Hole-in-the-Rock Road

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.