Introduction:
Where?
: In the middle of the desert, 57 miles from the nearest road so fill you gas
tank at Escalante, where Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument combined into
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Google Map Link
What? :
The most beautiful view point I ever visited !
The
twisted river canyon flooded by the water of Lake Powel create an amazing view
of red cliff, calm flat water and surreal atmosphere.
When? :
March to May and September to October are the best times to hike to Reflection
Canyon. Rain (including Summer monsoons) can impact the road. Summer temp is
above 100°F during the day. Check at Escalante BLM office for exact road and weather
conditions.
Related National Park Blogs:
Please look
at the many warnings below, usually I do not state them. In this hike they are
real, you must know what you are doing, this is not a hike for everyone without
proper preparation.
Due
note 1: Although this is not considered a difficult up-hill climb hike the 8-9
miles trail, one direction, do go up and down crossing riverbeds, so it is more
difficult than it looks.
Due
note 2: You must know what you are doing!
This is
far from any other place; and you may be the only one out there. The trail is
not mark or maintained; the last 2 miles are on open rocky land so there is no
trail to follow (no Cairn marking) so you must know where you are heading.
Due
note 3: Do not walk at night! there are many small canyons and even if you will
not fall you will get lost. You did not reach the point at daylight park for
the night and continue at sunrise.
Due
note 4: Bring enough water (no source of water on the trail and you can’t access
the lake), warm clothes and some food, even if you plan to do it as one day
hike.
Due
note 5: At summer it is VERY hot and exposed to the sun. No shade along the
entire route.
Due
note 6: I was not aware but looks you do need overnight camping permit for this
location, you can get one at Escalante Interagency Visitor Center (BLM).
Due
note 7: It is highly recommended to have good GPS application with the trail
marked (bring backup battery for your phone). Download the trail in Escalante
because you will soon loss any cell reception. I also carry with me a backup
Garmin InReach device (also for communication).
Due
note 8: Hole-in-the-Rock Road (BLM #200) is usually in good condition but
covering 51 miles is not simple. AWD can be OK but 4x4 high clearance is highly
recommended. Fill you gas at Escalante just before entering the road. Make sure
you have a good spare tire, jack and tools and that you do know how to replace
a tire (I had a flat tire + I helped other with one).
My
thoughts: The most amazing viewpoint I ever visited – I’m sure I will be back.
It is
not simple drive and the hike is long and you need to know what you are doing
and where you are heading but the reword is the beauty of the place.
I spend
one night alone there, taking pictures and just enjoying seating on the edge of
the cliff looking down on this amazing place, see the sunset, moon rise and the
early morning sunrise.
The
visit:
After 2+ hr of bumpy ride covering 50 miles from hwy 12 road on Hole-in-the-Rock Road (BLM #200), you will reach the trailhead.
Although the road is in good condition AWD
is good enough it is not recommended to 2WD at all, after heavy rain and river
runs it is not recommended at all.
The TH is
unmarked parking place at the side of the road without any clear sign, you may
see other cars already parked there. Use GPS for this drive and to find the
exact parking location.
The hike:
It is a
challenging 9-miles hike through the Glen Canyon backcountry for one view into
Reflection Canyon.
Starting
at the TH you will head up the red-rocks plateau above the road (right side of
the road). Once you reach the high leveled section over the red soile you
should find the unmarked trail going left. Look for it and try to find it
because it will be easy to go on the trail.
During the
walk-in keep the mountains on you right side and if you do not find the trail
keep going on the red soil section. You need to keep relatively close to the
base of these cliffs. Do not be tempted to go down to the lower sections, it is
not safe and full of canyons.
The trail
going to the right into the open between the cliffs and after few miles you
will reach a cattle fence and a gate. Keep going to the right and cross the river
bad, later you will pass an old cow water source and from there you will start
climb again onto the red plateau.
Keep
going between 2 hills, the trail in this section is going up and down when it
crosses the small rivers. Keep heading in the same direction of the notable 4 red
rock “fingers” few miles away.
At some
point after 6 miles the trail will end, and you will need to cross another 2
miles of open exposed rock hills. At this section there is no trail or Carin
that mark the direction and the landscape, although it is going down, is going
up and down.
Pay
attention to your direction! you can easily get confused where is the location
of the end point, use GPS for your direction.
If you
got too early to a deep canyon with water, you probably took too much to the
left (east) and you need to head more to the south.
Reaching
to the Reflation vining point is rewording!
Relax,
find a place for the night and enjoy the view and assimilate yourself into the vast
desert surrounding you.
Look at
the changing colors and reflections during sunset and moonrise, look at the
stars and just enjoy the moment.
Sunrise
is also nice where the sun is coming right above the reflection point.
Sometimes
you will have boat down in the lake below, when I was there right before sunset
3 kayakers arrive for the night.
Going back
is exactly on the same way you arrive, now the navigation is simpler and you
should fine the trail that you lead you back to the car.
www:
https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/utah/reflection-canyon
https://tworoamingsouls.com/backpacking-reflection-canyon-everything-you-need-to-know/
http://www.girlonahike.com/2017/04/backpacking-to-reflection-canyon.html
https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/reflection-canyon-backpacking-guide
https://www.theoutbound.com/utah/backpacking/backpack-reflection-canyon
Pictures:
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