Near Upper Boulder Creek
Late afternoon brings shade to the Hogsback.
Near Upper Boulder Creek
Autumn aspens soak up the sun along Boulder Creek.
Near Upper Boulder Creek
Along Upper Boulder Creek, you're bound to see potholes filled with water after wet weather.
Near Upper Boulder Creek
Escalante twilight... fortunately the car has been spotted.
Near Upper Boulder Creek
Be sure to check out this triangular sandstone alcove along Upper Boulder Creek.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Upper Boulder Creek

4.0 (1 Rating)
Potholes, sandstone, and the Hogsback characterize this hike through the desert.
8.1
mi
Distance
1,490
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
River/CreekViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.09mi
Distance
1,490ft
Elevation Gain
1,490ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
6,260ft
High Point
5,548ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
There isn't an obvious trailhead. Park by the side of the road and head about a mile generally east, passing various potholes, some of which will likely contain water. The drop into the river isn't too difficult but may require some scoping. Look for a column of lava covered sandstone in a bend in the river. Head upstream. There isn't necessarily a trail, but with a little scouting you should do fine. The exit point was not obvious when we hiked the route, but in returning on the western side of the loop, we followed a wash for a good portion of the way, until a small but obvious cut led us back to the top of the wash. Keep an eye out for this, and it will help you to make your way back to the car. Our evidently out-of-date guidebook mentioned heading up after nearing an old telegraph line which we later discovered had been chopped down leaving only one-to-two foot posts. The route shown here has been edited slightly to represent a good exit rather than the exact route we took. Once on the Hogsback, multiple routes are possible as long as you are generally headed south. Eventually, you should be able to see your car before beginning the final descent.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Matthew Kidd