Atlas › Grand Staircase / Hole-in-the-Rock
Egypt 2
Famous photo-rappel canyon. Long downclimbing through skinny mud-floored slot.
The long entrance rappel from the rim is why people come and also where they get hurt. It goes from a small arch at the top, hangs free in places, and has a sharp lip that will strip a sheath if you let the rope saw across it. Bring 300 feet of rope, leave it rigged at the top, and collect it on the way back out rather than pulling it into the canyon. If you do not want that drop, a much shorter entrance rappel down and across the canyon skips very little of the good part. Below the entrance it is standard Escalante work: a 35 to 40 foot rappel with an awkward start, downclimbing, and a couple of potholes that go with partner assists. The classic outing is down 2 and up 3, which makes a loop. For a half day instead, take the exit slab on canyon right near 37 degrees 33 minutes 48 seconds N, 111 degrees 14 minutes 51 seconds W and either run a shuttle or walk the mile back up the Egypt road. Getting there is 16.75 miles down Hole in the Rock Road, then 8 miles of Egypt Bench Road that wants high clearance.
Logistics
| Manager | BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument |
|---|---|
| Permit | No fee, no day-use permit required. Free overnight backpacking permit required for any backcountry camping (self-issue at developed trailheads or at GSENM visitor centers in Cannonville, Escalante, Kanab, or Big Water). Day-use is free. |
| Distance | ~3-5 RT |
| Elevation | ~600 ft |
| Time | 5-8 hr |
| Technical | 3A. 2 rappels (one 296-ft optional from rim, or 99-ft standard) |
| Season | Spring, fall |
| Flood risk | Moderate |
| Vehicle access | Egypt Bench Rd; HC/4WD |
| Crowd | Low |
| Coordinates | 37.5816, -111.2428 |
Sources
- permits: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument/plan
- travel info: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument/travel-info
- notes: https://ropewiki.com/index.php?title=Egypt_2_Canyon&action=raw