The Destination: Harris Wash, one of the more popular and easily accessible canyons in the Escalante region.

Finding the Trailhead: From Escalante, Utah travel about 4 miles east on Highway 12 to Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Turn right onto Hole-in-the-Rock Road and follow it roughly 10 miles to the signed junction with Harris Wash. Turn left and travel 7 more miles to the trailhead. The entire route to the trailhead is suitable for a low-clearance 2WD vehicle except the last half mile to the trailhead. There is a corral you can park at and hike the last half mile to the official trailhead if you are in doubt. We did see a Honda Civic at the trailhead which managed to get through but I wouldn't reccomend it, especially if there is any chance of inclement weather.

Route Description:Harris Wash begins as an open, dry wash bottom and slowly descends into a deep winding canyon with thick foliage and a perennial stream. From the trailhead to the confluence with the Escalante River the canyon runs 10.7 miles one way. This route was once used as a wagon route that followed Harris Wash to the Escalante River and then upstream 1/3 mile to Silver Falls Creek and out towards Boulder and the Burr Trail. While many guide books mention the existence of the old road as a good way to hike the canyon we found it much easier and safer to stay in the river bed. Following remnants of trails in the lower canyon generally resulted in overgrown dead-ends resulting in difficult and potentially dangerous bushwhacking. Trail conditions are primarily deep sand and wading, a good pair of wading shoes or boots are reccomended.

Other Information:

• Trailhead Elevation: 4,980 Feet
• Lowest Point at Escalante River: 4,650 Feet
• Mileage from Trailhead to Escalante River: 10.7
• Difficulty: Medium, not reccomended for a first time desert backpacking trip
• Water Availability: Harris wash has a clean perennial flow of water from about 2 miles down the canyon on to the Escalante River. There are no known springs in Harris Wash, plan on purifying or filtering all water.
• Hazards: The biggest risk in Harris Wash is flash flood. Never enter a desert canyon when precipitation is forecasted. Due to the diverse terrain
• Prime Season: March thru mid-June and September thru early November. During the warmer months the first two miles will be particularly hot and unpleasant.
• Recommended maps and guides: Ron Adkison's Grand Staircase Guide Book, Trails Illustrated Map(It helps me keep this site up and running if you purchase through these links!)