Our group had an amazing backpack through the national treasure of the Upper Escalante River, otherwise known Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The canyons in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument provide some of the most outstanding hiking opportunities to be found on earth. This natural area consists of a maze of sandstone cliffs, canyons, plateaus and if your lucky you may even be able to experience a river or two, a precious commodity in the desert South West! This canyon country is part of a natural basin surrounded by higher areas of the Colorado Plateau. We were fortunate enough to spend our trip backpacking along a river the entire 20 plus miles!
Our first day we hiked along the Escalante river for seven miles to our base camp for the night. When the sun set that first night the stars were lighting up sky. The view of the night sky was one of the best we’ve seen to date, with the canyon walls highlighting the starry sky! The second morning we woke and started the day with mandatory oats and packed light for a day hike up a beautiful side canyon that flows into the Escalante River. We left the main stem of the river and started up a side drainage called Death Hollow. Although the name eludes to a different experience:), we found more amazing views and swimming holes! Our group ended up exploring around the stream, enjoying nature and one another’s company.
On parts of the hike a few of us were lucky enough to step into some quicksand and added some good memories and struggles to the trip. There’s nothing like watching a friend sink in to the earth to lighten the mood!
On our third morning we packed up for a couple hours where we found a huge cottonwood tree perfect that was perfect for resident L to share his story his story on his last outdoor trip with B2B as a resident! It’s always a great experience learning, understanding, and relating to one of our brothers. We didn’t have much hiking left for the day so we ended up hiking up to a natural bridge. We were down in an alcove below the bridge with the red and white rock contrasting off the green trees below. The whole trip was down in an amazing canyon with multi colored sandstone rock which made for an amazing meditation opportunity to center and relax the group.
Our last morning was an early one with only a fifteen minute hike to the van. We packed out quickly so we could get to the city of Kanab and eat at Big Al’s. The majority of us got burgers, fries, and shakes which ended up being a perfect ending to an amazing trip!
Until out next adventure sending much love to our family and friends!
