Escalante Backcountry - Best 2026 Fall Dates?

B

Balsam

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Mar 16, 2023
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Hello All. I am very experienced in spring trips in SE Utah, but have never gone in the fall. Looking at 8 days in Escalante and have the choice of either:

Sept 28 - Oct 8 or Oct 12 - 20

Really curious to hear what folks think might be preferable this year. Hoping to hit the sweet spot if at all possible.

Thanks in advance!
 
Yeah, I think it totally depends on what kind of trip you're doing. If you're doing watery canyons, then earlier is probably better (although either could be good, depending on water depth). If you're spending most of your time on dry terrain, then I would personally choose the later dates.
 
Yeah, we'll start at the Gulch TH and be in some canyons (Wolverine/Horse) but also then on a lot of slickrock as we swing over toward Boulder Ck. Then will cross the TH and head north through Upper Gulch and over to the Upper Muley slickrock trail. I'm mostly hoping for pleasant walking temps and low precip potential. Seems the Sept 28 start might be too hot and the Oct 12 start date is starting to get cold for an 8 day trip. Also, not sure what to think about precip (esp given the el nino shaping up).

Again, I've not been out there in fall, so not sure what to expect. I'd love some help deciding! Thanks!
 
Depends on whether you prefer the heat or the cold. I think most people (myself included) would prefer the later dates. In fact, those dates seem about perfect to me (I've never actually been to escalante in the Fall, but mid-Oct is prime time in other parts of Southern Utah)
 
that’s perfect time for fall colors, day temps are great, nights cool but not bad, days long enough to cover some ground. follow the weather patterns for the region starting now to get a sense of water in the canyons and in springs. Second week of October 2023 I did Deer to Boulder to the river and then up The Gulch. Plenty of water until I was shocked to find that The Gulch was totally dry. Had to fill up at the river and carry for a day until we hit springs near the divide between The Gulch and Deer.
 
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