Atlas › Grand Staircase / Hole-in-the-Rock
Egypt 3
Possibly the best non-technical slot in Escalante. Endless narrowing slot with potholes, then narrowest passages.
Rope is optional here, which is what earns it the best non-technical slot reputation, but do not let that label hide the day: five to six miles round trip and five to eight hours is normal. Parties carrying ropes usually run it as the up half of down 2 up 3, ascending Egypt 3 after descending Egypt 2. Done as a through trip, a 50 meter rope covers the exit. Egypt Bench Road gets noticeably rougher past the Egypt 2 pullout, so many groups park at 2 and walk, then exit north staying east of Egypt 2 and climb out on the west side of the drainage near 37.5807, -111.2397. Hiking up Egypt 2 a short way and using its exit also works. Worth knowing if you are watching the clock: the narrowest and best passages come late.
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 | 5-6 RT (or thru with 50m rope) |
| Elevation | ~600 ft |
| Time | 5-8 hr |
| Technical | 2A non-tech with optional 3A rappel at exit |
| Season | Spring, fall |
| Flood risk | Moderate |
| Vehicle access | Egypt Bench Rd ~9 mi; HC/4WD |
| Crowd | Low |
| Coordinates | 37.5938, -111.2308 |
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_3&action=raw