Near Escalante, Utah in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, lies a beautiful area, perfect for adventurous backcountry hikers, backpackers, and photographers – Reflection Canyon Utah.

This Canyon with its serpentine waterways and dramatic cliff faces, offers a hike that is as challenging as it is rewarding and a great photo opportunity.

With firsthand experience of backpacking this route twice and also completing the hike in a single day, I bring you the most reliable, practical advice to help you plan your adventure.

Whether you’re tackling this trail for the first time or returning for that iconic photo, this guide will provide the essential tips, gear recommendations, and photography advice to make the most of your Reflection Canyon trip.

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Quick Overview of Reflection Canyon Hike

• Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah
• Trail Type: Out-and-back, unmarked
• Distance: 15–18 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous – recommended for experienced hikers
• Best Time to Visit: March-May, September-October
• Permit Required: Yes – Free backcountry permits available

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What Makes Reflection Canyon Unique?

Reflection Canyon offers a breathtaking, off-the-grid adventure showcasing Lake Powell’s winding beauty.

Its cliffside vantage point provides the iconic serpentine water views that have captivated hikers, backpackers, and photographers worldwide.

Unlike many other Utah trails, its unmarked route and remoteness make this a rewarding challenge.

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Reflection Canyon Hike: What to Expect

Trail Overview

• Day Hike: 10-12 hours round trip – only for ultra-fit hikers starting at dawn.
• Backpacking: Allows more time for photography, sunrise views, and rest!
• Additional Information:
  • Spanning a challenging 15-18 mile round, trip depending on the route, this trail is for more experienced backpackers.
  • With no marked trail, it meanders through the rugged washes and solid rock trails.
  • As you navigate this pathless terrain, be prepared for the relentless sun, as there is no shade, so hike early.
  • This hike is rated difficult because of the lack of a defined trail, no water source, or shade.
  • The hike itself is moderate for an experienced backpacker and takes 4-6 hours one way.
  • For those inexperienced and looking for a Reflection Canyon tour, I recommend looking at Dreamland Safari out of Kanab, Utah as a guided option.

Recommendation: For someone who has done both the backpacking and day hike, I recommend backpacking as it is safer and lets you enjoy Reflection Canyon without feeling rushed.

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Preparing For Your Trip to Reflection Canyon Utah

Reflection Canyon Backpacking Permits

• Where to Get Permits
  • Escalante Interagency Visitor Center – Free backcountry permits are required for overnight stays at Reflection Canyon.
  • Select trailheads along Hole in the Rock Road

Best Time to Hike Reflection Canyon

• Spring/Fall (March-May, September-October): Ideal weather and clear skies.
• Avoid: June-August (extreme heat and lack of shade).
• Winter months can be good but unpredictable, plan trip around the weather forecast.

Reflection Canyon Trailhead Location

• GPS Coordinates: 37°15’21.70″N, 110°57’47.25″W
  • The trailhead is located on Hole in the Rock Road (mile 51) just outside Escalante, Utah.
• Recommended Vehicle: 4×4 or AWD high-clearance
  • This road may be impassible after heavy rains.
• Estimated Drive: Time: 2 -2.5 Hours
  • Once on Hole in the Rock Road, getting to the unmarked trailhead will take about 2 – 2.5 hours with a high-clearance vehicle.

Reflection Canyon Trail Overview

• First 6 miles are fairly easy to follow, and the terrain is mostly red dirt, sand, and washes.
• Final 2 miles are solid rock terrain – follow your GPS closely, as this is more difficult to navigate.

Tips & Safety Considerations

1. Make sure your gas tank is on the full. There are gas stations in the town of Escalante.
2. I cannot emphasize enough to bring more water than you think. I would carry at least 6L per person. No water sources on the trail.
3. Keep updated on the weather.
4. Never drive Hole in the Rock Road or visit Reflection Canyon during a rainstorm.
5. Download the map and track the trail via GPS. Alltrails is what I use. Make sure you download the map early before you lose service (before you leave the town of Escalante).
6. Garmin InReach: If you are doing this type of backpacking with no cell service, you should have a satellite communicator for emergencies and let family know you are safe. Download maps, and can navigate back to your starting point the same way you have, has a digital compass, and more. This is a must-have for backpackers.
7. Put your phone on airplane mode and bring a power bank to ensure battery life.

