Death Hollow (upper)
~3 days · 14.7 mi · moderate · Multi-day trek
Quick facts
What the Death Hollow (upper) is known for
Canyon route down upper Death Hollow in the Escalante country of southern Utah, hiked downstream from Hell's Backbone Road to the Boulder Mail Trail crossing. Expect frequent creek walking in a narrowing slickrock canyon with some brushy, slot-like stretches and abundant poison ivy. Roughly 15 miles one-way as drawn; most parties take 2-3 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 19,104 ft to 29,600 ft over 14.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.7 mi · 25%
- Downhill 10.5 mi · 71%
- Flat 0.5 mi · 3%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Death Hollow (upper)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Death Hollow (upper) scores 14/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Death Hollow (upper) take?
Most backpackers hike the Death Hollow (upper) in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 14.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Death Hollow (upper)?
The Death Hollow (upper) climbs roughly 2,352 ft total — about 160 ft per mile, topping out near 9,022 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.