HDT Day 23: Stevens Canyon to Escalante River

Daily Miles: 14.3, Total Miles: 312.9

Took me two tries but found the right way into a side canyon which got me down to Stevens Canyon. What a wonderful day of hiking! In the canyon with a nice flowing creek or perched high up on the steep canyon to avoid deep, narrow slots. I was awe stricken several times – hardly the words to describe the raw power of nature and erosion.

I ran into some backpackers on short trips in the lower part of the canyon. I had to lower my pack on a steep drop off and follow it down. Just enough traction to scoot down and drop the last few feet to the ground. Lots of poison ivy in the lower canyon – hopefully avoided it.

Got down to the confluence with the Escalante River and waded downstream to the mouth of Coyote Gulch. I turned around to stunning views of Stevens Arch. The Escalante River was running mostly knee deep and silty. Talked to a few rafters on the way down, one said, “you must be one of them Haydukers!”.

I got about a half-mile up the Gulch before calling it a day. A gurgling, clear stream was running right outside my tent. Popular spot with several campsites nearby.

A hiker I met in Stevens Canyon came by my campsite and asked if I was missing a Darn Tough sock. Sure enough, I was! He found it at the bottom of a ledge where I had told him I came down. It had fallen off my pack when I lowered the pack by rope.