Walking through the stream to Jacob Hamblin Arch
How to get there:
- There are a couple different ways to get to Jacob Hamblin Arch. The quickest is via the Jacob Hamblin Arch Trailhead or Sneaker Route which it’s also called.
- To access the trailhead drive south from Escalante, Utah on State Highway 12. As soon as the highway starts to curve back north take a right on Hole In the Rock Road (a maintained dirt road). Follow Hole in the Rock road for 36mi – you’ll want to set your odometer. The road gets worse as you go, but there are plenty of cows along the way to check out.
- After 36 miles on Hole in the Rock turn left on BLM 270 and drive for 4.3 miles. Look for a small drive up a hill to a water tank. That’s where you park, sign in and start down the trail.
- The trail starts in sand and is easy to follow. It turns into rock surface and is unmarked other then rock piles left by others. There were plenty to keep us in track when we hiked it.
Lots of blooming cacti along the sandy part of the trail.
- We input the GPS point of the entry to the canyon in our Gaia GPS app and used that to navigate as well. The best entry point is 37.41918, -111.04218. You basically head due north towards the canyon.
- The hike is about 2 miles to the canyon and is very easy through desert like terrain.
- Once you start getting close to the canyon look for the white marking on the far side of the canyon. The easiest entry point is directly across from the marking.
You can see that white marking from a mile away. Just keep heading in that direction.
- Getting in and out of the canyon is the only tough part of this hike. You should bring ropes to help you in and out. We got lucky and some folks already had some tied up, but you shouldn’t count on that.
Dropping into the canyon. If you don’t bring ropes you would most likely need to shimmy down on your booty very slowly.
- Once you get to the bottom of the canyon head left along the stream and you will see Jacob Hamblin Arch.
What to do in the Canyon:
- Follow the stream around Jacob Hamblin Arch into the Dome. You can set up camp here or keep going there is a flat elevated area over looking the arch which is a good spot too.
- Set up camp and relax.
- Wander down the stream heading south. The stream leads the way and you’ll come to a couple very small waterfalls and eventually to another natural arch. It is so peaceful and serene hiking here through the running water looking up at the high canyon walls.
The first little waterfall you come to.
We turned around when we made it to this arch. You can keep going- no matter how far you go it’s the same way back.
In awe of the beautiful canyon walls.
How long do you need:
- We drove to the trailhead and started hiking mid morning. It took just under 2 hours to get all the way down into the Canyon.
- We spent the afternoon exploring the Canyon and enjoyed one night under the stars.
- We hiked out the next morning. It is all uphill on the way out so it was a little more of a challenge.
- One and half days was the perfect amount of time.
- Lightweight bag (like this one) for exploring with in the canyon
- Mosquito Repeller – we have taken this reppeller on multiple trips and it does a great job at keeping the mosquitos away. We even strap it on the outside of our packs while we hike. There’s nothing worse then trying to sleep with tons of bug bites.
- Lightweight backpacking tent – like this one
- Sleeping Pad (I recommend this super compact light weight one that holds air well and is actually comfortable) and a Sleeping Bag with a temperature rating for at least 30* F as it gets cold at night
- Wet Wipes (these biodegradable ones are perfect for camping)
- Jet Boil for cooking – its worth the extra price as it also serves as your pot and heats up so much faster then other camping cooking devices.
- Freeze dried meals- We love the mountain house ones you can get on amazon. Be sure to look for meals that cook directly in the bag they are provided in (ie: read instructions to ensure it say just pour hot water into bag.)
- Collapsible water container (the water supply may be far from your campsite so this is a necessity to have enough water for cooking/drinking/cleaning)
- Solar powered table light (this one can also charge your phone) and a headlight with a red light setting for night
- Water purifier- We like this Sawyer one that’s very easy to use
- A nice lightweight blanket to put down outside your tent is very nice to have if you’ve got space. We always bring something like this one. Makes relaxing much more enjoyable.
- Portable charging device
- Layers for clothing – it can get cold quickly at night, but you warm up significantly in the sun especially while hiking
- A lightweight pair of shoes to change into at the campsite. We love the waterproof Birkenstocks.
- Cards, or other fun camping games
- If you’re new to hiking you may want to bring some Second skin, Band-Aids, and any supplies for blisters