Earlier this year we headed down to the Escalante area to hike to Coyote Gulch via the Jacob Hamblin Arch Trail. The main goal of the hike was to see “the tree” at Swiss Cheese Falls as the green foliage was just popping in Spring. The goal of the Fall hike was to see the same tree but in Fall colors. We decided not to take the shorter trail we had already experienced – it required that to be safe we carry a rope for the descent into the canyon and we wanted to be “Light and Fast.” We opted for the longer Hurricane Wash Trail.

After camping near the trailhead, we took off in relatively cold weather. Soon after we were layering down as the daytime temps began to rise. Like a lot of the trails in and around the Southern Utah canyons, even if the footprints disappear, you just follow the river or stream. There were a lot of stream crossings which were a bit chilly!

We made good time, found our giant alcove camping spot, set up the tent and Joel was off to get his photos. Great contrast between the spring and fall shots …

• 

•