Good scouting and decision making is a must, and expect to spend some time portaging around debris fields created by flash flooding. This region of the Southwest is one of the best for losing yourself among towering red rock cliffs and canyons. The trip starts where Highway 12 crosses the river between the towns of Escalante and Boulder and ends 75 - 100 miles down river depending upon where you take out. The Escalante River draws visitors year-round with its canyoneering potential. Alternatively, the area around Pine Creek Lane has a few parking areas that are closer to the river itself.Escalante River-Pine Creek ConfluenceThis arch sits high up on the south canyon wall, easily missed by those that are not observant. The Escalante River begins at the confluence of Birch Creek and North Creek, with the flow of Pine Creek added just below the town. Floating the Escalante River in Southern Utah is an adventure. Access to the river is available in many areas of town, as it was built on the river’s banks. The rapids on the Escalante are no harder than Class II+, however can be altered dramatically by debris pileups.
We choose to have a jet boat pickup at Willow Gulch to take us back to Bullfrog Marina and our waiting van. This May, five adventurers pushed off below the bridge at Highway 12 in southern Utah to navigate a 100-mile stand-up paddleboard first descent on the Escalante River, which drains into Lake Powell.
Be ready for changing flow conditions and wary of flash flooding. The Escalante River offers outstanding scenery as it winds through a deep canyon gorge in the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Running through the Escalante District of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this river is as isolated as they come.
During dry months it is a fun river to hike and wade through. Many people begin their hike close to the high school, though that makes for a little overland trek before actually getting into the river. The river cuts a course through fabulous, deep red rock canyons winding through the Utah desert.
Utah Travel Industry Website All rights reserved. During wetter months it offers great tubing, and even kayaking, though the water can be fast and dangerous during periods of heavy rain.This route explores the upper end of the river, from the town of Escalante, heading east to the Highway 12 bridge a few miles below Boulder, and requires that the hikers have a shuttle that will take them back to their vehicles in the town of Escalante—unless they are willing to turn around at the bridge and hiker 13 miles back upstream, or are only going a little way down the river.On the northeast side of the town of Escalante, Pine Creek drops in from the north, joining with the larger Escalante River in its eastward trek toward the bridge on Highway 12. The river cuts a course through fabulous, deep red rock canyons winding through the Utah desert. The Escalante River flows for 81 miles south of the Highway 12 bridge and into Lake Powell.
The river runs a total distance of 80 mi (130 km) from the Birch/North Creek confluence before emptying into the Colorado River in Kane County. Plan for at least 6 days, but be prepared to be flexible.© 2020 Whitewater Guidebook
The river spans approximately 90 miles from the town of Escalante to its terminus at Lake Powell. The Escalante River draws visitors year-round with its canyoneering potential. Running through the Escalante District of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this river is as isolated as they come. One of the main waterways in the south of Utah, the Escalante River has its roots way up in the desert country high above Lake Powell, and heads south until it reaches the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, becoming one of the most beautiful canyons of Lake Powell. Pay attention to the guage and be flexible with when you can go. During dry months it is a fun river to hike and wade through. The Escalante River was the last river of its size to be named in the lower 48 states, and the Henry Mountains to the east were the last named mountain range.
The Escalante is a full on packrafting or pack-duckying expedition. The remote location of the Escalante River helped it to be the last river of its size to be discovered in the continental United States. It is not a huge or spectacular arch, but is just one of the many intricate and amazing things that makes the Escalante River worth the time and energy put into the trip.The bridge marks the end of the upper river, though hardy explorers with plenty of time on their hands will make a pilgrimage of sorts from the town of Escalante, all the way down Coyote Gulch and Lake Powell.The largest such structure in the National Monument, Escalante Natural Bridge sits only a third of a mile farther to the east than Escalante Natural Arch, though is much more impressive.Copyright © 2020 Utah.com.
Many opportunities for exploring side canyons exist, but there's a chance you'll be too exhausted after a day on the river. During wetter months it offers great tubing, and even kayaking, though the water can be fast and dangerous during periods of heavy rain.
Put-in: Escalante River Trailhead Takeout: Lake Powell. This is not just a simple float trip; it's a challenging yet rewarding way to experience one of Utah's treasures in a completely unique way.The season for the Escalante is fickle, being heavily dependent on snowpack and weather.
River Flow Permit Info.