Death Hollow and Escalante River Traverse
Guided Backpacking Trips
5 Days, 4 Nights 28.5+MI / 45.8+KM
Trip Highlights
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!
-
Breathtaking Canyons
-
Cascades & Desert Oases
-
Iconic Views
-
Desert Solitude
-
Natural Bridges & Slickrock
-
Escalante River
-
Guides Choice Trip
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
-
Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
7+ mi -
Group Size
1-10 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
"*" indicates required fields
-
Need to know: waste regulation
The public agencies that oversee this region require that everyone hiking in this area pack out all solid waste, including human waste. We provide resources and training to make this manageable and efficient.
Learn more: click here
If you’d rather join us on a trip where this isn’t required, we would be happy to help you find an alternative.
Is This Trip Right For me?
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. There are long days of hiking on rugged terrain, which is what makes it Level 4 Difficulty. Depending on the time of year, this trip may require hiking in extreme heat, learn more: Hiking in the Heat – Wildland Trekking
Difficulty Level
Learn More
Solitude Level
Learn More
Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Drive from St. George: 3.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 493 ft
Elevation Loss: 619 ft
Max Elevation: 6,804 ft
On this guided Utah backpacking adventure will depart Saint George, Utah early this morning for the remote town of Escalante which is truly the heart of Utah’s Canyon Country. After reaching Escalante we will drive up to the Boulder-Mail Trailhead and have lunch while preparing for our cross country hike. The overland route from Boulder to Escalante features a sea of endless slick rock sandstone, deep twisting side canyons, spring-fed creeks, and towering Ponderosa Pines typical of Utah’s high canyons. Our hike today leads us to a primitive camp overlooking Death Hollow – easily one of the most impressive canyons in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The camp features a beautiful sandstone amphitheater and large natural water pockets teeming with Utah’s unique aquatic life forms such as Fairy Shrimp. Huge panoramic views, a hearty dinner, and endless desert star gazing are the order of the evening!
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 7+ miles (possible optional side hike from camp)
Elevation Gain: 1,349 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,309 ft
Max Elevation: 6,695 ft
Today we will wake up with the rising sun, pack our gear and prepare for the descent into Death Hollow. Death Hollow is large, deep and full of water – it gets its name from mules falling into the canyon as they attempted the mail route from Boulder to Escalante. As we descend deeper into Death Hollow we’ll be trekking through ankle-deep water. This canyon is filled with huge Ponderosa Pines and natural springs pouring out of the ancient Navajo Sandstone walls. Our destination this evening is Mamie Creek – a large tributary of Death Hollow which we will reach later in the evening to setup camp against a massive rock wall overlooking the canyon.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.75 miles
Elevation Gain: 54 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,286 ft
Max Elevation: 6,750 ft
Today we will be making our way off of the Antoine Flats and down into the Escalante River corridor. As we hike down the bench, we will be rewarded for our efforts with sweeping views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the town of Escalante.
Once down and off the Mesa, we will turn east and begin heading down the Escalante River. From here we will be in and out of the water for the remainder of the trip. We will flow with the river as we make our way through the steep walled canyon, stopping along the way to observe a petroglyph panel created by the Ancestral Puebloans or Ute People.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 7.25 miles
Elevation Gain: 64 ft
Elevation Loss: 249 ft
Max Elevation: 5,501 ft
We will spend the day wandering down the Escalante River, often crossing the river and even hiking in it throughout the day. Today is for enjoying the Escalante and everything it has to offer. Take your time and peak explore side canyons, splash in the water, and enjoy the space. Tonight’s camp will be at the confluence with Sand Creek, just before the Cliff House ruins.
Day 5
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 7 ft
Elevation Loss: 94 ft
Max Elevation: 5,298 ft
Today is the last day of the trip. We can have a leisurely morning since our hike is short. As we head out of camp, we will pass the Cliff House on the right side of the canyon. Take some time to admire the structure and petroglyphs and pictographs around the site. Also, don’t forget to notice the arch directly above the alcove, the Cliff House Arch. Making your way down the trail, you’ll then pass the Escalante Natural Bridge. We can take some time to admire this natural wonder and even hike to the base for some great photos.
After the Escalante Natural Bridge, you’ll continue to make our way down the river. As you get closer to the trailhead, keep an eye out for petroglyphs across the river near the final river crossing.
Once you make it back to the trailhead, we’ll pack up, and head out to the town of Escalante for a final pizza lunch at the Escalante Outfitters. After lunch, we will make our final drive back to St. George.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
Scroll horizontally to view all dates
What's Included
-
Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
-
High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
-
Use of trekking poles
-
All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
-
Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
-
Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George, Utah to the trailhead and back
-
National park entrance fees
-
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite communication device
What's Not Included
-
Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
-
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
-
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
Delicious Backcountry cuisine
Meals from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day are included with your reservation and prepared by your guide. We don’t use pre-made backpacking meals, but instead, the guides build meals from a combination of trail friendly foods including packaged and fresh ingredients for delicious and hearty backcountry meals.
Amazing Campsites
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You will rendezvous with the guide and group in St. George, Utah for an orientation meeting at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins. Your guide will email you approximately 2 weeks before your trip starts to go over last minute details and answer questions.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to St. George, Utah
This Utah trip originates in St. George, Utah where you’ll meet your guide and group. St. George has a small airport served by Delta Connection and United Express. From the St. George Airport one can take a taxi into town or some hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle. The more popular method of travel though is to fly into Las Vegas, NV and take a shuttle (www.stgshuttle.com or https://saltlakeexpress.com/destination/las-vegas-airport-nv/) to St. George. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George on good roads.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in St. George, Utah as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
We will pick you up at 6:00 am on Day 1 at the Best Western Coral Hills in St. George, UT.
We plan to arrive back to St. George around 5:00 pm on the final day. This time is not guaranteed due to a variety of factors that could delay the group.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
- specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
- SORT BY:
- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Eli B
6 months agoFantastic
A fantastic way to go hiking: excellent guide, good gear, amazing destination and positive experience.
Thomas D
6 months agoAmazing views
I have been wanting to do southern Utah for a while and it did not disappoint! This hike gave us such a variety of terrain with amazing views! Jason, our guide, was very organized and very knowledgeable. Can't wait for my next adventure!
Michael S
1 year agoWonderful Trip
The entire process from signing up to hiking through some of the most beautiful landscape imaginable was nothing short of awesome. This was a wonderful trip and I look forward to another one with Wildland Trekking.
You Might Also Like...
"*" indicates required fields
Leave a Reply