Coyote Gulch to Fortymile Ridge — Grand Staircase-Escalante Desert Bench via Egypt Trailhead
Sand, clay, and canyon views with no easy out.
Egypt Trailhead sits on a sandy bench above the Escalante River drainage, and the moment you air down and point south toward Fortymile Ridge you’re committed — the nearest pavement is a long way back. This route follows the sandy two-track from Egypt past the wash crossings feeding into Coyote Gulch, grinding over bentonite clay shelves and crossing loose sand flats that can swallow a tire in a wet year. The Fortymile Ridge overlook drops into canyon country with hundred-mile sight lines across the Kaiparowits Plateau — it’s the kind of view that makes you stop the engine and just sit there.
Sand and clay mix means this route is dry-season only — wet bentonite is undrivable and will trap anything short of a tracked vehicle. A stock high-clearance 4WD with aired-down all-terrain tires will manage in dry conditions, but a locker helps on the sandy climbs. No cell service, no water sources, no services — carry 10-plus gallons of water and top off in Escalante before heading out. Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land throughout. Best visited May through June or September through October. No permit required for vehicle travel.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5600 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance, aired-down AT tires |
| Nearest town | Escalante, UT |
| Land manager | BLM Escalante Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante BLM Kanab Field Office |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle this trail without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but you need to air down to around 18-20 PSI — the sand sections will swallow you otherwise. Lifted rigs with aggressive AT or MT tires have more margin for error on the clay and soft bench sections.
When does the Egypt Trailhead road become impassable?
The clay-heavy dirt access road to Egypt Trailhead turns to grease when wet — even brief rain can make it undriveable regardless of your rig. Stick to May-June and September-October, check the BLM Escalante Field Office conditions line before you go, and if the sky looks sketchy, don't roll the dice.
Do you need a permit to run this trail or camp out here?
No permit required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument as of now, but regulations can change — verify with the BLM Escalante Field Office before your trip. Leave No Trace rules apply and are taken seriously out here.
What's the hardest section on this route and what makes it ugly?
The deep sand benches between Coyote Gulch and Fortymile Ridge are where rigs get stuck — it's not technical rock crawling, it's sustained soft sand and rutted clay that punishes anyone who didn't air down or is pushing too heavy a load. There's no recovery-friendly shoulder and no easy bailout once you're committed to the bench.
Is there reliable water on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from Egypt Trailhead?
There are water crossings on route but treat everything — this is desert backcountry and sources can be seasonal, silty, or cattle-contaminated. Fuel up in Escalante before heading out; it's roughly 25 miles to the trailhead and there's nothing between you and empty once you leave town.
Trail track
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