This is not a normal river to run. The Escalante poses many problems and it is unique. Please read the following information so that you understand what you are getting into.
Time To Run
The best time to run the Escalante river is early summer from about the middle of May to the middle of June. It is a 70+ mile trip which usually requires at least 7 days to complete. Snow melt and spring rain fall are both factor which determine how long and arduous your trip will be. Water flows can change greatly in the time it takes to run the Escalante River. Optimum flow for running the river must be at least 50 cfs when you start your trip.
Permits
You will need to a backcountry permit to run the river and you can find one at any GSENM Visitor Center. The staff at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center will be able to give you the most current and detailed information on running the river. It is recommended that you pick your permit up there.
Boats
The best form of river transportation is an inflatable Kayak. Rafts are too wide for the narrow channels. Hard shell kayaks are harder to carry out if you choose to hike out the route at Crack-in-the-Wall. A good high quality boat is recommended, as an inferior product may fall apart before the end of your trip. The river is rated class III with several miles of rocks to negotiate in the rapid waters. Helmets are strongly advised. Conditions can change dramatically throughout your journey as water levels fluctuate. If you run in low water, you will spend much time pulling, pushing, and portaging your boat. Large Russian olive trees may be unavoidable in some areas, so it is recommended that you cary a repair kit for your boat.
Put In
The put in area is on Highway 12 at the Escalante River trail head approximately 15 miles east of Escalante. Parking can sometimes be a problem. It might be a good idea to catch a shuttle to the trail head and leave your vehicle in town. Parking is not permitted along the Highway.
Takeout
You can make arrangements to get picked up by a shuttle service out of Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. This entails paddling on flat water to a location where a boat can negotiate the Escalante arm of the lake. In low water it may be necessary to walk through mud flats to reach the lake.
Many groups float the river to Coyote Gulch and then hike out on the Crack-in-the-Wall route. However this take out can be very challenging. It is about a 5-mile trip one-way from the river to the trail head with a climb of over 1000 feet, including a difficult hike up a 600-foot sand dune. Crack-in-the-Wall, located just below the rim of the canyon, is a narrow slot. You will not be able to carry gear through the slot. Gear must be hauled up the final ledges to the rim, bring at least 30 feet of rope. Groups often require multiple trips to get all of their gear out. Prior to your trip, you should have the hiking route marked out on a topographic map and make sure that you are aware of the complexities of hiking out. The Crack-in-the-Wall trail head is located approximately 43 miles down Hole-in-the Rock road at the end of the 40-Mile Ridge road. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required to negotiate deep sand along the last 2 miles.
Emergency Take Outs
It is strongly recommended that you visit the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center to look at our master maps, and mark alternate exit routes on your maps in case problems arise during your trip.
There are many miles along the river canyon where there are no exit routes.