Upper Escalante Canyon / Death Hollow Info?

Devin Ashby

Devin Ashby

Don't Bust The Crust!
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Messages
72
Hey guys, i am looking for some information on taking a group down Upper Escalante canyon with a side trip up Death Hollow. I am taking a group of newish backpackers for a university class and would really like to check out Death Hollow. Would spend 3 days 2 nights to do this. Any info you have would be awesome!
 
It's a nice hike. About 15 miles one-way from town to Hwy 12 bridge. Best done as a one-way hike with a shuttle, in my opinion. The upper half of the Escalante has the most dramatic scenery. Huge walls with ponderosas in crazy places. You can hike up Death Hollow as well as Sand Creek. The flow increases dramatically after Death Hollow. There's rock art, cliff dwellings and other cool stuff to see along the way. There are multiple trip reports on here for that route and variations of it. And here's a trail guide I wrote: https://intermountainhealthcare.org...ll/healthy-hikes/find-a-hike/escalante-river/
 
Nick said:
It's a nice hike. About 15 miles one-way from town to Hwy 12 bridge. Best done as a one-way hike with a shuttle, in my opinion. The upper half of the Escalante has the most dramatic scenery. Huge walls with ponderosas in crazy places. You can hike up Death Hollow as well as Sand Creek. The flow increases dramatically after Death Hollow. There's rock art, cliff dwellings and other cool stuff to see along the way. There are multiple trip reports on here for that route and variations of it. And here's a trail guide I wrote: https://intermountainhealthcare.org...ll/healthy-hikes/find-a-hike/escalante-river/
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Thank you, Nick. Will do it with a shuttle.
 
I’m Planning a similar trip in late April and hope to do a 3-4 night trip with 2 nights in Death Hollow to explore a bit. Is the best route the one dropping down from the air strip and following Death Hollow to the confluence and then the Escalante to hwy 12? Any other interesting routes? Does Sand Creek merit a day exploring?
 
Jimmy said:
Is the best route the one dropping down from the air strip and following Death Hollow to the confluence and then the Escalante to hwy 12?
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In my opinion, yes. The only downside is that the upper part of the Escalante that you miss is the best of that stretch. But the piece of Death Hollow and the BMT that you get is so much better that it's worth it.
 
Nick said:
In my opinion, yes. The only downside is that the upper part of the Escalante that you miss is the best of that stretch. But the piece of Death Hollow and the BMT that you get is so much better that it's worth it.
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Is it possible to hike Death Hollow and then exit on the upper/better part of the Escalante?
 
Doing this hike hopefully in May for the first time. Can you get the permit right at the trailhead? Also, Would a 2 day 1 night trip feel rushed? I'm thinking of hiking from the airstrip to the bridge or possibly to Escalante.
 
Strawsome said:
Doing this hike hopefully in May for the first time. Can you get the permit right at the trailhead? Also, Would a 2 day 1 night trip feel rushed? I'm thinking of hiking from the airstrip to the bridge or possibly to Escalante.
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Yes, permits are available at the trailhead. 2 days 1 night would definitely be rushed. It's 22 miles through rough terrain, not on a trail most of the time.
 
Strawsome said:
Doing this hike hopefully in May for the first time. Can you get the permit right at the trailhead? Also, Would a 2 day 1 night trip feel rushed? I'm thinking of hiking from the airstrip to the bridge or possibly to Escalante.
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I can confirm what Nick said. Did it in 2 days 1 night last year and it was very rushed. It's likely all your time in DH will be spent just getting through it.
 
@Chuck the Mauler Based on this video, I'm assuming you would NOT recommend the upper hollows in late April? We were going to attempt the entire canyon, but are now leaning towards just the lower section via the BMT. May extend the trip and explore other canyons along the Escalante (probably Salt).
 
You'd really need thermal protection such as a wetsuit for the upper canyon that time of the year. Hell, most people probably should have it in all but the hottest weather and that report shows why.
 
Definitely sticking to the lower section, though it looks gorgeous in the upper.
 
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