Crack in the Wall

A rope was the only thing between us and a very bad day. And we didn’t bring the rope.

Coyote Gulch via Crack in the Wall and the Sneaker Route, Grand Staircase-Escalante. You lower your pack through a crack in the canyon wall just to get in. Then waterfalls, arches, neon green creek beds. And one very steep sandstone exit we will never forget.

There was a rope on the Sneaker Route when we arrived. There is no guarantee there will be one when you go. Always be prepared to hike out the way you came in.

The Deets

• Trailhead: 40 Mile Ridge Road off Hole in the Rock Road
• About 40 miles of washboard dirt road to the trailhead
• About 14 miles total, with elevation changes and river crossings
• Overnight backpacking
• 50 ft of rope required for the Crack in the Wall entry