Death Hollow and Escalante River Traverse
St. George, UT
4.9 (39 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Breathtaking Canyons
- Cascades & Desert Oases
- Iconic Views
- Desert Solitude
- Natural Bridges & Slickrock
- Escalante River
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
This wilderness route, which follows the famous Boulder Mail Trail, is a rewarding adventure across a sea of slickrock formations, high plateau Ponderosa Forests and deep shady canyons with spring-fed creeks. It is a trip not to be missed and will be one you’ll think back on again and again!
The Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument is one of the most beautiful regions in Utah with its unique, undulating terrain and brilliant sandstone features. The route takes us across a stunning plateau that was historically used to transport mail and supplies between the towns of Boulder and Escalante. It crosses three major canyon systems and many smaller tributaries that feed into Death Hollow and eventually into the Escalante River.
Each canyon along the Boulder Mail trail has a unique and interesting character. Sand Creek is a high elevation drainage that seems lost in time with the massive feature of Slickrock Saddle rising high above in the distance. Death Hollow is a deep, wet canyon full of water and a lush riparian environment. Mamie Creek is a large drainage of Navajo Sandstone featuring one of the most interesting Natural Bridges in the state of Utah as well as deep water pockets and excellent swimming holes!
$1575 Per Person
$1810 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
The 4-day version of this trip is Level 3, and the 5-day version is Level 4. On both itineraries, much of our route is “off-trail” following cairns along sandstone slick rock with steep climbs up and down hill, or wading in a river among slippery rocks. There is a short, but significant height exposure on the way down to the Death Hollow River. Depending on the season, you may need to carry 4 liters of water on some of the hiking days. The 5-day version has longer days of hiking, on equally rugged terrain, which is what makes it Level 4 Difficulty.
Hiking Distances:
4-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
900-1400 ft
Heights Exposure:
Significant
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on significantly rugged terrain, including hiking in water, steep inclines and rocky areas
- Hiking through one section with significant heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Utah backpacking trip a solitude Level 4. You can expect to see a couple of other groups per day.
UTAH SALES TAX
Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on the St. George, UT municipality rates, which are adjusted occasionally but are in the 6-7% range. For all of our hiking and backpacking tours that originate from our St. George, Utah base (Utah, Joshua Tree and Death Valley trips), the sales tax will be applied automatically to your payments. Feel free to call us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) with any questions!
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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