We followed this for some time, occasionally cross-checking our maps and phone GPS applications to ensure we were on track. Setting off overland, we crossed some wasteland until we intersected what faintly resembled a worn dirt path along the edge of cliff face to our right. So, as much as I wanted to pull the camera out of the bag, it stayed tucked away for the whole journey. Probably the most important part: Realizing time was a factor (time = heat = water consumed), I thought it best to not take any photographs on the way out to Reflection Canyon rather, I decided it best to “scout” locations on the way out and focus my attention on navigation, and worry about taking pictures on the way back since I would be retreading the same ground.
Having woken earlier than anticipated, I calculated it would be better to get moving just around sunrise when the temperature would be around 40 Fahrenheit (4 Celsius) to avoid the mid-day heat, when the temperature would be closer to 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius). A couple belts of whiskey later, and we were sound asleep. Shortly after arriving, the wind blew fiercely and probably pushed the windchill factor to down near 0-degrees Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius). We could faintly see another couple of vehicles in the distance, so we assumed we were close. We pulled off the road where we guessed the trailhead was, being mindful to not beam other campers at the trailhead with our headlights. I realize there is quite a timeline jump between “driving down Hole-in-the-Rock Road” and “arrived at Reflection Canyon!”, so bear with me here….Īfter securing our permit, we drove down Hole-in-the-Rock Road in relative darkness as it was a new moon. The beautiful s-bend in Reflection Canyon is only visible when the water level in Lake Powell drops below about 3580 feet (1091 meters) above mean sea level. This meant we headed down Hole-in-the-Rock Road right as the sun was setting.
REFLECTION CANYON UTAH FREE
Realizing we had some free time on our hands, we decided to grab an early dinner at the Circle D Eatery in town (now an Escalante favorite of mine!) in lieu of breaking out the dehydrated pouch meals early. Thankfully, a kind employee answered the telephone and told us we could file our permit at the Hurricane Wash Trailhead, about halfway down the bumpy Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Escalante to Reflection Canyon. After arriving at Salt Lake City airport and driving most of the way across the state of Utah (not before picking up backpacking stove fuel), we arrived in the town of Escalante, home of the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center where one acquires free Reflection Canyon trail permits however, we unfortunately arrived a few minutes after the Center closed. The Reflection Canyon Trailhead is one of the most inaccessible trailheads in the United States, and reaching it requires planning, patience, … and four-wheel drive. The Reflection Canyon Trailhead is accessed by traveling down the 55-mile (88-kilometer) -long dirt road named “Hole-in-the-Rock Road.” This road sits on the the Fiftymile Bench underneath the Kaiparowits Plateau.
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