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the box |
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This rewarding warm season hike traverses a beautiful canyon up
through the Navajo sandstone in the only designated wilderness
area in the Escalante River drainage. From the trail head, begin
following Pine Creek upstream into The Box canyon. Because of the
higher elevation of this canyon, the trail head is located at 6500
feet above sea level, the canyon vegetation is a mix of desert and
forest plants and trees. Giant ponderosa pines shade the floor of
the canyon and wildflowers linger into the hottest part of the
summer. The trail crosses Pine Creek numerous times, so you may
get your feet wet. The entire canyon can be done as a day hike
from the upper trail head down to the lower trail head, but two
vehicles or a
shuttle is required. |
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maps / guide books |
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hike summary |
- Rating: Moderate
- Distance: The Box is 8 miles long, but
you can make the hike as short or long as you like.
- Topography: Elevation gain of 1500 feet
from TH to the top of the canyon.
- Access: Good gravel road to TH.
- Water: Year round water in Pine Creek,
carry at least 2 liters per person.
- Fee: None.
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getting there |
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The trail head is located on Hell's Backbone Road
approximately 8 miles north of Escalante. Hell's Backbone Road is
paved for the first 5 miles and then becomes a well maintained
gravel road. You will enter the Dixie National Forest after about
7 miles and the sign indicating the Lower Box Access Trail Head
will be on your right a mile further up the road. |
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