Permits and Politics - Kodachrome Basin, Boulder Creek, and an Escalante River Backpack - September-October 2013

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Another crossing

Wide floodplain

Sand Creek

The confluence with Sand Creek turned out to be a fairly nondescript spot, and though we were looking for a spot to stop and have a food break, we decided to move on to something a bit more scenic. We chose a shady spot along a section of canyon where the walls had changed from the previously typical whitish Navajo Sandstone to a type that was much redder in color. We were now quite close to the first of two interesting attractions: Escalante Natural Arch.

Changing Sandstone

Final break

Escalante Natural Arch

A few hundred yards downstream after our break, we got our first glimpse of Escalante Natural Arch. The arch is a relatively thin sliver of arched slickrock that has separated away from the main wall of the canyon, high up near the rim. Very nice.

Anasazi Cliff Dwelling

Just below and downstream of the arch, there exists an Anasazi cliff dwelling. It was situated on a ledge in a fractured hollow in the vertical southern wall of the canyon, perhaps a quarter of the way up from the bottom. It was a fairly extensive and well-preserved set of ruins - better than I had been anticipating.

Anasazi Cliff Dwelling

We jockeyed around for a bit, exploring short side paths until we found one that provided the best vantage point to the ruins. There were at least three well-preserved structures, including some preserved rafters, as well as painting and petroglyphs on the walls behind. Unfortunately, there was also one or two examples of modern graffiti.

courtesy JInnes

Anasazi Dwelling, closeup

Getting a closer look

Escalante Natural Arch Cliff Dwelling

The attractions along this section of the Escalante were coming fast and furious: next up was another natural structure - this time a natural bridge - just a few hundred yards further downcanyon. Again situated on the canyon's southern wall, Escalante Natural Bridge was much more monumental than had been Escalante Natural Arch. The natural bridge was an aesthetic symmetrical span of rock, with a nice rounded underside and a flat top. It really was constructed very much like an actual bridge - and it was massive enough that you could likely have paved a two-lane road over the top of it and driven cars along it.

I maneuvered around to get some nice pictures of the bridge from directly underneath.

The Canyon Widens

Escalante Natural Bridge

A little deeper here

We only had a short way to go - four Escalante-crossings' worth - of distance to go before reaching the Escalante River Trailhead at highway 12. Contrasting back to our first bit of hiking in the Escalante, the scenery had changed quite a bit: no longer were we hiking through a narrow shady, deep canyon with pure white walls; instead, we here crossing a wide, arid flat, and off in the distance were lower, rounded walls colored an orangey-red.

courtesy JInnes

Escalante Panorama

Hiking away from Bridge

Fourth-last crossing

The feel has changed

Ever since we'd passed the three scenic attractions of the natural arch, ruins, and natural bridge, the already-good path had become a full-blown major trail - probably from the many visitors that want to see said attractions by walking up from the nearby Escalante River Trailhead. Across open flats and hills and through extensive stands of cottonwoods, we easily completed the last kilometer or so in short order.

A wooden fence appeared through the woods ahead of us, turning the trail left and across the river one last time, where many non-hikers milled around on the far side, not willing to get their feet wet. We lined up single file up for a final shot of us crossing the river, and then walked a minute more to the Escalante River trailhead. It was almost 4pm; we had travelled a very similar distance and at a very similar time to the day before.

courtesy JInnes

Final stretch

Final Crossing

Yukon in sight

Proud finisher

I think it would be safe to say that the entire backpack had gone swimmingly well: perfectly scenic, perfectly accommodating weather, very easy terrain, and a near-perfect campsite. The kids had been exemplary little backpackers, carrying their loads easily and enjoying themselves at virtually every moment. And, most importantly.... I think we had restored Gosia's faith in the concept of the backpack.

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Escalante River from Death Hollow to UT12 - click map to view

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Escalante River from Death Hollow to UT12 - click to view

Escalante River from Death Hollow to UT12 - Hike Data

Start Time: 9:55a.m.

End Time: 3:56p.m.

Duration: 6h0m

Distance: 10.83 km (6.73 mi)

Average Speed: 1.8 km/hr (1.1 mph)

Start Elevation: 5391ft (1643m) *

Max Elevation: 5426ft (1654m) *

Min Elevation: 5236ft (1596m) *

End Elevation: 5247ft (1599m) *

* : +/- 75 feet

Total Elevation Gain: 115ft (35m) *

Total Elevation Loss: 280ft (85m) *

* : +/- 75 feet

Elevation Graph

A short drive brought us back to our home base - The Prospector Inn - where we showered, put away some of our gear, and headed out for a pizza dinner at Escalante Outfitters. Such a successful outing warranted a celebratory meal!

Post-backpack Dinner

Celebratory Pizza Dinner

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