All Women’s Death Hollow & Escalante River Backpacking 

We’ll depart St. George early for a scenic drive through the heart of southern Utah, watching the desert unfold as we head toward the red rock country of Escalante. Upon arrival, we’ll go over final packing details and meet our shuttle driver, who will transport us to the starting point of our journey near the remote town of Boulder.

Once at the trailhead, we’ll shoulder our packs and take our first steps into the vast slickrock wilderness of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The route begins through a quiet forest of stunted pines before opening up to expansive sandstone terrain—a preview of the wild beauty that awaits. We’ll descend gently into the bed of Sand Creek, pausing to take in the silence and shifting scenery, before continuing across open slickrock to a dramatic overlook above Death Hollow. From there, an adventurous descent leads us into the depths of the canyon, where walls rise high above and a clear, perennial stream winds its way through the shade of tall pines.

We’ll make camp along the banks of Death Hollow, surrounded by towering cliffs and the calming sound of flowing water—a perfect spot to settle in, share a meal, and embrace the start of our journey together.

Drive Time: 4 hours

Distance & Elevation: 6 miles, 700-foot descent / ascent

Lunch, Dinner

We’ll start the day with a challenging but rewarding climb out of Death Hollow, ascending from the shaded canyon floor to the wide-open slickrock above. As we gain elevation, the landscape unfolds—sweeping views across the Death Hollow Wilderness and the high desert beyond set the tone for an inspiring day.

Our route takes us across undulating sandstone terrain toward Mamie Canyon, where we’ll drop our packs and take a short side hike to Mamie Natural Bridge—a graceful arch tucked into a quiet, hidden corner of the landscape. We’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch beneath the arch, soaking in the solitude and strength of this beautiful desert landmark.

After lunch, we’ll return to our packs and continue the journey toward Antone Flats, a stunning high-desert expanse where we’ll make camp for the night. As the sun dips low, painting the sky above the slickrock in shades of gold and rose, your guides will prepare a delicious dinner to enjoy together beneath the stars.

Distance & Elevation: 8 miles, 1000-foot ascent / descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll begin the day with a hearty breakfast before breaking camp and continuing our journey across the sweeping expanse of Antone Flats. A steady climb brings us to a scenic ridgeline, where we’re greeted with expansive views: Boulder Mountain rising to the north, the vastness of the Death Hollow Wilderness stretching behind us, and the town of Escalante tucked far below in the distance.

From here, we begin our descent toward Pine Creek, the terrain slowly shifting from high desert to riparian corridor. At the confluence with the Escalante River, we turn east and follow the winding path of water into the heart of a breathtaking sandstone gorge. With each bend in the canyon, the walls rise taller, creating a sense of wonder and scale that only deepens as we move forward.

Tonight’s camp is tucked beneath a towering sandstone alcove, a natural cathedral carved by time. As the light fades and echoes dance along the canyon walls, we’ll share another delicious guide-prepared dinner and reflect on how far we’ve come.

Distance & Elevation: 8 miles, 700-foot descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake to the golden glow of sunrise as it lights up the towering canyon walls around camp—a quiet moment to sip your coffee, stretch, and soak in the serenity of this wild place. After breakfast, we’ll continue our trek downstream along the Escalante River, which flows more like a gentle stream, creating a vibrant desert oasis filled with cottonwoods, willows, and inviting swimming holes.

This stretch of canyon is rich in both natural beauty and cultural history. As we walk, we’ll pass ancient cliff dwellings and rock art panels, remnants of those who once called this place home. Desert varnish streaks the canyon walls in deep blacks and reds, adding to the striking beauty all around us.

At the confluence with Death Hollow, we’ll drop our packs and take a peaceful side hike into its lower reaches, exploring the quiet pools and sculpted rock formations one last time. From there, we’ll continue on to our final night’s camp.

As the sun sets and shadows stretch across the canyon, we’ll gather for a final shared dinner, celebrating the strength, stories, and sisterhood that have carried us through this unforgettable journey.

Distance & Elevation: 8 to 10 miles, 200-foot descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final morning on the trail begins with gratitude—for the land, the journey, and the women who shared it. We’ll hike the last few miles through the heart of the canyon, soaking in the quiet beauty of this sacred place as we make our way toward Calf Creek.

Along the way, we’ll pause beneath the striking Escalante Natural Bridge, a massive span carved by time and water, and stop to admire the Hundred Hand Panel, a powerful display of ancient rock art that reminds us we’re part of a much larger story.

We’ll celebrate the end of our journey with a final trailhead lunch, sharing reflections and favorite moments before making a quick stop in the town of Escalante. Then it’s back to St. George, with arrival expected by 5:00 PM—hearts full, legs strong, and spirits renewed by the wild beauty of southern Utah and the bonds built along the way.

Distance & Elevation: 4 miles, minimal descent

Breakfast, Lunch

Drive Time: 4 hours         

• A professional, licensed and medically trained guide
• All necessary gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles
• All cooking/eating gear: bowls, cups, utensils (your guide will prepare all meals)
• All meals from a light breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George, UT to trailhead
• Entrance fees and backcountry permits

• Transportation to/from St. George, UT
• Lodging the night before/after the trip
• Clothing, raingear, and footwear
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen
• Water bottles/hydration bladder
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Guide gratuity (suggested 10-20% of trip cost)

*Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet

Most backpacking trips in Utah will accommodate 5 people plus one guide. On occasion, a group may be as large as 10 people plus 2 guides.

Our All Women’s Adventures are intended for adults 18 years of age or older.    

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $250 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.

This trip will begin/end in St. George, UT and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure in St. George. You will want to fly into either Las Vegas (2 hour drive) or St. George.

We will meet for at 6:00am the morning of your trip’s departure at the Best Western Abbey Inn in St. George. It is best to plan on staying at this hotel the evening prior to your trip’s departure.

We will provide all transportation to/from trailheads for the duration of the trip. We will pick you up at your hotel in St. George and return you there at the trip’s conclusion. Guests staying at the Best Western Abbey Inn (recommended) can leave their cars at the hotel. The hotel will often store your luggage for you, as well, but please confirm this option in advance. If you are staying at a different hotel, you will need to check with them as to whether you can leave your car/luggage there.

Expect to be back in St. George by 5pm at the latest on the last day of the trip. Many trips will return earlier but we cannot make any guarantees. In general, it is recommended that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.