Egypt 3 canyon, nestled within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, is a captivating destination for hikers seeking a unique and challenging experience. This non-technical slot canyon offers a seemingly endless supply of narrow passages, sculpted Navajo narrows, and remote wilderness beauty. If there is a better non-technical slot in Escalante, it would be tough to name. Egypt 3 is by far one of the most dramatic and narrow non-technical slots in the area.
This canyon presents a thrilling adventure for those prepared to navigate its constrictions and potential water obstacles. However, it's essential to be well-prepared and aware of the inherent risks associated with slot canyons, especially in remote areas.
Getting to the Trailhead
Getting to Egypt 3 very well could be half the adventure. The journey begins near Escalante, Utah, requiring a drive along the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
- From the town of Escalante, Utah drive roughly 10 miles east out of town on Highway 12.
- Head right (south) onto the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
- Pass the Turnoffs for Harris Wash and Devils Garden.
- After about 17 miles on this fairly good road turn left onto the signed Egypt Bench Road.
The road conditions can vary significantly. While Hole-in-the-Rock is a relatively nicely maintained dirt road, Egypt Bench Road is much rougher. Maintenance on this side road ceased a number of years ago for some reason and passenger cars will only be able to get to within 4 miles of the road end at the Egypt Bench Overlook. If you have a passenger car this short hike turns into a full day hike as 8 miles are added. However if you have a high clearance vehicle (4WD not needed), you can drive all the way up the road. The key feature to look for is a shiny metal culvert that goes under the road. Park here and you will see a small hikers trail heading south. The trailhead is totally unassuming - you can see some earlier Egypt canyons from the road but Egypt 3 is hidden.
From the parking area, a short walk down a shallow gully leads to the canyon's head. In a short distance you will come across the Carmel rim of Egypt 3 which you will have to route find a way down onto the Navajo Sandstone. This was very easy to do and from here simply descend the slickrock into the canyon bottom.
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Navigating the Canyon
The canyon offers a seemingly endless supply of narrow slot, that gets narrower and narrower as you progress. A quick walk down a wash leads to a beautiful slick rock descent into a side canyon that feeds into Egypt 3. Continue down-canyon weaving your way through the slides and curves. This canyon is not technical and lots of fun for the average hiker.
The drainage has three distinct parts - after a dramatic 120 foot dryfall it starts with a succession of descending, inter-linked potholes through smooth red rocks, has a long and extremely narrow, intricately-textured middle section then ends with a short technical stretch with several sheer drops into pools that require rappelling and maybe swimming.
Downstream of this access point, the streambed is soon quite enclosed and begins to descend steadily - short level passages are mixed with numerous inter-connected potholes some of which require climbing and/or sliding down drops of several meters.
Potholes: In wet weather the potholes may have pools of up to 3 feet deep, and all of this section requires care and effort, especially if returning upstream. There is one pothole that may be a little hard to escape from if alone and completely dry. This pothole is full most of the time but someone with a little thought and strategy can avoid getting wet here.
Narrow Sections: You will soon come to the narrowest part where even the thinnest of people will have to walk through sideways. You will also have to chimney a little to avoid getting wet (unless you like to get wet). Next, the canyon takes on quite a different character as it enters half a mile of straight but extremely narrow passageways, in places only 8 inches wide. Many people simply won't fit through here, certainly not with large backpacks. The walls are dark in color and have exposed layers of embedded pebbles, creating a rather eerie atmosphere, similar to parts of Brimstone Gulch.
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Technical Section: After the non-technical exit, technical canyoneers can continue down canyon a short distance to a final technical section of slot with 1 rappel. Surprisingly, for such a short slot, it is quite pretty and well sculpted.
As the canyon opens up, look for the first place on the left you can walk up and out from and ascend the slickrock. Soon you will find yourself on the Navajo sandstone on a ridge separating Egypt 3 and 4 canyons. Follow this ridge back to the north towards the head of the canyon. Great views from here are abundant.
EGYPT 3: Canyoneering One of Utah's Best Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Potential Hazards and Considerations
The canyon is absolutely beautiful and and excellent remote wilderness experience. It would be quite easy to get lost or injured in the narrow slots on this canyon and travelers should take extra care with each step here. Even a small injury could be catastrophic because of the narrow nature of the canyon, the few exit points, and the remote nature of the area.
- Water: Even though rated as a 2A canyon (little to no water), after rain, Egypt 3 can become a 2B canyon with a substantial amount of water. Be prepared for mandatory waist to chest-deep pools.
- Squeezes: The narrowest portions of the slot require careful maneuvering, especially for those with larger frames. At 6'2" / 185 lbs and probably about a 40 inch chest, there were several sections I had to wiggle and squeeze to fit through. Overly big boned canyoneers, or those with claustrophobia should find a different adventure.
- Navigation: The exit from the canyon is entirely cross-country and mostly on slick-rock. A map of the area downloaded on Gaia and the specific GPS track for the canyon and exit downloaded to your phones are highly recommended.
Essential Gear and Preparation
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, consider the following gear and preparation tips:
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- Extra Layers: Be prepared for varying temperatures and potential cold, especially if wading through water.
- Food and Water: Carry sufficient supplies for a longer-than-expected trip.
- Maps and GPS: Download maps and GPS tracks to aid in navigation.
- Water Shoes: Consider water shoes or neoprene socks for comfort in wet conditions.
- Towel: An extra towel or two can be useful for drying off after wading.
- Waders/Waterproof Pants: Depending on the season and recent rainfall, waders or waterproof pants may be necessary.
Additional Canyons in the Area
There are more Egypt canyons in the area (actually they are numbered Egypt 1-5). Down Egypt 2 and up Egypt 3 including the bottom technical section. Nice non-technical canyon additional section is not worth the travel unless you are combining with Egypt 2.
Permits and Regulations
The Egypt bench area and canyons are in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. A free permit is required to camp in the monument that can be obtained from the BLM office in Escalante. This entire area has no red tape to speak of. Please practice leave no trace and pack out everything. Avoid camping in dry wash beds in case of a flash flood.
| Canyon | Technical | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt 2 | Yes | Requires rappelling; can be combined with Egypt 3 |
| Egypt 3 | No (with optional technical section) | Narrow slot canyon with potential water obstacles |
| Egypt 1, 4, 5 | Unknown | Other canyons in the Egypt Bench area |
By taking the necessary precautions and respecting the environment, you can have an unforgettable adventure exploring the wonders of Egypt 3!
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