Overlanding the Grand Staircase Day 3 - Left Hand Collet Canyon and Hole in the Rock Road

This overlanding trip starts and ends in Escalante, and travels through the Grand Staircase - Escalante and the Glen Canyon National Monument in Utah. This scenic adventure explores Smoky Mountain Road, Recreation Road NP 230, Alstrom Point, Croton Road, Left Hand Collet Canyon, and Hole in the Rock Road and is a remote, 200-plus mile overlanding journey. Be aware that the only gas is in Escalante or Big Water. I took extra fuel and just to be safe, made the 26-mile round trip detour to Big Water to top off my tank.
Day 3 - Left Hand Collet Canyon and Hole in the Rock Road: Left Hand Collet Canyon Road is a moderate 4WD trail which follows the wash through scenic Left-Hand Collet Canyon, connecting Croton Road, to Hole in Rock Road.
Hole in the Rock Road is a 53-mile-long trail that travels through the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument and the Glen Canyon NRA to the “Hole in the Rock”. In 1880, a Mormon expedition was charged with the enormous task of widening a notch, in the canyon rim, above the Colorado River, to construct a wagon trail, descending almost 1,200-feet to the river. After crossing the Colorado, River, the construction party, continued on, and completed the route to the new Mormon mission at what is now Bluff.

[@ericnunn8856]

Thanks for posting, always enjoy going along for the ride!, 🤙

[@terrymore1679]

thanks, fun trail

[@peteggert5419]

You scored on that campsite, and the lizard is cool too!

[@terrymore1679]

Thanks, great campsite and it was out of the wind which is always a good thing in Utah.

[@dmelinte]

Hi Terry, I am planning a trip in July From Big Water to Hole in the Wall Rd - to Escalante, I understand that the only gas is in Bog Water and in Escalante. I have stock JLU, no lifts with 32.8" KO2 tires. I was wondering on how is the trail and if I can make it with what I have. Sorry but I have read some horror stories about that section you captured on film. Thank you!

[@terrymore1679]

You should not have any trouble with Smoky Mountain or Croton Road but be aware that Smoky Mountain Road has a lot of clay and is impassable after a heavy rain; Croton Road is steep and rocky, but clearance won’t be a problem with 33’inch tires. The first time I drove Smoky Mountain I was in a 4x4 Ford F150 and didn’t have any trouble. “Hole in the Rock Road” is very wash boarded but it is an easy trail, the last couple of miles before you get to the “Hole in the Rock” at the end of the trail is rough, but your jeep won’t have a problem negotiating the rocky parts. Left hand Collet Canyon is subject to wash outs after heavy rainstorms and I would recommend calling the Escalante Visitors Center for current conditions. I ran Left Hand Collet in a stock JK in 2017 and didn’t have any problem but check first - (435-826-5499). Also, if you are going to camp in the Grand Staircase, you need a camping permit, it’s free and available at the Visitors Center. Have fun.

[@dmelinte]

Hi Terry, thank you for your suggestions. I will follow them for sure. A e are overlanding with a rooftop tent and all the necessities with us.