Hole in the Rock Road Mile 12 Trailhead

This unmarked trailhead sits 12 miles down the legendary Hole in the Rock Road, marked by nothing more than a weathered wooden sign and braided tire tracks heading south. It’s the jumping-off point for Devil’s Garden arches and several slot canyon routes into the Escalante backcountry. The area gets moderate foot traffic from hikers but most overlanders blow right past without noticing the turnoff.

The road to this point is good graded dirt that any vehicle can handle, but it deteriorates quickly beyond here. Park in the flat area just off the main road — don’t block the cattle guard. GPS is essential once you leave the main track as there are dozens of social trails that peter out into nothing.

Gateway to Devil's Garden arches