Coyote Gulch to Hole-in-the-Rock — Grand Staircase Desert Bench via Dance Hall Rock
Where pioneers blasted a road through solid rock.
In 1879, a wagon train of 250 Mormon pioneers cut this route by hand across the Colorado Plateau — blasting a slot in the canyon wall to lower wagons to the Colorado River below. Today, Hole-in-the-Rock Road runs 57 miles south from Escalante through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, crossing open bench country with natural arches, petrified wood, and the photogenic sandstone dome of Dance Hall Rock at mile 36. The road is hardpacked gravel most of the year but turns into a slick, axle-grabbing mess when it rains — the clay sections near the southern end have swallowed plenty of rigs that underestimated them.
High clearance is mandatory; 4WD becomes essential south of Dance Hall Rock when the road narrows and tilts. Aired-down tires help on the loose sand. There are no services from Escalante to the trailhead — 57 miles one way — so carry extra fuel and all your water. Dispersed camping is permitted along the route. Spring and fall are the windows; summer heat is brutal and winter snow closes the southern stretch. The payoff is standing at the original crack in the canyon wall, 1,200 feet above the water.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 57 mi / 91.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5560 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Escalante, UT |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management — Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM GSENM Road Info BLM GSENM Monument Office |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Hole-in-the-Rock Road without a lift?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can run this route. The surface is mostly hardpacked dirt, sand, and wash crossings — no rock crawling required — but low-clearance vehicles like crossovers or 2WD trucks will get stuck or high-centered in the sandy sections south of Dance Hall Rock.
What happens to this road when it rains?
The clay-heavy sections turn into axle-deep mud that will trap almost anything with wheels. Even a brief storm can make the road impassable for days. Check forecasts closely and do not drive it if rain is in the forecast — there is no bailout for the last 30 miles.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Hole-in-the-Rock Road?
No permit is required to drive the road or dispersed camp within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. There are no fees for vehicle travel or overnight camping along the route, but you must follow BLM Leave No Trace and camping setback rules.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The final few miles approaching the Hole-in-the-Rock slot above Lake Powell are the roughest — loose sand, exposed ledges, and tight turns cut into the cliff face. It's not technically extreme, but the combination of soft sand, heat, and zero margin for error near the drop demands real attention. Most rigs make it down; the climb back out is harder.
How far is it to the nearest gas station, and is there any water on route?
Escalante is your last fuel stop — top off there before you leave, as the round-trip from town to Hole-in-the-Rock and back is roughly 110 miles with zero services on route. There is no reliable potable water on the trail; carry all you need for the full trip.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.