Neon Canyon

neon canyon
The Golden Cathedral Neon Canyon Glen Canyon NRA Neon Canyon and the Golden Cathedral is one of the most awe inspiring places to be found in the west. Neon Canyon, its brightly colored walls stained with desert varnish, ends at a dramatic pour-off containing two skylights. The hike up the canyon to the pour-off is a breathtaking adventure. But for those with the skill and equipment, the real adventure is in repelling down into upper Neon and repelling down through the rear skylight. The adventure begins at the Egypt Trail Head, 10 miles east of Hole In The Rock Road. The Egypt Trail
Head is located on an escarpment overlooking the Escalante River drainage. The descent to the Escalante River can be steep at times. Access down to the Escalante River is made by descending Fence Canyon. Once at the Escalante River, Neon Canyon is downriver about 1.25 miles draining in from the east. There are great campsites along the Escalante as well as at the mouth of Neon. Neon Canyon is dry. The Golden Cathedral is located about a mile up Neon Canyon. Neon isn't the only attraction on this section of the Escalante River. Upriver from Neon Canyon about 2.5 miles is the Choprock Canyon System. This terrific drainage comes in from the east and branches several times allowing the adventurous several options for canyoneering fun. The middle fork of Choprock is hikable, while the north and south branches are technical. Michael Kelsey has a great description of Neon and Choprock along with maps in his guidebook Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau.
maps / guide books
Trails Illustrated: Canyons of the Escalante Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau Custom Topo: Egypt Come in to Utah Canyons Desert Adventure Store for more information and advice on this hike.

hike summary

Rating: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: 4.25 hiking miles from Egypt TH to the mouth of Neon.
Topography: Elevation loss of 1100 feet from Egypt TH to the Escalante River.
Access: Hole In The Rock Road, Egypt Trail Head
Water: Year round water is available in the Escalante River about 3 miles in from the TH.
Fee: None, free overnight permit required.

getting there

Getting to the Egypt Trail Head from Escalante generally takes about one and a half to two hours depending upon road and weather conditions.

The turn-off for Egypt is located 17.2 miles down Hole In The Rock Road from Hwy 12. The Egypt Trail Head is located 9.1 miles east of Hole In The Rock Road.

The Egypt Road is quite rough in spots and recommended for high clearance vehicles. There are several wash crossings that may be flooded in wet weather.

Be sure to check out the pour-offs for Egypt 1 and Egypt 2 Slot Canyons along the way. You can't miss them as the road skirts around the top of these pour-offs. They are spectacular.