Hole-in-the-Rock — Lake Powell Rim Dispersed Camping

This is where the Hole-in-the-Rock Road runs out. The 1879-80 Mormon pioneer expedition dropped its wagons through a crack in the Colorado River canyon wall right here. Today you get a gravel and slickrock pullout area on the rim, a hard-to-believe view of the old wagon descent, and Lake Powell far below. There are no developed sites, no tables, no toilets, no water and no trash service. Pick a flat durable spot, pack out everything, and carry out your own waste. Expect a quiet night. Plenty of rigs turn around and head home by dark.

The road is long: roughly 57 miles from Highway 12 near Escalante, with washboard the whole way. The final stretch is rocky and rougher than the rest, so a high-clearance rig with good tires is the sensible choice. Flash floods and rain can wreck the surface and strand you, so check conditions before you commit. The lake has dropped a long way, so don’t count on reaching the water from the Hole itself. This end of the road falls under Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, not the monument, so confirm current camping rules with the NPS and the Escalante visitor center before you go. Fuel up and fill water in Escalante. Have a dirty day.

Pioneer wagon crossing, Lake Powell below.