Date: April 28 through May 4, 2025
Location: Grand Stair Case - Escalante Area
This was a route that I wouldn't want to try the first time by myself. It is remote with limited info about traveling between canyons and water sources can be sketchy, especially later in the year. So, I went with a group of wonderful people and had one of the best backpacking experiences of my life.
This was also 100% off trail. Navigation was a blast and the macro and micro route finding was challenging.
Heading out cross country aiming for a break in a canyon about 10 miles away
The first night had us in Scorpion Gulch about 400 feet above the Escalante River and not too far from George's Camp Canyon. I slipped my sleeping bag into a bug bivy and slept under the stars each night (no tarp/no tent).
The 2nd day had us descending to the Escalante via a large dune and then the adventure began climbing up a talus field to a narrow ledge.
You could safely get across this section by taking your pack off and dragging it after you.
Water mostly came from potholes and we treated it with Aqua Mira since the silt/sediment tends to clog filters in this area.
Unfortunately, a member of our group had significant health challenges on the 2nd day/night that grew more concerning on day 3. So, thanks to a friendly helicopter crew, he was able to get medical attention and I'm happy to say is doing much better now.
The helicopter evacuation shook us all up a bit and it took some walking and thoughtfulness to get back on track. The next obstacle had us descending through a chimney (with the help of a rope and some "meat anchors") into Fold Canyon.
We worked along in and along Fold until we made it to Shofar Canyon. Pictures just don't do this area justice. It is just so big/overwhelming.
Day 4 was all about battling Hydra Canyon. We couldn't find a safe way to get everyone through it, especially with memories of the helicopter fresh on our minds. So, we traced the many, many heads of this mythical serpent's canyons for hours. At one point, I could see where we had been about 4 hours before - just on the other side of an impassible canyon. We were 4 hours from it, but only 1/3 of a mile in a straight line. This day involved some more meat anchors.
Same shot/location in each of the next three photos - just zoomed in 5x, 2x, and then normal to give a feel for the scale of the place.
The camp on the 4th night was stunning.
The 5th day had us working through Ichabod Canyon (more meat anchors and apocalyptic tallus) and down to the Escalante again. After wearing the same clothes for 5 days straight, we enjoyed "spa time" at the river and cleaned up. A hike down the river put us not too far from the Bobway for an exit point.
Day 6 had us climbing out via the Bobway and going cross country to check out a series of springs and water sources.
The final camp for the night put us pretty close to where we started. It was windy and sprinkled a bit, but ended up being a non-event.
A short hike out on day 7 was bittersweet. Sad to be leaving such an amazing area, but excited to get cleaned up and eat some non-backpacking food. Will definitely be back one day!
