Hiking Coyote Gulch, Grand Staircase Escalante, Utah

Hiking Coyote Gulch, Grand Staircase Escalante, Utah
There really isn't more bang for your buck that Coyote Gulch. Three arches - Jacob Hamblin Arch, Stephens Arch & Cliff Arch. One natural bridge - Coyote Natural Bridge. Three waterfalls (possibly more, depending on what you consider a waterfall). Incredible grottoes. Even a set of Indian ruins.
Coyote Gulch is best experienced as a multi-day backpacking trip. But that's not how I did it. But don't do what I do, do what I say. Because my judgment is questionable.
There are several ways to get into and out of Coyote Gulch: Forty Mile Ridge (aka Crack in the Wall), Water Tank (aka Jacob Hamblin Sneak Route), Red Well & Hurricane Wash. Despite this, I take a very specific route; I go in Forty Mile Ridge (Crack in the Wall) and out Water Tank (Jacob Hamblin). Why? Well, Crack in the Wall has a very, very long stretch of sand. Uphill sand. Miles of uphill sand. It would be absolutely miserable to hike up this bit, especially right at the end. Also, the route out at Jacob Hamblin is steep. Steep, regardless of your skill level. Most people prefer to take a rope (I'd say you'd need 100' or more?) because it's so steep. Personally, I prefer going up really steep routes instead of down. The last reason for this route is it takes you past all of the major features in the least amount of distance covered.
So yeah. Coyote Gulch. I've been here before and will be here again. It's absolutely incredible, and I can't recommend it enough.
Please note that I don't think I mentioned this in the video; permits are not required. You simply sign in at the trailhead.

[@Aptster1939]

I often soaked my bandanna in cold water and also my straw hat. Worked well for a time. So much rock, loved Coyote.

[@whitneymacdonald4396]

I love the reality vs. the romantic idea of it. thanks for making it real so I know what I'm getting into when I go there.

[@JerryArizona]

It's not quite as bad normally. Do not recommend doing it in the summer though!

[@ohhthatjess]

Great video, hope to make it there this year. You’ve got a great sense of humor. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikemcgrath6321]

Outstanding video. Great production quality, very informative, good humor. I'm going there in 2 weeks so this was very helpful. Thanks!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Have fun. It's a great hike.

[@cameronhirtle7316]

Smart man coming down crack in the wall. What a beast of a climb out that was, but damn I am so grateful to have experienced this loop.

[@JerryArizona]

Having done this a couple times, I will never, EVER climb up crack in the wall. Sand + uphill = misery.

[@firedog451]

So we just made that hike, backpack trip. Did like you said and entered from crack in the wall, we’re old, I’m 65, glad we hiked down in the sand. Great call! 👍🏼. We had just did buckskin 2 days ago, then peekaboo and spooky and drywash. So when we got down to the river we camped there, ( Tired as hell but slept good!) Then next day hiked up river, At the waterfall where you used the tree to get up with your pack on we had to both remove our packs and use rope to pull them up. Your a animal Jerry!. Stayed one more nite at Jacobs arch. Left at daybreak to climb out. My wife had to remove her pack to climb some of the steep part. Sure glad I had a rope with me for that part. We have hiked halfdome in Yosemite and I thought the steep part of the Jacob Trail was a bit harder. But I’m old so who knows. All was fun and loved the experience. Thanks for the inspiration my friend! We will keep watching and look forward to the next one. Also, You did that in a one day? holy crap batman! That’s awesome! Took this old man 3 days !

[@JerryArizona]

I think the heat drove me on. I laid in that tent and it was just miserable. Sometimes it's fun to just take your time and enjoy yourself. Glad you got to check out all those places. They are incredible. I just hope I'm still doing this type of thing for many years to come. (The mileage is catching up to me....)

[@the_pov_channel]

best freakin videos Jerry. Keep em coming. Not only funny but super informative and helpful- and some stunning shots! You've inspired me to come check out a lot of these places so thanks a ton

[@JerryArizona]

There's so much to see out there. Any questions, let me know.

[@bobandy3097]

Such a well done video! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! The scenery did most of the work. I still have a lot to explore out there off Hole in the Rock Road. Can't wait to get back.

