812Miles
60–90Days
170,000 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
Multiple: NPS, BLM, Utah State ParksGrand Canyon backcountry permit ($10 + $8/person/night): apply exactly 4 months prior. Coyote Gulch (GSENM): free self-issue. Zion: $15 backcountry permit. Bryce/Capitol Reef: free wilderness permit.Apply or read more
Cost
Variable — $50–150 total across all permits
Bear storage
Grand Canyon: hard-sided container required
Season
Best
October–November and February–March. Summer is dangerously hot in the canyon country.
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PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Critically variable — desert route with springs 15–40 miles apart. Water research is a matter of safety.
Resupply
Remote — major hitches required. Page AZ, Escalante UT, and Kanab UT are main resupply points.
Notes
One of the most remote and demanding routes in North America. Extreme desert navigation, slot canyon travel, and no marked trail for long sections. Serious experience required.
Elevation
2,200 ftHigh 8,200 ft
Resupply towns
Arches NP area
Moab
Escalante
Boulder UT
Kanab
Page AZ
Grand Canyon NP
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