Coyote Gulch
~2 days · 13.7 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Coyote Gulch is known for
Coyote Gulch is a canyon backpacking route in the Grand Staircase-Escalante region of southern Utah, within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The trip winds beneath towering sandstone walls past natural arches, waterfalls, and the soaring Jacob Hamblin Arch, following the creek downstream toward the Escalante River. Common access is via routes such as the Hurricane Wash or Water Tank / Sneaker Route entries. It is known as one of the more accessible and scenic slot-and-canyon backpacks in the Escalante country.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,796 ft to 4,350 ft over 13.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.3 mi · 46%
- Downhill 6.5 mi · 47%
- Flat 1.0 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Coyote Gulch?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Coyote Gulch scores 35/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Spring and fall are the best seasons, avoiding summer heat and the July-through-September monsoon flash-flood risk in the canyon and the cold water of winter.
Permits: A free self-issue permit is required for day and overnight use, obtained at trailhead registers, and there is no lottery, though hikers should still check current land-manager rules before going.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Coyote Gulch take?
Most backpackers hike the Coyote Gulch in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 13.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Coyote Gulch?
The Coyote Gulch climbs roughly 5,026 ft total — about 367 ft per mile, topping out near 4,350 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Coyote Gulch?
Spring and fall are the best seasons, avoiding summer heat and the July-through-September monsoon flash-flood risk in the canyon and the cold water of winter.
Do you need a permit for the Coyote Gulch?
A free self-issue permit is required for day and overnight use, obtained at trailhead registers, and there is no lottery, though hikers should still check current land-manager rules before going.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.