[@HikingMan]

Hi, my friend! I'm happy to write the first comment. Wow. What a beautiful place! If your shoes are full of dirt, it's proof that you walked rough. Wow... the waterfall suddenly makes my heart feel better. The geometrical canyon looks fantastic. You look majestic as you enter the gate of a large canyon. Always supporting you. like 4

[@slayerofslays]

my dad is taking me here tomorrow thanks for this so i will know what i’m expecting

[@JerryArizona]

Awesome! You'll love it.

[@WanderingBlock]

This video is awesome, you captured that hike so well. Cracked me up, talking about you won't exit at Crack in the Wall, I said the same thing while going down there. That sneaker route is no joke! It took all my energy to climb up and pull my wife's and my backpack up, made the hike back to the trailhead real difficult.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, that climb out is intense. For some reason, I forgot how tough it was when I went back this trip. Crazy there was a hand line, but someone pulled it up and left it at the top when I went. Not sure why you'd do that. I met a group at the top who did the hike backwards. I'm sure they hated the out up Crack in the Wall. That sand hill is brutal.

[@WanderingBlock]

@@JerryArizona we met a group going the other way also. I'd like to go back with a group and another vehicle to do a crack in the wall to hurricane wash hike.

[@michaelwojcicki3624]

The Tacoma, you seeking a challenge and your appreciation for nature, is me. My pack is lighter, however. Your info is valuable. Thanks.

[@JerryArizona]

This was a fun trip. Solo for about a week in the dead of summer in Utah. Good times. If you haven't checked out that area along Hole in the Rock Road, put it on the list. I could spend weeks out there and not see it all.

[@NickandRachel]

Such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing

[@westcoastislander6699]

This one popped up on our feed and we hadn't watched it yet. Cool! Did Coyote from Hurricane Wash as an out and back over 3 days. Would love to go back. Hiked down to the Crack in the Wall as a day hike to get to Stephen's Arch. The last drop to the top of the sand dune looked dubious and we weren't sure that we could get back up. So we slogged back up the sand in 95F heat. Absolutely brutal. But still better than doing the hike to Stephen's Arch and doing the dune AND the slog out. Aaaand, there's a reason we call it Hole in the Head Road. Beautiful part of the world if you can endure the drive in. Thanks for the vid!

[@JerryArizona]

One of my favorite areas. And I still haven't seen all I want to see off that hideously bumpy road....

[@JeffMoody]

Yeah, NO! Don't change a thing. I love your channel the way it is.

[@JerryArizona]

I was really tempted to use one of those as a thumbnail.....I can't do it.

[@arizjones]

You made that a very long and difficult hike even harder. Glad you did not need the ambulance. In that heat doing that much distance, in those conditions, with a full pack, you could get heat exaustion.

[@1216Rocker]

Great footage of one of my favorite spots on earth.

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Awesome hike. You looked very tired at the end. One of thing that we carry when we hike or bike is Emergen-C. Full of antioxidants, B Vitamins and Electrolytes. Picks you up and restores your energy. It’s better than Gator Aid. You might like to try it. Strawberry-Kiwi is my favorite.

[@JerryArizona]

I'll give that a try. I use Nuun tablets for electrolytes on most trips lately. Easy to carry and seems to do the trick.

[@russlehman2070]

I backpacked Coyote Gulch with a friend in the mid '80's. We did a four day, five night from Red Well to the Escalante River and back. This was a very leisurely pace; it could have easily been done as an overnight or three day trip. It's still one of my most memorable backpack trips. A cool thing about the Red Well route is that you start out in fairly flat, nondescript looking desert, follow a wash a ways and then it stats turning into a canyon that quickly gets deeper and spectacular. Near the Escalante, at a viewpoint looking at Stephens Arch, I encountered and photographed the biggest Collared Lizard I have ever seen. It had a body length of around a foot, with about another foot of tail. Most others I have seen were probably no more than half that size.

[@JerryArizona]

I have some friends that are going down there and I recommended they see if they can go down to the Escalante as a detour. I haven't done it yet, but imagine it is incredible.

[@adriennemiller1642]

It’s so beautiful- surreal... thank you! (P.S. also enjoying your music, wish you would list it in your descriptions.)

