The Gap
Access to the North Creek Lakes and the Great Western Trail from the Griffin Top Road (FR 140).
2.8 miles one way
Moderate level trail by hiking and horseback. Difficult level by bike.
The nearest water is at Yellow Lake west of the junction of the Gap Trail and the Great Western Trail. Bring your own water for day hikes. All water should be filtered or treated before drinking.
Visit a trail guide and map for this trail here: The Gap Trail Guide and Map
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Sections of the trail can be difficult to follow. Look for cairns and blazes marking the trail. Mosquitoes are prevalent in spring and early summer. Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants and use insect repellent. 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 turn north on the Hells Backbone Road/Pine Creek Road (300 E.). At 0.7 miles the road will fork, stay right. After 3.5 miles the road will turn to dirt and is now called Forest Road 153 (FR153). At 13.6 miles the road will fork, continue straight at the junction, following signs to Posey Lake Campground. Continue past the campground. At 21.6 miles turn left on FR 140. At 29.7 miles the trail sign will be on your left.
The Trail: From FR 140 the trail heads south through a sagebrush flat for the first 1.5 miles. The trail crosses and follows roads at times, so be sure to keep an eye out for rock cairns and carsonite signs, the trail follows the road to the right. Further along you will see a trail sign. From the sign the trail follows an old 2-track for about 0.25 miles then descends into The Gap. The trail is steep for the next 0.5 mile where it then comes to the junction of the Great Western Trail No. 001.6.
Address: 755 W Main , PO Box 246 Escalante, UT 84726
Phone: (435) 826-5499
Hours: Closed Sunday - Monday, Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 4 pm. (Closed on federal holidays)
