Coyote Gulch, Desert gulch in Escalante region, Utah, US
Coyote Gulch is a desert canyon in the Escalante region that winds through red sandstone formations, connecting multiple natural arches and waterfalls. The waterway eventually flows into the Escalante River near Lake Powell.
The Escalante region remained one of the last areas to be thoroughly mapped in the continental United States, with geological surveys continuing into the late 1800s. This remote territory was among the final frontiers of American exploration and scientific study.
Indigenous petroglyphs mark the sandstone walls throughout the canyon, showing that people have recognized this water source as special for centuries. The marks remain visible today, connecting modern visitors to the region's earliest inhabitants.
Access to the canyon involves a steep initial descent where about 50 feet of rope becomes helpful for the climb down. Overnight visits require backcountry permits, and visitors should plan carefully for water management and route finding through the wash.
The canyon maintains flowing water year-round, creating an unusual wetland pocket within the surrounding arid landscape. This constant water source supports a variety of plants and wildlife that would otherwise struggle to survive in the dry desert.
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