I have to give it to you packrafters - seems that you are the best at Trip Reporting information. I have been reading your posts recently and as usual am surprised at some of the mis-information that gets out there.
One recent posters experience after making it to the GSESM Visitors Center in Escalante Utah surprised me the most, but was also reminiscent of my first experience as well. After traveling some distancing this person checked-in for the required backcountry pass and was told, as he explains...."they told me the river was kinda all or nothing".
What a dis function for the poor packer, of all types of paddlers - the Escalante River is truly most accessible to you!
This brought me head on with the very important topic of ESCAPE Routes. They will certainly mention them to you if you stop by the office to get your pass. Mater of factly, if I remember my own experience correctly. Because the numbing had already set in for me by that point of my first visit, I didn't pick up the topic for further discussion - only reassured them that it was included in all of our trip planning, and was noted or relevant maps being used.
I will do my best below to list them in order passed along the way, starting from the Highway 12 put-in. If you are using a different location - your put-in will likely be noted as a possible exit route. If you know of a useful route not mentioned please let me know.
Important Note: Help can be a long way off in the river basin. Cell phone service will NOT work and should not be relied upon. Even if help is contacted they could be hours away from your location. In severe circumstance a river escape may be your only option. However - just because you are out of the basin does not mean that roads are not miles away.
Escalante River Escape Routes
1.) This first mile or more is private property with houses and cabins nearby.
2.) Mile 6.3 Boulder Creek.
If you make it this far and need out your best bet would be to turn around and take the trail back toward the highway. Phipps Canyon could be used also.
3.) Mile 6 - 12 - Ladder Canyon LKA
At mile 10.5 is an unnamed exit right locally known as Ladder.
4.) Mile 13- 18 The Gulch.
At mile 15.4 is The Gulch, it's 8.4 miles to the trail head from here. Note: There is a ladders exit in the The Gulch, however the main canyon exit is an easier route.
5.) Mile 19 - 24 Lower Sand Slide
This overland route will get you out of the river drainage. From the top of the dune locate the pink dome on the right.
6.) Mile 25 - 30 Harris Wash:
Located at mile 29.2 this is one of the most popular canyons in the area.
7.) Mile 31 - 36 Fence Canyon.
Located at mile 35.8 in the Egypt 3 area this is the SHORTEST route out, it is also a popular destination because of it's proximity to Neon.
8.) Mile 37 - 42 Twenty Five Mile Wash
Located at mile 41.9 this is also a major trail exit.
9.) Mile 43 - 48 Moody Creek
At mile 48, this is 1 of 3 with this name.
10.) Mile 49 - 54 Scorpion Gulch
Located at mile 55. You are 8.8 miles from the trail head.
11.) Mile 55 - 61. Fold Canyon
Mile 60.8 leads to this lengthy climb.
12.) Mile 62 - 67 Hydra Canyon
At mile 65.5 this would be a difficult canyon to climb out of.
13.) Mile 68 - 73 None
14.) Mile 74 - 79 Coyote Gulch
At mile 75.4 is a main take-out for those leaving the river, this is the Crack-in-the-wall route. This is also the last meaning exit before Lake Powell.
15.) Mile 80 - 85 Explorer Canyon
This will be your pick-up location on the lake.
None of these routes identified are easy, if you are injured attempting any of these could be foolish. The shortest route out is at Fence Canyon, located almost in the middle of the trip for those exiting at Coyote Gulch. This route is just over 3 miles with the most difficult section being the last 800 foot ascent. Most of these exit river right, The Gulch and Moody Creek being the notable exception.
Good luck in your trip planning and be safe!
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