[@JerryArizona]

I should definitely start doing that.

[@stephangingras1566]

3 years back I got to coyote gulch in a mazda miata Big mistake !

[@JerryArizona]

Oh man. I can't imagine. I've seen plenty of vehicles out in places I never thought they'd get though.

[@shawneegao8538]

best most hilarious backpacking video ever. And yeah idk what it is about those thumbnails either

[@mikegrier2829]

Up the thumbnail game? Yeah…no. 🙂 You and Tina are WELL above that. Keep the faith and keep up the good work. 👍

[@wildtwin]

Amazing hike, top notch video quality and production.

[@bdbeatle1]

What a great hike!

[@monicaausnit]

I kept thinking of 127 hours. Some parts looked very challenging. 😊👍🏻

[@JerryArizona]

I've actually done a lot of canyoneering in canyons by Hanksville. I think it was filmed around there. Leprechuan and the Hog Canyons definitely have spots that aren't good for the claustrophobic.

[@robhebbs7960]

Hey Jerry, like your style. just came back from hiking to peekaboo and spooky slot canyons. that was in june for just a day hike. the bud light tasted fantastic after that hike to. OH i to hated the 28 mile wash boarded road. aaaggghhh. it:s not good for the truck. I was just below ESclante also. love that area . ( can:t believe you were surprised by the heat

[@JerryArizona]

I hit those up while I was there too. Love that hike. I knew it would be hot. I'd just been out in the heat for several days at that point and when I realized I wanted to do Zebra and Spooky/Peek a Boo, I figured I'd be better off starting them from the truck the next day....Plus I knew I still had enough steam in me to get out that same day. The cold drinks were worth it for sure.

[@kimjenkins5289]

Love you personality and your videos 😅

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

That’s nuts!

[@Dirtbag.G]

Awesome!

[@RealAdventureTheory]

You da man Jerry!

[@WYAD8]

Thank you!

[@socalmx18]

We're going there next year, but in May. Hopefully not as hot.

[@JerryArizona]

Good luck. It is cooler once you get into the valley and in the creek at least. But you have to watch the heat out there. It's brutal.

[@ericvan94]

Nice dude! You Taco guys are so stubborn - let some air out of your tires and go 20 MPH faster. Washboards and sand are no longer a problem!

[@JerryArizona]

As I stated in the video, I would much rather complain than actually solve the source of my complaints.

[@matthewsresilientways]

Carrying all your camping gear, then not camping... been there done that...more than once.

[@STACYBURK]

Love our videos. What do you use to record your video on?

[@JerryArizona]

Nowadays, a Gopro 8 or Canon EOSR. The Canon looks so much better, but it's so bulky with a gimbal. I think I got about 5 shots with it on this trip before I gave up and went with the GoPro. So much easier when you're doing something physical.

[@LopezZeta]

Retired ambulance trucks are used for camping vehicles

[@JerryArizona]

I've figured that out over the years, although I still don't see many out there. Ironically, a couple renovated one a while back and named it Tina after my wife.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Beautiful. Sorry if you already said...what time of year did you do this trip? Is water reliable all year? Just starting my research, yours is the first video I came across.

[@JerryArizona]

This trip was in June. I think my wife and I did it in December before. It's greener in the summer, but super hot. I'd recommend spring or fall. The creek is always running, I'm pretty sure.

[@craigdennis6911]

F#cken magic, loved the clip Mate

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks, man. That place never disappoints.

[@UncleRichsVids]

Jerry are your airing down your truck tires when you encountered deeper sand in the roadway? I am trying to gauge if I need to bring my portable air compressor, etc. Thanks BTW love vids

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks, man. Back when I did this trip, I didn't have an air compressor, so I didn't air down. I've since added that to my kit and would definitely recommend airing down for this area. It would make Hole in the Rock Road much less bumpy, and help a bunch with the sand on the side roads.

[@charlesruelas3962]

How did you traverse the trail and or know where to start and out or put n?. I drove through this areas 2 years ago and it's so vast. Not sure I understood how you parked your truck and then hit the trail. Doesn't matter, love this video, would not do something like this alone without the experience.

