So know what you are doing and be extremely prepared. This is not for amateur day hiking.

Coyote is a magical place, it definitely is not an easy hike but it is worth every step.

This is a backpacking trip. No amenities in the canyon and you must pack out your poop. WAG bags are required, Rangers will check for your permit (free at the trailhead) and for your WAG bags, so be prepared. We camped just past Jacob Hamblin Arch on a sandy beach. We entered through Hurricane Wash and per my watch I did 30 miles total in the 3 days we were hiking. All camping is first come first serve and sites fill fast on the weekends, especially near Jacob Hamblin Arch. This Canyon is spectacular! The giant walls and beautiful waterfallls are breathtaking! Do this trek in the spring or fall, the summer is just too hot.

Going into Coyote Gulch via the crack in the rock offers a great view of the Escalante river. In my experience camping gets more crowded the closer you get to the famous Jacob Hamblin arch. I really like camping on the Escalante river just outside of the entrance into coyote gulch as there are some great sand bars.