BPX 3-Day: 40 mile Creek to Willow Gulch (Escalante, Utah)

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for a 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: From the Hole in the Rock road, take Carcass Wash to 40 Mile Creek then continue down 40 Mile Creek to its junction with Willow Gulch, about 6 miles total, to camp. Expect difficult terrain, some class 2 scrambles (possibly bordering on class 3), narrows, springs, wading and, at high water levels, a short swim.

Day 2: Exploratory day hike down 40 Mile canyon (and possibly its side canyons). Distance and difficulty will vary, depending on current conditions and the water level in Lake Powell (where 40 Mile Creek terminates).

Day 3: Backpack 3 miles up Willow Gulch, passing by Broken Bow Arch. Expect somewhat similar conditions to 40 Mile Creek.

NOTES:

1. IMPORTANT: Conditions on a canyon hike such as this vary widely depending on recent rainfall and flash floods. With different conditions, the same canyon section may be an easy hike, a swim, or a tricky scramble. Any group attempting this should be aware of the latest conditions or be prepared for all possibilities.
2. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
3. More information about Escalante is available here.
4. More information about Glan Canyon National Recreation Area is available here.

5. Recommended books: Steve Allen, Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante, and Rudi Lambrechtse, Hiking the Escalante

6. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Hole in the Rock road.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Length: 18.0 None
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
• High Point: 4,400 ft

• Land Manager: National Park Service
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12