Epic Travel → North America → Mountain States → Utah → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Egypt Bench to the Escalante River

Location: Egypt Bench, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Distance: 5 miles (roundtrip)

Elevation Gain: 1000 feet

Time Required: 4 hours total (less without a heavy pack on)

Red Tape/Notes: overnight permits are free but required, and can be obtained at the visitor’s center

What’s Nearby?: Neon Canyon, Ringtail Canyon, Egypt 3

We wouldn’t have done this as an overnight backpack if it weren’t for the canyons (Neon and Ringtail) we wanted to do, but it turned out to be an extremely pleasant part of our trip. The hike in and out was a bit rough because of all our gear (backpacking gear + canyoning gear), but it was worth it. The hike across Egypt Bench is a beautiful journey through iconic red slick rock and sand that descend via Fence Canyon which becomes a lush paradise at the base due to the year-round water found there. The intersection of Fence Canyon and the Escalante River provides a number of campsites, including the truly epic one we occupied – there was a perfect space for our tent, and view short steps away was a rocky beach perfect for soaking your feet from a camp chair. Hikes in the area typically involve walking/floating down the Escalante, but it’s so hot hear from spring to fall that you’re almost happy to drop into the frigid water. Without canyoning gear, this would be a relaxing backpack trip for the whole family.

Epic Travel → North America → Mountain States → Utah → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Egypt Bench to the Escalante River