One of the most spectacular canyon backpacking routes in Utah. Free permit required.
“Walk through an impossible desert canyon where natural bridges span 130 feet overhead and waterfalls pour into swimming holes under a ribbon of sky.”
Plan your Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Coyote Gulch
Coyote Gulch is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Coyote Gulch permit season
- route distance, out and back
- 24.6mi
Coyote Gulch elevation profile
Hurricane Wash Trailhead to Escalante River Confluence, one wayHurricane Wash Trailhead
Northern access. About 5.4 miles down the wash to Coyote Gulch.
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 4,566 ft
Coyote Gulch landmarks
How to get a Coyote Gulch permit
As of September 2026, Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah requires a permit issued via walk-up. Coyote Gulch is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Coyote Gulch route covers 24.6 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- UT
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at Bureau of Land Management before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Coyote Gulch: Live availability activityCoyote Gulch Overnight permit itinerary
The Coyote Gulch hike
- Distance
- 24.6 miles
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Duration
- 2-4 nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 3,691 - 4,566 ft
Walk through an impossible desert canyon where natural bridges span 130 feet overhead and waterfalls pour into swimming holes under a ribbon of sky.
About this permit
Coyote Gulch is the premier canyon backpacking route in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The canyon contains Jacob Hamblin Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge, Cliff Arch, and Stevens Arch along with waterfalls, swimming holes, and sculpted sandstone.
A free permit is required for overnight camping and is obtained by self-registration at trailheads or the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center. No quotas, no fees, no reservations.
The route
Most hikers enter via Hurricane Wash or Red Well Trailhead, dropping into the canyon system before reaching Coyote Gulch proper. The route follows the streambed downstream, passing major features in sequence.
Jacob Hamblin Arch appears first, a massive span high on the canyon wall. Coyote Natural Bridge follows, stretching 130 feet across the wash. Cliff Arch clings to the canyon rim. Stevens Arch waits near the confluence with the Escalante River.
Camping is permitted anywhere below the rim, but the sandy benches near the bridges and the alcoves below Cliff Arch are favorites. The free permit (self-registration) allows multi-day exploration.
Why it matters
Coyote Gulch contains more natural arches, bridges, and dramatic features per mile than almost any other canyon in the Southwest. Jacob Hamblin Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge, and Cliff Arch create a highlight reel that would be the centerpiece of any other hike. Here, they're just part of the journey.
The feeling
The canyon walls curve overhead like frozen waves. A waterfall appears around the bend, pouring into a pool that glows turquoise in the reflected light. You duck under a natural bridge 130 feet above your head, then another. Each bend reveals something new. After 15 miles, you'll still be surprised.
Coyote Gulch hike highlights
- 12.3 miles one way from Hurricane Wash to the Escalante River, or 13 from Red Well
- Multiple natural bridges and arches
- Perennial stream with waterfalls and pools
- At-large camping (no designated sites)
- Free permit via self-registration
How hard the Coyote Gulch hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity3/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Backpackers seeking world-class canyon scenery with moderate physical challenge.
Recommended experience: Basic backpacking. Desert navigation helpful but not required.
Not recommended for: Those who need well-marked trails. Anyone without high-clearance vehicle for access.
When to hike Coyote Gulch
Best time to visit
March-May and September-November. Spring brings waterfalls at peak flow. Summer is hot but swimmable pools provide relief. Winter is cold but beautiful.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,050 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 68% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
68°
51°
68%
Wed
82°
53°
Thu
84°
58°
Fri
83°
65°
Sat
84°
66°
Sun
84°
67°
Mon
78°
65°
Coyote Gulch photography guide
Golden Hour
The natural bridges photograph best in early morning when light penetrates the canyon. Jacob Hamblin Arch catches afternoon light beautifully.
Best Light
Mid-morning for bridges when soft light fills the canyon. Sunset for arch silhouettes against the sky.
Beat the Crowds
Weekday visits see far fewer people. Spring and fall weekends are busy but manageable.
Classic Shots
- Coyote Natural Bridge from below
- Jacob Hamblin Arch with hikers for scale
- Waterfall alcove reflections
- Stevens Arch silhouette at sunset
- Canyon walls curving overhead
- Night sky through natural bridge
Coyote Gulch rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Water filter (perennial stream available)
- WAG bags for human waste
- Sun protection (limited shade)
- Camp shoes for wet crossings
- Detailed topo map or GPS
Recommended gear
- Swimsuit for pools
- Camera with wide-angle lens
- Trekking poles for stream crossings
- Extra water capacity for side trips
Rules & regulations
- 01Free permit required (self-registration at trailheads)
- 02Camp at least 200 feet from water sources
- 03No campfires. The Park Service does not permit fires in Coyote Gulch
- 04Pack out all waste including human waste (WAG bags recommended)
- 05Respect cryptobiotic soil
- 06No camping on vegetation
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods. Canyon has minimal escape. Check weather for entire watershed.
- Access roads are rough. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
- Quicksand-like mud in some areas
- Heat exhaustion in summer
- Limited cell service in entire area
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Coyote Gulch.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Coyote Gulch · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Coyote Gulch FAQ
How do I get a Coyote Gulch permit?
Coyote Gulch is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Coyote Gulch?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Coyote Gulch permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.
What if I can't get a Coyote Gulch permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Coyote Gulch trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Alternatives to a Coyote Gulch permit
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Neon Canyon / Golden Cathedral
Shorter canyon with the famous Golden Cathedral light beam formation.
Tradeoffs
Single iconic feature vs. Coyote Gulch's many. Day trip possible.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Spooky & Peek-a-Boo Gulches
Tight slot canyons that can be combined as a day hike or overnight.
Tradeoffs
Technical slots vs. Coyote's open canyon. Different experience.
Where to stay near Coyote Gulch
- Ponderosa Grove CampgroundBureau of Land Management
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park campgroundUtah
- All Utah campgrounds
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