[@JerryArizona]

Look into GPS apps. I research all my hikes online (through a multitude of sources) and will mark it out on GPS, as well as just study the area to make a mental picture of where I'm going. I use Gaia on iPhone, but there are a bunch of different options out there. I also hiked this route before and was familiar with the area.

[@danielfegley2735]

With the drought out west is there any water in the gulch

[@JerryArizona]

I'm not sure. Haven't been there since this trip. I think it's pretty reliably spring fed, but it's also unprecedented times, so I can't really say.

[@pokert9401]

Jerry i love your videos, you’re awesome man. I learn a lot from you watching your videos. I’m taking my wife here for our 7th year anniversary at the first weekend of next month. I just have a question, on the last part where you have to climb up with the rope, is it doable climbing without a rope?

[@pokert9401]

By the way, you did counter clockwise loop on the crack in the wall out in Jacob Hamblin Arch correct?

[@JerryArizona]

I went in crack in the wall and out Jacob Hamblin. I parked at water tank (aka Jacob Hamblin sneak traihead) and walked to Forty Mile Ridge (aka Crack in the Wall trailhead), through the canyon and out back to my car. There was a rope at Jacob Hamblin when I got there, but a group pulled it and left it up to the top for some reason. So I climbed out without it. There's video of the climb at the end. It was sketchier than I remember from a previous trip, but I didn't have any real problems with no rope. Depends on what you are comfortable with though. If you are in doubt, I would recommend bringing rope (maybe 100'?). If there isn't one in place, have the more competent climber go up (without a pack if it helps) and set the rope for the other person. Side note: It's gonna be hot. So watch the hike in/out. Also, there is a spot of really deep sand (maybe gypsum) on the road to water tank. I got stuck there (shown at the very end of the video) with a 4WD lifted Tacoma in 4H. I got out easily switching to 4L. The road from water tank to 40 mile ridge has some long sections of really deep sand and is worse. So bring the right vehicle and gear to get out if you get stuck. Saw plenty of vehicles that weren't as competent as mine up there, but I personally wouldn't risk it.

[@JerryArizona]

Oh yeah, a couple other things; not sure what your vehicle is or what the conditions will be, but if you want a high clearance 4WD adventure, take Smokey Mountain Road from Big Water over to Hole in the Rock instead of going by Escalante. I really liked Zebra Canyon and Spooky Gulch/Peek A Boo Canyons that are very close by.

[@pokert9401]

Jerry Arizona we will be using my friend’s car, he has a Nissan Rogue AWD 2019. I hope we can make it to the Water Tank trailhead. Would you say if we chain up his tires would help a little maybe? Ok nice so it is doable without a rope then. I was thinking of not bringing one (less weight in our bag) and hope there’s one up there, but one of our friend is a little heavy on the side so he might need the rope. I might be the one climbing up first since im the most skilled and fit person in our group to tie the rope. We will be doing the same route like you and camp under Jacob Hamblin Arch. Only one night trip and back to the car. Had you ever got the chance of using a water filter there? If so, which area of the canyon did you filter it? Can I filter it anywhere inside the canyon or there’s a specific area of water to filter it. I had never used a water filter before and not sure which body part of the water should we filter (by waterfalls, or just random) but we bought one just incase. And for water, how much Liter of water should we bring? Im hoping by early September it wouldn’t be too hot.

[@pokert9401]

Jerry Arizona oh man those are also in my bucket list: zebra canyon and spooky gulch. I drive a Toyota Rav4 FWD so I probably wouldn’t make it there. Our original plan was just me and my wife backpacking coyote gulch and park at Hurricane Wash and do the 28 miles in and out trip. But that would be long specially for one night trip. Two night trip would make perfect sense. Since my friend has AWD vehicle and he wants to come, we didn’t hesitate and let him join us. With that being said, we cut our trip in half (13 miles) by doing Water Tank trailhead now. With all this going on and since me and my wife likes to travel and do a lot of hiking, we are finally going to buy a jeep wrangler or toyota 4Runner by the end of this year so we can finally tackle some of those really hard places to get in.

[@foodlover2830]

How far did you camp from hole in the rock rd? And how far from camp site to the TH of cayote gulch ?

