Uploaded June 2019 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
This 2 night 3 day trip into Grand Gulch was enjoyed over May 29-31 2018. Contact the Kane Gulch Ranger Station for current conditions at (435) 587-1500. Fish and Owl Creeks both cut diagonally across the eastern edge of Cedar Mesa, coming together several miles before they enter Comb Wash. They are both deep canyons with an abundance of scenic
beauty. They differ from the other canyon systems on Cedar Mesa by the depth, relatively narrow canyons, and the pools of water in
the spring and fall months. The depth averages 500 feet, with the width varying from several hundred feet to very narrow at the upper reaches of Fish Creek.
Many of the pools in these canyons have extensive hanging gardens, offering a wide variety of vegetation. The rare Kachina Daisy can be found in one of these springs. The vegetation varies from sage flats in the lower ends of the canyons to cottonwood trees and pine stands on the wider benches in the upper forks. Nevill’s Arch is an impressive and prominent feature in Owl Creek, high on a “fin” in the Cedar Mesa sandstone, jutting out into the canyon. There is another arch in Fish Creek, but it is hardly visible unless you are directly below it.
The main loop is approximately 17 miles long. Three days is recommended to do this hike. The Lower Fish access is from the Comb Wash road.
Owl Creek will generally be dry from Nevill’s Arch to the confluence with Fish Creek. Fish Creek generally has intermittent water from two miles up canyon from the confluence with Owl Creek to the upper junctions. Owl has three large springs which are generally dependable year round, especially in the spring but do not count on them for water in the summer months. Top off all water bottles when water sources are available. Conditions change daily! Filter all water. Wildlife and Flora: Wildlife is scarce, but tracks of bobcats, mountain lion, ringtail, and an occasional bear may be seen in the canyons. Small fish may be found in the pools, including killifish, chubs, suckers, and
shiners or dace. Toads and frogs can be seen and heard, and there is also evidence of beaver activity in
the lower reaches of Fish Creek. There are several
varieties of wildflowers that bloom, especially after a
wet winter or spring. Vetch, penstemon, cacti, and
cliffrose are only a few.
Archaeological Values: A few cliff dwellings and
rock art sites may be visible, but because most of the
narrow canyon bottoms were not farmed prehistorically due to lack of large alluvial banks, there are few
sites associated with the canyons proper. Please respect these ancient sites wherever you find them as
lessened impact preserves them for future enjoyment
and study. Be aware of middens (ancient trash heap)
and leave artifacts where you find them.
All hikers and overnight in-canyon hikers require
a permit. Group size is limited to 12 persons. Groups of eight or
more persons and parties with stock require an advanced permit.
During the high use season (March 1 – June 15 & Sept. 1 – Oct.
31), all overnight permits must be picked up at the Kane Gulch
Ranger Station between 8:00 a.m. and noon on the trip start day.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets must be kept out of
springs, potholes, and other natural water sources. Pets are not
allowed in ruins. Bicycles and motorized vehicles must stay on
designated roads. The use of rock climbing equipment to access
archaeological sites is not allowed. The use of safety rope as an aid
along hiking routes is permissible but not allowed for gaining access to ruins. Acts of Nature present risks which the permit holder assumes. The permit holder will be held legally and financially responsible for historic, archaeological, cultural or ecological values damaged, destroyed or removed by trip participants. Camping is permitted in well-used campsites. No new campsites are to be created. No camping is allowed in ruins. Pack it in – pack it out. The disposal of human waste is not permitted within 200 feet of a water source, trail or campsite. Human waste will be deposited in a “cathole” (6 inches deep) and covered with soil. Used toilet paper must be carried out. DO NOT BURN TOILET PAPER. No wood or charcoal fires all allowed. Permits are available to the Monticello BLM Office (435-587-1510) and at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station.
For David Day's description of this hike, visit:
utahtrails.com/Backcountry%20pages/Owl.html
Some of the content in this description and production was sourced from these links:
blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/Fish%20and%20Owl%20canyon%20brochure.pdf
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-25/kookaburras-and-other-invaders-no-laughing-matter-in-tasmania/9353196
bbc.co.uk/music/artists/5464e20c-7dcb-4a3e-9b25-13bb959fadc9
Voiceover by:
Nate Prudhon
Soundtrack by:
Afro Celt Sound System
"Hypnotica"
General Fuzz
"Bars of Parmar"
The Motet
"Nemesis"
Washed Out
"All Over Now"
#grandgulch #cedarmesa #bearsearsnationalmonument
This 2 night 3 day trip into Grand Gulch was enjoyed over May 29-31 2018. Contact the Kane Gulch Ranger Station for current conditions at (435) 587-1500. Fish and Owl Creeks both cut diagonally across the eastern edge of Cedar Mesa, coming together several miles before they enter Comb Wash. They are both deep canyons with an abundance of scenic
beauty. They differ from the other canyon systems on Cedar Mesa by the depth, relatively narrow canyons, and the pools of water in
the spring and fall months. The depth averages 500 feet, with the width varying from several hundred feet to very narrow at the upper reaches of Fish Creek.
