Coleman Trail

Sections of the trail can be difficult to follow. Look for cairns and blazes marking the trail. Weather can change quickly. Be prepared for cold weather year-round. Ridges, saddles, viewpoints and open meadows are dangerous during thunderstorms.

The Trailhead: From Escalante head east toward Boulder on Hwy 12. Between mile markers 83 and 84 turn left on the road signed “Hells Backbone Road and Salt Gulch.” This becomes Forest Road 153 (FR 153) after passing the Dixie National Forest Sign. After 5 miles you will cross a small bridge and there is a pull out immediately to the left. Park here, the trail begins to the left of the large boulder. 

The Trail: The trail starts to the left of the large boulder and gently climbs for 1 mile where you will come to a creek crossing. Immediately after crossing the creek the trail jogs to the right and then left. There will be a Wilderness boundary sign on the right and the trail begins to steeply climb. At 1.7 miles you will reach an open sage flat. The trail crosses the flat to the south and makes its last climb up a saddle before descending into Sand Creek. At 2 miles the trail begins the steep descent into sand creek. You’ll notice the change in the soil to red and white. When wet this soil becomes very slick. At 2.8 miles you will reach Sand Creek, the trail ends here. Traveling up or down Sand Creek is possible but can be difficult because there is no maintained trail, the brush can be very thick, and it requires walking in water. Stop in the Escalante Visitor Center and ask for current conditions.