The hike down Big Horn Canyon is as straightforward as it gets: make your way downcanyon to its confluence with Harris Wash, then return the way you came.
From the parking area, head south along a well-trodden trail. Pass a small rock outcrop on the right, and keep slogging along the sandy wash. Around 0.6 mile, you reach a dry fall. If the steep slickrock ramp intimidates you, there’s a route to the left that descends a gully instead.
Keep heading downstream, enjoying wonderful narrows. In places, you can choose to walk along the bottom of the wash through low slots, or you can walk on the benchlands above. It’s about 3.9 miles to Harris Wash. Simply turn around sooner for a shorter hike.
From Escalante, head east on Hwy 12 for about 10 miles. Turn right onto Spencer Flat (Old Sheffield) Road, cross a cattle guard, and continue for 2.8 miles. There’s a pull-off on the right with space for 3-4 vehicles.
Get monthly hikes in your inbox for a year.
Join the Grand Canyon Trust today to receive your adventure kit:
Weigh in on proposed plans and projects that affect Grand Staircase-Escalante and other public lands across the plateau.
Love Grand Staircase? A gift to the Trust supports on-the-ground work and the protection of your favorite places across the Colorado Plateau.
We're looking for volunteers to gather information about pinyon jays in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and beyond.
From nautiloids to ferns to fish from long ago, fossils in the Grand Canyon hold secrets to life in an ancient time.
Read More
Pack your camera and head for the trees! The Colorado Plateau has some of the best displays of fall foliage all season long.
Read More