Many of the pools in these canyons have extensive hanging gardens, offering a wide variety of vegetation. The rare Kachina Daisy can be found in one of these springs. The vegetation varies from sage flats in the lower ends of the canyons to cottonwood trees and pine stands on the wider benches in the upper forks. Nevill’s Arch is an impressive and prominent feature in Owl Creek, high on a “fin” in the Cedar Mesa sandstone, jutting out into the canyon. There is another arch in Fish Creek, but it is hardly visible unless you are directly below it.
The main loop is approximately 17 miles long. Three days is recommended to do this hike. The Lower Fish access is from the Comb Wash road.
Owl Creek will generally be dry from Nevill’s Arch to the confluence with Fish Creek. Fish Creek generally has intermittent water from two miles up canyon from the confluence with Owl Creek to the upper junctions. Owl has three large springs which are generally dependable year round, especially in the spring but do not count on them for water in the summer months. Top off all water bottles when water sources are available. Conditions change daily! Filter all water. Wildlife and Flora: Wildlife is scarce, but tracks of bobcats, mountain lion, ringtail, and an occasional bear may be seen in the canyons. Small fish may be found in the pools, including killifish, chubs, suckers, and
shiners or dace. Toads and frogs can be seen and heard, and there is also evidence of beaver activity in
the lower reaches of Fish Creek. There are several
varieties of wildflowers that bloom, especially after a
wet winter or spring. Vetch, penstemon, cacti, and
cliffrose are only a few.
Archaeological Values: A few cliff dwellings and
rock art sites may be visible, but because most of the
narrow canyon bottoms were not farmed prehistorically due to lack of large alluvial banks, there are few
sites associated with the canyons proper. Please respect these ancient sites wherever you find them as
lessened impact preserves them for future enjoyment
and study. Be aware of middens (ancient trash heap)
and leave artifacts where you find them.
All hikers and overnight in-canyon hikers require
a permit. Group size is limited to 12 persons. Groups of eight or
more persons and parties with stock require an advanced permit.
During the high use season (March 1 – June 15 & Sept. 1 – Oct.
31), all overnight permits must be picked up at the Kane Gulch
Ranger Station between 8:00 a.m. and noon on the trip start day.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets must be kept out of
springs, potholes, and other natural water sources. Pets are not
allowed in ruins. Bicycles and motorized vehicles must stay on
designated roads. The use of rock climbing equipment to access
archaeological sites is not allowed. The use of safety rope as an aid
along hiking routes is permissible but not allowed for gaining access to ruins. Acts of Nature present risks which the permit holder assumes. The permit holder will be held legally and financially responsible for historic, archaeological, cultural or ecological values damaged, destroyed or removed by trip participants. Camping is permitted in well-used campsites. No new campsites are to be created. No camping is allowed in ruins. Pack it in – pack it out. The disposal of human waste is not permitted within 200 feet of a water source, trail or campsite. Human waste will be deposited in a “cathole” (6 inches deep) and covered with soil. Used toilet paper must be carried out. DO NOT BURN TOILET PAPER. No wood or charcoal fires all allowed. Permits are available to the Monticello BLM Office (435-587-1510) and at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station.
For David Day's description of this hike, visit:
utahtrails.com/Backcountry%20pages/Owl.html
Some of the content in this description and production was sourced from these links:
blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/Fish%20and%20Owl%20canyon%20brochure.pdf
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-25/kookaburras-and-other-invaders-no-laughing-matter-in-tasmania/9353196
bbc.co.uk/music/artists/5464e20c-7dcb-4a3e-9b25-13bb959fadc9
Voiceover by:
Nate Prudhon
Soundtrack by:
Afro Celt Sound System
"Hypnotica"
General Fuzz
"Bars of Parmar"
The Motet
"Nemesis"
Washed Out
"All Over Now"
#grandgulch #cedarmesa #bearsearsnationalmonument
