Discovering Secret Views when Backpacking Reflection Canyon, Utah

Backpacking Reflection Canyon is an incredible experience, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
This is an advanced backpacking route that requires you to pack in all of your water, pack out all of your poop, and navigate with a GPS. There is no cell service, so have a map downloaded for offline use.
You want to make sure you use a tool like weather.gov to check for rain in the forecast. Rain will make Hole in the Rock Road impassible.
✨Camp site GPS Coordinates
To get exact GPS coordinates, sign up for my mailing list. Reply to the first email with “I would like the GPS coordinates for Reflection Canyon” and I’ll send them your way!
✨Rules and regulations
You need a permit (issued for free and unlimited) at the Escalante Visitor’s Center. This helps protect the area and provides data for funding upkeep projects in Grand Staircase Escalante.
No drones are allowed at Reflection Canyon. There was a group using drones here when we were here and it was exceptionally obnoxious. Respect other visitors.
Again, you’ll need to carry WAG bags for human waste. You can purchase them here: bit.ly/43oRb89
✨Visiting responsibly
Rule number 1 when visiting the desert is DON’T BUST THE CRUST! That weird, raised, bumpy soil you see is alive. It’s called cryptobiotic soil and it is an integral part of preventing erosion and allowing for plant life to thrive in the desert. It is fragile and stepping on it will ruin years of development.
Stay on marked trails when possible. If you do venture into the backcountry, pay attention to where you’re walking. Camp and walk on hard surfaces where possible. Here are a few more resources for visiting responsibly.
Practice Leave No Trace: bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit
Hiking Safely in the desert: bit.ly/deserthikingtips
Desert Camping Hacks: bit.ly/desertcampinghacks
✨Follow me…
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For the latest local info about the best outdoor hot spots in Utah (including places you’ve never heard of before), head on over to www.foxintheforest.net.
✨ Additional Resources ✨
Backpacking Reflection Canyon: bit.ly/backpackreflectioncanyon
✨Packing Lists and Gear:
Hand-picked, incredible outdoor gear that keeps you moving: bit.ly/outdoorgearthatrocks
Snag the Desert Packing List: bit.ly/desertpackinglist
✨About the Photos and Video:
Transparency is important to me when it comes to photography. There is Instagram and there is reality. And you should be inspired by BOTH.
I intentionally use photos and videos that have been edited for color and lighting, and ones that haven’t.
All the photos and videos you see of Reflection Canyon were taken by me. I rarely edit other people out of photos (and I would make a note here if I did!).
✨Time stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - What to bring
00:47 - Difficulty
01:05 - Reaching the trailhead
01:20 - The approach hike
01:42 - Route finding
01:53 - Iconic viewpoint
02:03 - The secret camp site
02:31 - visiting responsibly
02:39 - outro
02:51 - outtakes

[@trailvoyant]

"If carrying your poop and 20 pounds of water sounds like a worthwhile adventure..." Does it ever! 🤣

[@megintheforestoutdoors]

I guess it depends on your flavor of fun lol!