Harris Wash and Side Canyons

The route offered by Harris Wash to the Escalante River is easily accessible, and is famous with both people and cattle—several visitors explore the lower ten miles, normally on short backpacking trips; whereas, the higher regions are grazed well for most of the year. The canyon turns out around twelve thousand feet deep with majestic cut Navajo sandstone cliffs, big rock nooks, pools and year-round running water in the lower extents. It sustains several trees, shrubs, and blossoms. Although the canyon is never very narrow, a few of its sub-streams are true slot canyons and, normally less visited than the best ones that are distinguished by extraordinary colours and characteristics of rocks, beginning upstream of the usual trailhead.

Harris Wash is almost the longest sub-stream of the Escalante River—begins high in the Kaiparowits Plateau, it known as Alvey Wash there, and the upper end of Smoky Mountain Road follow for some time. The creek continues Northward to Escalante town, then suddenly bends Southeast and flows near UT 12 for some time. It crosses the Hole-in-the-Rock-Road—at mile 4—the venue where it changes name. Following another twenty miles, the Harris Wash canyon joins the primary river, and the actual hike starts from here. Though the most common point of hike remains farther downstream, and is accessed by a secondary road.

The upper Harris Wash does not offer much to see. From the North, Big Horn Canyon meets almost two miles East of the Hole-in-the-Rock-Road—an extended gorge with two stretches, and plenty of fine portions. Further downstream, the primary wash remains perfectly wide, and the rocky streambed winds between sandbanks covered with grass. There are many very short and arched slot canyons that meet from the North, but the closest worthwhile sub-stream is only reached after about two and a half miles further—a location where the wash becomes moderately wide and turns due south. It is near to the junction with Halfway Hollow, the second major side canyon to the south.

Using the canyon rating system, Harris wash is rated as 1A II, and the recommended seasons for visiting the place are the Spring or the Fall. You must preset your mind for getting a cool stuff during the visit—you will need to go through really cold water. In addition to preparing your mind-set for the hike, you also require a plenty of drinking water, dry bags, wading shoes, map, and good map reading skills!