Coyote Gulch Backpacking
April 20-26, 2027
Backpacking in the desert southwest!
This adventure is rated 3 out of 5 difficulty level. Mileage is under 10 miles per day and less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain/loss per day. This trip does have sustained and steep Class 3 scrambling and exposure so it is not for something who has a fear of heights. A handline is setup for anyone who needed assistance. Photos below demonstrates the type of rock scrambling necessary for this trip.
Out of the hundreds of canyons within canyons that make up the greater Glen Canyon area, Coyote Gulch is the crown jewel. Cathedral amphitheaters, massive sandstone walls and iconic arches frame an intimate, lush riparian walkway decorated with waterfalls, springs and pools.
We’ve created a unique and challenging itinerary that shows off the wide variety of incredible terrain of this remote and rugged landscape. This is a custom-built adventure that mixes exciting scrambles up and down sandstone, epic canyons and hiking through rivers and creeks.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WATER FEATURES: when you backpack in the desert southwest, waterfalls and a lush oasis aren’t what come to mind first, but they are a big highlight of this adventure.
SANDSTONE CLIFFS: the cliffs and arches you’ll view in this area are unlike anything else you’ll find.
SMALL, WOMEN’S ONLY GROUP: we’ll say it, there’s something different about doing the hard things in a supportive, women’s only group. This trip has a max of 8 guests, 1 WWE host and 2 guides.
HIDDEN GEMS: The guides work exclusively in the desert southwest and have become experts in finding all the hidden gems. These may not be listed in the itinerary to make it all the more special.
MILEAGE: The daily mileage is less than 10 miles per day, which leaves room for side questing. You know, to find those hidden gems! There are technical aspects to this adventure and you should definitely train for this trip, but if daily mileage is a concern for backpacking, this might be the right fit.
ITINERARY
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Arrive in Saint George anytime after 3pm. You can fly in to Saint George directly via the St. George Regional Airport (SGU). You can also fly into Last Vegas via the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and rent a car to drive to Saint George.
We’ll get to know each other and enjoy dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of our hotel.
Meals included: Dinner
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We’ll have an early breakfast, pack up and be ready to check out of the hotelbefore our guides meet us at 8am.
Our guides will provide a short orientation before we begin the 3 hour drive to Escalante where we’ll stop for lunch.
Nest we drive down Hole in the Rock Road and make a detour for a short afternoon hike up to the Cosmic Ashtray.
After stretching our legs, we’ll continue south to Sooner Rocks where we will set up camp for the evening and enjoy dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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We’ll wake up, eat breakfast and backup before heading to the official trailhead for the start of our backpacking adventure.
After a 30 minute drive, we begin our hike into Coyote Gulch.
Our first stop is in the canyon is the magnificent Jacob Hambiln Arch.
We end up in a narrow side canyon under towering amphitheaters where we will set up camp.
Finish the day with a delicious dinner prepared by your local guides.
Hike details: 6 miles, elevation start: 4,700', elevation end: 4,100’.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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Breakfast is enjoyed at camp before packing up and starting our day hiking.
We climb up and cross over the King Mesa, with stunning views into the canyons of the Escalante River.
We then descend down into Escalante Canyon itself, crossing the river many times until reaching camp under a large stone pillar.
We’ll end our day with time to enjoy camp and savor a delicious dinner.
Hike details: 8.5 miles, elevation start: 4,100', elevation end: 3,700’.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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After breakfast, we continue downstream in Escalante, stopping for two side adventures.
One to a beautiful hidden grotto and the other up to Steven’s Arch, one of the largest in Utah.
We then hike up into the lower section of Coyote Gulch and find a campsite near one of the many waterfalls in the canyon.
Hike details: 8.3 miles, elevation start: 3,700', elevation end: 4,100’.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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It’s our last day in the canyon! After breakfast, we’ll continue upstream through Coyote Gulch.
We’ll stop for several sights along the way, including Cliff Arch and Coyote Natural Bridge.
We return to our exit route at Jacob Hamblin Arch and climb up and out, finishing our hike in the mid-afternoon.
We’ll make the drive back to Escalante for a celebratory pizza dinner, and then finish with our final drive back to St. George.
Hike details: 5.3 miles, elevation start: 4,100', elevation end: 4,700’.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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Our adventure has come to an end but hopefully we’ll see you again soon on another trip.
Checkout is 10am and then everyone makes their way home or continuing on to another adventure!
Ready to Book?
Ready to Book?
QUESTIONS? PLEASE REACH OUT TO INFO@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM
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$2,995 USD double occupancy.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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2 nights in shared occupancy hotel in St. George.
5 days/4 nights camping on the trail.
Private transportation from hotel in Saint George to backpacking trailhead and back to the Saint George hotel for your final evening.
Local experienced female guides.
Tents and trekking poles available upon request if needed.
All cooking supplies needed to make camp meals.
Water filter system for entire group.
Meals included: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners.
All permit and camping fees for duration of trip.
Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group.
Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions.
WWE Swag to make your heart happy!
Small group; maximum of 8 women + your WWE trip host and 2 local female guides.
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Transportation to/from Saint George, Utah.
Tips and gratuity for guides (at the discretion of the client).
Airport transfers to/from the hotel hotel.
Transportation outside of times designated for excursions and tours.
Lunches and snacks while backpacking.
Personal camping gear: backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, eating utensils, cup/plate, etc.
Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above.
Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary.
Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses and emergency evacuation (proof of insurance required)
Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
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This trip includes 7 breakfast, 1 lunch and 7 dinners. All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
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Please see our Terms of Service.
All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.
Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.
