Escalante Canyon Outfitters
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Escalante Canyon Outfitters
P.O. Box 1330
Boulder, Utah 84716
 info@ecohike.com

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Navajo Gorges Corridors Escalante River Gorge Rincons Kayenta Passages Narrows
Little Rockies Wingate Canyons II Lower Wingate Waterpocket Fold Glen Canyon One

The Waterpocket Fold Hiking Trip
 
Rating:
This trip is rated from moderate to challenging. It will include one day when we move camp. The hike into our first camp is 5 miles. This day is a challenging way to start the trip; it includes an 800' descent with a steep pitch. The hike out of our second and last camp is six miles.

Spring Departures:
March 30 - April 3, 2008
April 6 - 11, 2008
October 12 - 17, 2008
October 20 - 25, 2008
Intro:
Every trip is different because of weather, the group and, most importantly, spontaneity. Our trips are about exploring; this land is so vast and intricate that we always make new discoveries. The following is a sample description of what you may expect.
In order to explore the country and accommodate different interests and abilities we split into smaller groups on some day hikes; on the first, fourth and last days of a six day trip we hike as one group.

Itinerary:
Day 1 - We meet at the Burr Trail Outpost & Grill in Boulder, UT at 9 am. We provide a duffel bag for your gear (25 lbs. max.) and drive to the trail head (approximately 2 hours). At the trail head we meet the wrangler guides, pass off our duffle bags and begin the walk to camp.
Our hike takes us about 4 miles across the rugged and colorful Morrison geologic formation. By way of a small canyon we top a saddle, standing on the edge of a 1000 foot cliff, for a stunning view of the 3000 foot slickrock escarpment called the Waterpocket Fold. Below us is a canyon so large that it is a valley. An ancient, hidden trail takes us to the bottom where a large stream of water runs between huge cottonwood trees. Camp is among the cottonwoods in the soft red sandstone of the Entrada Formation. (5 miles with one steep descent)
Day 2 - The creek we are camped on cuts deep into Waterpocket Fold creating one of the most spectacular narrows and canyons in southern Utah. This is a fragment of the lost Glen Canyon because it resembles what was lost under the waters of Lake Powell. We will spend the day exploring this gem.
Day 3 - Downstream from camp a creek appears that seems to come from nowhere. We follow this into a hidden canyon past hanging gardens and springs and through narrows into a huge canyon that takes us deep into the Waterpocket Fold.
Day 4 - This day we pack up camp and move 5 miles to a spring fed stream at the base of the Fold. On the way we pass and may explore numerous streams that come out of narrow gorges with hanging gardens and pools. Just behind our new camp is an overhanging gorge with hanging gardens. Scarlet Monkey Flowers, orchids, Cave Primrose and Maidenhair Fern grow above our heads.
Day 5 - The drainages that originate on the Waterpocket Fold are the target of our exploration. This can be a challenging day and illustrates the importance of having three guides and hiking options. We will explore a way through a maze of the slickrock domes of Waterpocket Fold into side canyons. As the hiking becomes more challenging, guided groups may spin off for a more leisurely pace or an easier route back to camp.
Day 6 - This day out of the canyon is a beautiful route much of which was flooded by Lake Powell and will be again if the reservoir ever refills. We drive the spectacular Burr Trail about 60 miles back to Boulder and arrive about 6 - 7 P.M. (dinner not included).
 
Spring and fall are beautiful times of year to explore both the canyons and the slickrock country above. The weather is generally warm in the day and cool in the evening with a 30 to 40 degree temperature difference between the high and low. Layers of clothing are the key to comfort.