Down Coyote Gulch, up the Escalante, up Steven's
![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_103_GinaAndTheRedBullit.jpg)
Gina's pack got really big over night.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_104_GinaAndSteveTogether.jpg)
Mostly the walking continued to be easy and the scenery beautiful.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m103_LowerCoyoteGulch.jpg)
The lower part of Coyote Gulch got a little rocky.
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The approach to the confluence is spectacular. Walls of
sandstone rise up on both sides and the river covers the bottom from wall to
wall, though only a couple inches deep. Three years ago Marie got a beautiful
picture of me here:
![](Escalante98_images/Esc98_0216_CoyoteConfulence.jpg)
Escalante confluence, March 1998
And we try to duplicate it this year:
![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m108_SteveAndGinaAtConfluence.jpg)
Gina and Steve approaching the confluence.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_105_Confluence.jpg)
Gina and Steve in the steep walled section. The confluence proper is in
the distance.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_s110_SteveAtConfluence.jpg)
This is close in framing.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m111_TomAtCoyoteConfluence.jpg)
This is a little closer in lighting.
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By any measure, it is a spectacular place.
We talk a break at the confluence then plunge in and walk
up stream for a couple miles to Steven's Canyon. This stretch is much more difficult
than I remember. Possibly, three years ago we were better able to get out and
walk along the bank. Camera's were put away in case we fell in.
![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_106_TheConfluence.jpg)
The clear water of Coyote Gulch mixing with the silt laden water of the
Escalante.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m116_ChangeToDryBoots.jpg)
A welcome change to dry shoes after walking in the water the past two
days.
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From there we walked
up Steven's canyon. |
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m119_StevensSecondStep.jpg)
The second step.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m121_MudSlope.jpg)
Poison ivy slope. I got Poison Ivy both times I did this hike. It may
have come from this slope.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m122_TornPants.jpg)
Whoops!
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We find a nice slickrock camp:
![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_110_Camp2.jpg)
On up Steven's to the "confluence".
From our camp it is a short distance to our camp of 3
years ago:
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m126_BoulderCamp.jpg)
We camped on this boulder. Just up canyon is a impassible pourover.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_112_Ramp.jpg)
To continue from here we exit the inner gorge via this interesting ramp.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m129_RampOutOfLowerStevens.jpg)
Looking back down the ramp.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_113_GinaAndSteve.jpg)
Walking on the rim.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_114_RockSlide.jpg)
At one point there is a rock slide. From the distance it looks like precarious,
exposed walking.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_s115_LedgeWalk.jpg)
There is actually a good, secure trail through the slide.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_116_MiddleStevens.jpg)
There is another pourover and you can drop down to the canyon floor on
the top of the Wingate.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m133_TomTiesBoot.jpg)
After doing all this exposed walking I noticed that one of my boots was
untied and I stopped to tie it. Marie thought that was pretty funny so
she took a picture.
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The next section is sublime. It is one of the few places
that I know where water flow free and clear across clean slickrock. We rushed
through this area last time. This time I intend to camp here.
![](Escalante98_images/Esc98_0331_StevensSlickRock.jpg)
1998
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_117_MiddleStevens.jpg)
2001
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m134_MiddleStevensSlickRockFloor.jpg)
Pools on slickrock
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I meant to be here yesterday evening and have a full day to explore. Still,
I have half a day and use that to explore up one of Steven's side canyons. Afterwards
I take a bath. I wash in one of the several clear flowing pools then dry off
on the clean slickrock to the side. It is the best outdoor bath I've ever had.
![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_120_SouthFork.jpg)
This is the South Fork. I saw a fox up here.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_119_StevensConfluence.jpg)
Meanders carved into the sandstone. We are camped on the bench middle
right.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_m136_GinaAndSteveCooking.jpg)
Steve and Gina cooking dinner. The dern sun came out again.
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![](Escalante01_images/Esc01_122_Camp3.jpg)
Some fine slickrock camping.
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Next
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