Near Reflection Canyon
Camping on slickrock at Reflection Canyon is like nothing else.
Near Reflection Canyon
The sun sets over Reflection Canyon.
Near Reflection Canyon
Sunrise at Reflection Canyon when Lake Powell's elevation was at 3617' - towards the highest levels of the year.
Near Reflection Canyon
Reflection Canyon glints in the morning sun.
Near Reflection Canyon
Reflection Canyon Trail keeps up the beautiful scenery heading back to the car.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Reflection Canyon

5.0 (9 Ratings)
Reflection Canyon is a must-see that requires nearly 8.5 miles of navigating across singletrack and slickrock.
15.1
mi
Distance
1,835
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Commonly BackpackedLakeViews
Access Issues
Free overnight permits can be obtained in the Escalante Visitor Center.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
15.12mi
Distance
1,835ft
Elevation Gain
1,835ft
Elevation Loss
--%
Max Grade
4,479ft
High Point
3,924ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The trailhead is located at mile 51 on Hole In The Rock Road, which will take 2+ hours to drive when the road is dry. At mile 51, the terrain on both sides of the road flattens, which is unlike most of the road. This is where you can pull off the road and park, but neither the parking area nor the trailhead is marked.This trail from the parking area heads upwards to a bench at about 4400' and follows that contour through dirt and dry creek beds for about 5.5 miles. At 5.5 miles, you begin to head east and around mile 6, you'll reach the slick rock. By taking a more direct route across the slickrock, we were able to cut some distance on the beginning section but lost it later when we went around a mesa that we could have gone over.The slickrock section is not marked at all, and the dirt section has a few cairns, but there can be multiple routes or no visible routes at all depending on when it has last rained. The route is constantly up and down, but with very little net elevation change. Along the way you'll get great views of Navajo Mountain on one side and cliffs of the Kaiparowits Plateau on the other.A final section of sloping slickrock will lead you to the rim of Glen Canyon at last. While the viewpoint is stunning year-round, you'll want to check on the elevation of Lake Powell. Generally, anything under 3600' offers prime viewing, but lower is probably better. Based on historical Lake levels, September through May offers the best viewing window and February through April has the lowest Lake levels.I recommend camping right on the slickrock, where flat spots are easy enough to find. This produces the lowest impact because you'll avoid trampling desert soil. Remember that you need to carry all your water for your entire trip, as there is no consistent water source on the trail.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Steve Springer