The Boulder Mail Trail is a 15-mile, point-to-point route between Escalante and Boulder in Utah. The route crosses slickrock, Death Hollow Creek, and parallels an old telegraph line. It features incredible canyons, plateaus, and some of the best of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Region: Southwest (Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah)
Distance: 15 miles (2 days)
Physical Difficulty: Difficult
- Lightly defined trail can be hard to follow
- Difficult descent to Escalante River
- Slickrock can be tough to navigate
Logistical Difficulty: Moderate
- Water roughly halfway
- Point-to-point route
- Great camping options
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Max Elevation: 6,805 feet
Hiking The Boulder Mail Trail
The Boulder Mail Trail is a historic route rooted in delivering the mail across the unforgiving terrain of southern Utah. An old telegraph line still runs most of the way from Boulder to Escalante and the Boulder Mail Trail parallels its path. The point-to-point hike is one of the most diverse in the area, while also being extremely accessible. The slickrock, striking canyons, and high plateaus that make up Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are all present on this 15-mile route.
This backpacking route is comprised of three different segments. The northeast third of the trail is on a high plateau and undulating terrain that is smooth but can get muddy after snow or rain. It is a slow descent from 6,800 feet to the edge of Death Hollow Canyon and the start of the second segment. This first third has the smoothest, most well-defined, and easiest miles of the route. It is a warmup for a tough descent into one of the most unique canyons I have ever hiked through.
The second segment of the Boulder Mail Trail is the canyon. This is the highlight of the trip but also the most difficult. The route down is precarious and steep. Cairns mark the route, but it is still difficult to wind down the slickrock and to the creek below. It is a slow drop to the bottom and accentuated by a refreshing crossing of the cold, deep creek. This is the best camping and water for the route, so I recommend filling up in Death Hollow Creek and even camping there. The route follows the creek for a few miles and joins a part of the Death Hollow Loop when it finally climbs out of the deep canyon. This turn can be hard to find, so be cognizant and I recommend having a GPS track to ensure you climb out at the right spot. The climb out of the canyon is very similar to the drop into it. The slickrock has no trail and the elevation gain can be punishing. Follow the cairns.
Segment three begins with a long climb out of the canyon and crosses the signature expansive terrain of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The route can be hard to follow at times, marked only by small cairns, and the surface ranges from soft sand to hard rock. But it is beautiful. The escape into nature is obvious and this lesser-traveled route offers ample spots to dry camp or simply take in the surrounding views in this third segment.
The 15-mile route ends with a climb over one last ridgeline and a drop to the outskirts of Escalante, Utah. The southwest corner is also the only place that backpackers should expect any cell service, and even here I found it faint. This route is about getting into the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante; you can show everyone on social media later!
When to Hike The Boulder Mail Trail
The Boulder Mail Trail is best hiked in the spring and the fall, although I was able to travel the entire route in February. There was snow in February and the creek was especially cold, but there was a special kind of beauty with the surrounding mountains cloaked in white. Summer can be very hot on the exposed rock sections, but it is also doable with the right water capacity, knowledge, and preparation. I recommend hiking it in the shoulder seasons.
It is a point-to-point trail, so sorting out the logistics on how to get back to the car at one end is something to consider. Luckily the road from one trailhead to the other is straightforward and most cars will be traveling all the way through if hitching is a consideration. Also, I have done this trail as an out and back for 30 miles of enjoyment and also ended up back at my vehicle.
Boulder Mail Trail Terrain
The terrain is classic high desert. There are open, exposed bedrock (slickrock) sections, small shrubs, plants with stickers, and sand. It is a classic Utah route and has all the characteristics of many of the similar routes in the dry, arid state. I consumed more water than I expected and it is likely due to the subtle accumulation of elevation and the lack of moisture in the air.
Your feet will get wet. There really is no way to avoid having to wade through the deep, soft, flowing waters of Death Hollow Creek. It is not a scary crossing, but a mid-thigh saunter through the water. If backpacking, this is the perfect opportunity to bring camp shoes or Crocs and save your shoes and socks from getting soaked through.
Logistics: Direction, Land Management, Water
Land Management: This trail is in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which means the regulations are much more lax than a national park. There is a ranger station in Escalante, Utah, where a free permit can be obtained. If the ranger station is closed, each trailhead has a register to simply mark when you start and when you will be finished.
Water: The only water on the Boulder Mail Trail is Death Hollow Creek. You cannot miss it as you will have to wade through the water, but I would recommend camping here and also topping off your water before the long climb out of the canyon.
Remoteness: There is very little connectivity on the Boulder Mail Trail. The only semblance of cell service that I had was the last couple of miles when I was exiting on the Escalante side. Be prepared to be fully contained and self-sufficient on your hike.
Permits: There are walk-up permits at the Escalante ranger station.
Poison Ivy: The route is known to have some poison ivy on the Death Hollow Creek portion. I have not had an issue with it, but former hiking partners have.
