Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers an extraordinary number of things to see and do. However, one of the best features of this area is the Coyote Gulch day hike. This is a remarkable narrow canyon with arches, water, and more. But, to enjoy this area of the Grand Staircase Escalante desert, you must hike and your journey won’t be easy. Coyote Gulch is a full-day hike with several miles ahead of you but it will also be full of some extraordinary sights. Curious to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know about some of the very best hiking in Utah:

There are several ways to enter Coyote Gulch. Each trail varies in length and difficulty so you’ll want to do your research as you choose which trail is right for you and your party.
Brandt Gessell/AllTrails
One option is the Coyote Gulch Loop. This is a 10.6-mile loop trail that is often used for backpacking or for a long day hike.
Brandt Gessell/AllTrails
You will find the trailhead off of Coyote Gulch Road. For the first several miles, you will hike along a sandy trail to the rim of the canyon. Make sure you are prepared physically for this hike with the right type of shoes, water, food, sun protection, etc. You will also want to prepare mentally as hiking through the sand for so long is no easy task.
On your way, you will come to Crack in the Rocks. Here, you will walk through very narrow rock walls. Be prepared for some scrambling and climbing — and an amazing experience.
Josh Sarver/AllTrails
As you continue your journey, make sure to bring a pair of water shoes as you’ll walk along the Escalante River, which you will cross multiple times.
Stewart Carnes/AllTrails

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You will also see multiple waterfalls along your way. These natural features are ideal places to stop and take a much-deserved break.
Tyler White/AllTrails
This trail is an excellent way to enjoy many of Utah’s natural arches without the big crowds. On the Coyote Loop Trail, you will trek to the Cliff Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge, and the Jacob Hamblin Arch.
Matt Andersen/AllTrails
The Jacob Hamblin Arch is one of the most popular and most impressive arches in Coyote Gulch. While this isn’t the largest arch in Utah, it feels incredibly large due to the narrow canyon it sits in.
Becky McRae/AllTrails
As you leave Jacob Hamblin Arch, be prepared for quite a climb. You will have to climb out of the small canyon on slick rock. Fortunately, there is typically rope to help you along your way.
Chris Pinyo/AllTrails
Make sure you are fully prepared for this portion of the hike as it should not be taken lightly and can be quite dangerous.
While the trail may be long, with all there is to see and do, this is one hike that you won’t want to miss. This full-day hike deserves to be on every hiker’s bucket list.
Olivia Kuan/AllTrails

For even more travel inspiration, check out this stunning video footage of Coyote Gulch:

Before hiking the Coyote Gulch Loop, pay attention to the weather report. Areas of this trail are prone to flash floods. Permits are also required if you plan to backpack and camp along the trail. You can learn more on the National Park Service website.

Have you ever hiked Coyote Gulch? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments! If you don’t want a long hike but still want to see an incredible arch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, check out Grosvenor Arch. To reach this arch, you only have a 0.2-mile paved trail to conquer.

Prefer easier treks? We’ve compiled a list of easy hikes in Utah for you to enjoy!

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More to Explore

hiking in Utah

Beth C. | April 26, 2023

What are some of the very best hikes in Utah?

Utah is a hiking lover's paradise. From the rugged mountains to the expansive desert, there's no shortage of excellent hiking terrain to enjoy. Of course, selecting the best hiking trail in Utah is a tall order. Fortunately, we've pinpointed some of the very best hikes in Utah, which include any of the following:

  • Stewart Falls -- a trail in Provo Canyon that leads to a two-tiered, 200-foot waterfall
  • Canyon Overlook Trail -- a short and easy trail in Zion National Park that leads hikers to an unforgettable overlook
  • Frary Peak -- a 6.6-mile hike on Antelope Island that's filled with opportunities for spotting wildlife such as pronghorn and bison
  • Queen's Garden Trail -- one of the most picturesque trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
  • King's Peak -- an iconic and lengthy trail listed by National Geographic as one of the best hikes in the world
  • Wind Cave Trail -- a somewhat strenuous 3.5-mile trail loved by families with kids in Utah
  • Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail -- an ADA-accessible trail located in American Fork Canyon
  • The Subway -- an extremely technical hike located at Zion National Park that requires a permit

 

What's the most dangerous hike in Utah?

Hiking is one of Utah's most popular activities, and it's no mystery why. The trails in the Beehive State are world-renowned for their beauty and challenge. That being said, some hiking trails in Utah are truly dangerous, one of them being the Maze Overlook Trail in Canyonlands National Park. In fact, it's considered among the most dangerous hikes in the entire world. This 8-mile trail is prone to both rockfalls and flash floods, and park rangers make a point of emphasizing just how dangerous the areas can be.

 

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Coyote Gulch, Utah, USA