Itinerary
- Day 1
Trailhead to Escalante River Camp
You'll start with a 5.5-hour shuttle ride out to the trailhead in Utah, so bring something to read or just relax during the drive. Once you arrive, the guides will help get your backpack fitted properly before you head down the 3-mile hike to Egypt Bench. The trail takes you across slickrock and open desert landscape, then into the canyon maze. By late afternoon you'll reach the Escalante River corridor, which is lush and green compared to what you just hiked through. You'll set up camp here and have a hearty dinner prepared by the guides.
- Meals
- Dinner (Hearty dinner at camp)
Included Activities
- Shuttle from St. George hotel to trailhead
- Backpack fitting at trailhead
- Hiking to Egypt Bench and through canyon slickrock
- Hike to Escalante River camp (3 miles, 1100 feet elevation loss)
Landmarks Egypt Bench Escalante River Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Day 2
Golden Cathedral
Start the morning with hot tea or coffee and breakfast cooked by your guides right at camp. After eating, you'll hike along the Escalante River and into a major side canyon where Golden Cathedral comes into view. It's a massive dome-shaped sandstone formation with three eroded pothole arches carved into it. The real show happens when the sun moves across the sky and creates golden columns of light streaming through those arches. You'll have time to sit and watch how the light changes throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hot tea or coffee and fresh breakfast prepared by guides)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at camp
- Hiking along Escalante River (4 miles, minimal elevation gain/loss)
- Visit to Golden Cathedral formation and pothole arches
Landmarks Golden Cathedral Escalante River - Day 3
Canyon Country Exploration
This day is yours to shape based on what your group wants to do. You can sleep in and spend 3 to 4 hours exploring close to camp if you prefer a slower pace, or get an early start and push deeper into the Grand Staircase wilderness. Either way, you'll walk through side canyons, check out unusual rock formations, and find desert oases tucked into the landscape. It's a chance to really take in Utah's canyon country at whatever speed works for you and your group.
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of side canyons and rock formations (3-5 miles, minimal elevation gain/loss)
- Desert oases and landscape exploration
Landmarks Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Day 4
Return to St. George
You'll have a relaxed morning with breakfast, then it's time to pack up camp and head out. The hike back to the trailhead is 3 miles, but you'll be climbing 1100 feet in elevation so it'll feel more challenging than the downhill entry. Once you reach the vehicles, take time to stretch out before the 5.5-hour shuttle ride back to St. George. The drive back is scenic, so you can watch the landscape change as you return.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Relaxing feast of a breakfast), Lunch
Included Activities
- Breakfast at camp
- Hike back to trailhead (3 miles, 1100 feet elevation gain)
- Shuttle from trailhead to St. George hotel
Landmarks Escalante River