[@JerryArizona]

I camped right at the Crack in the Wall trailhead. Then drove to Water Tank (Jacob Hamblin Sneak Route) the next morning to park the truck. And walked back (~1 mile) to Crack in the Wall to start the hike. A couple spots of deep sand on the road to Water Tank (where I got stuck coming out because I didn't have enough speed) and deep sand almost the whole way from Water Tank to Crack in the Wall.

[@caseyhorne4584]

3:10 “I don’t like sand”

[@high4travel]

nice camera work and editing...what do u use?

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks. This was shot on GoPro 8 or 9. I also have a Canon EOS R, but didn't feel like taking it along on this trip. I do the editing in Premiere Pro. BTW, I do not recommend the 9. Way too glitchy. I'm hoping the 11 fixes a lot of those problems, but for now my 8 is more reliable.

[@sarahutahharpist]

Thank you thank you! How many miles hiking round trip roughly?

[@JerryArizona]

This loop was just over 16 miles car to car. You can make it longer or shorter depending on the itinerary, but I feel like this route gives you the best experience, for sure.

[@firedog451]

Nice vid for sure, my wife and I want to do the hike mid may, did you recover your rope at crack in the wall or just use cheep rope and leave it?

[@JerryArizona]

I didn't bring one, but I'm pretty comfortable doing this type of thing. It's a good thing because someone had left one, but when they climbed out, they pulled it up and left it at the top (Which made no sense to me.) My wife was a little nervous when she went, but someone left a rope that we were able to use. I ended up grabbing her pack and taking it to the top for her because I was more comfortable with the climb. I'd recommend bringing one if you're concerned, then take it with you when you leave. (And hope no one takes it before you need it.)

[@JerryArizona]

But when I read your comment, I didn't answer your question. I just assumed you meant at Jacob Hamblin. I took my rope with me from Crack in the wall and just carried it out to the truck. It was way too short to use to climb out at JH and I would have had to climb to the top to set it there anyway.

[@firedog451]

@@JerryArizona Thanks!

[@firedog451]

Thanks , helpful to know, It makes sense to go that way because like you said in the video about the sand, would rather hike up on rock or hard soil.Im 64 Yo

[@firedog451]

Your videos are really great and love your sense of humor! keep up the good work Mr Arizona!

[@nancydeduron2]

How did you deal with wag bags??

[@JerryArizona]

I used the pit toilet off Hole in the Rock Road before going in. First time I did this it was an overnight. Second time I just day hiked, so.....at the risk of TMI, no solid human waste was produced. But when I have had to use them, I just seal them and put them in a trash bag with any other trash I have. Tie the bag closed and then tie it again to the back of my backpack and hike out.

[@chrisbutcher3915]

Question Mr. Arizona, I have not seen any video’s with anyone hiking crack in the wall, but hiking back out that way. What is your professional opinion on doing a hike this way?

[@JerryArizona]

Crack in the wall drops you on top of a giant hill of sand. Going in that way, you're heading down the sandy hill. Coming out that way would mean you'd have to climb back up it which I wouldn't enjoy at all. However, I've also heard lots of people (including my wife) who got sketched out on the Jacob Hamblin sneak route. Which is also super steep (but rock and not sand). So it's definitely doable. Just know that you've got that hill to contend with.

[@chrisbutcher3915]

@@JerryArizona Thank you for taking the time to reply back. Love the vids and watching you and Tina hike, plus your canyoneering buddies as well. Your vids especially for Southern Utah have formulated my upcoming hiking itinerary here in August for the Mighty Five and alot of lesser traveled paths, not to mention the Mexican restaurants that will be frequented after all the hiking. Keep doing what you are doing because you are excellent at what you do!

[@MasterRusty2020]

What song is played during the video?

[@JerryArizona]

At what time in the video? I started adding the songs/artists in the description, but see this vid was made before I did that.

[@MasterRusty2020]

@@JerryArizona thanks for answering. I already found the song. Bangerter Way - Cody Francis. Just the perfect hiking song 😎

[@80808O]

Beers are ready for shotgunning. edit: time for a TRD Pro

[@JamesRobertSmith]

LOL!

[@ryanguptill8851]

This guy whines………. Sooooo much!