Hole-in-the-Rock Road

A historic Mormon pioneer route that drops 56 miles southeast from Escalante toward Lake Powell. The first 36 miles are graded dirt that any high-clearance vehicle can handle in dry conditions. The final 6 miles to the rim of Glen Canyon are slow rock crawling that destroys leaf springs.

Getting oriented

The road drops 56 miles southeast from Escalante toward what was once the Mormon pioneer crossing of the Colorado River — now drowned under Lake Powell. The first 36 miles are graded clay through cottonwood-and-juniper country; the last 6 miles devolve into slickrock benches that will eat your differential housing if you're not paying attention.

This is the prize destination for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Stretches feel like driving inside a postcard: ponderosa to sagebrush to slickrock in the span of an hour, with the Henry Mountains hovering in the distance the whole way.

Getting there

From Escalante, head east on UT-12 for 5 miles. The Hole-in-the-Rock Road turnoff is signed on the right; pavement ends within a mile. There is no fuel between the turnoff and the trail end. Plan for a 100-mile fuel buffer.

Trail overview

Mile 0–10: Graded gravel, easy on any high-clearance vehicle.

Mile 10–24: Rougher, occasional washes, you'll want 4WD if conditions are wet.

Mile 24–36: Slickrock benches start appearing; sand washes near Coyote Gulch.

Mile 36–50: This is where it gets technical. Loose talus, off-camber slabs, the kind of road where AT tires earn their keep.

Mile 50–56: The final descent to the rim of Glen Canyon. Many people stop at mile 50 — the last stretch is genuinely punishing on a stock vehicle.

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout. The most-photographed sites are along the slickrock above Coyote Gulch (mile 35-38). No fires during summer fire bans; check current restrictions with the BLM Escalante field office.

Permits and regulations

No permit required for the road itself. If you plan to descend into Coyote Gulch (a side hike), a free day-use permit from the trailhead box is required.