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Backpacking Guide to Reflection Canyon

Gear Essentials

Click on the link for specific recommedations:

For a comprehensive backpacking checklist, so you won’t forget anything, sign up for my email list and get it free!

• When planning a backing trip, tailor your gear to your adventure’s specifics: consider the distance and terrain you’ll hike, the remoteness of your destination, and the expected weather. This checklist is comprehensive, but you won’t need everything on it. Use it as a guide to choose what fits your trip’s unique needs for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Navigating the Reflection Canyon Trail: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Follow the base of the large mesa to your right. (Follow the map and stick close to the mesa and should have no issues.
2. As you begin the next couple of miles, head east across the solid rock. This is a little more difficult to navigate but if you have downloaded map or a GPS unit it should be no issue.
3. If you follow the AllTrails GPS route, it will take you on the easier path.
4. Once you get to the destination, to the left is the iconic view looking down on the canyon, but you can explore in both directions
5. There are some good spots to camp on the ridge, which is the ideal spot. There are also some other spots right before you get to the ridge, for those who might not like proximity to the cliff.

Please note: you will need to carry all solid human waste out, be sure to bring Wag bags. Burying solid waste is not allowed out here.

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Capture the Perfect Reflection Canyon Photos

Best Photo Times

• Golden Hours: Just after sunset and just before sunrise will give the best lighting conditions
• Blue Hours: Just before sunrise and just after sunset.
• Night Photography: Dark skies and as long as moonlight is at bay. May is a good time if you are looking to shoot astrophotography.

Composition Tips

• Angles: Experiment with different angles and compositions.
• Leading Lines: Use natural lines formed by the canyon to lead the eye and create depth in your photos.
• Midday Challenges:
  • Midday light can be harsh.
  • Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the blue of the sky.
  • Consider using High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques to balance the contrast between bright skies and dark shadows.

Technical Settings

• Aperture: f/11 to f/16 for maximum depth of field.
• Shutter Speed: Adjust based on lighting conditions. Use slower speeds for water reflections.
• ISO: Keep it as low as possible to avoid noise.

Astrophotography

• Plan for the Milky Way: Use apps like PhotoPills to plan your shoot around the Milky Way’s position.
• Camera Settings: A wide aperture(f/2.8 or wider), a high ISO setting (1600-3200), and a long exposure time(20-30 seconds) are ideal for capturing stars.
• Focus: Manually focus your lens to infinity to ensure sharp stars. Use the live view and zoom in on a bright star to fine-tune focus.
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod is a must for stability during long exposures.

Camera Gear

• Lenses: A wide-angle lens (16-35) for the expansive landscape.
• Tripod: For long exposures and stability.
• Filter: Use a polarizing filter to improve overall color vibrancy and provide better contrast of sky and water. It will also help reduce glare and reflections.

To enhance your photography even more, check out the below guides:

How to Capture Stunning Milky Way Photos: A Comprehensive Guide

Photography Fundamentals: 9 Tips for Landscape Photographers

Capturing the Magic: 10 Tips for Better Sunrise and Sunset Photos

From Good to Great: 11 Editing Tips for Landscape Photography

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Reflection Canyon Backpacking FAQs

1. Is Reflection Canyon hard to hike?
   Yes, the unmarked route and lack of water/shade make it strenuous.
2. Can I do Reflection Canyon in one day?
   Possible, but backpacking is safer and more enjoyable.
3. Are drones allowed at Reflection Canyon?
   No, drones are prohibited in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Reflection Canyon is a challenge, but its beauty makes it a bucket-list adventure.

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If you’re ready for more epic adventures, don’t miss our other guides on exploring Utah!

The Wave Coyote Buttes North: The Ultimate Guide from Permits to Photography

Bryce Canyon in Winter: Exploring Utah’s Wonderland in the Snow

Zion’s Angels Landing: From Permits to the Summit

Hiker’s Ultimate Guide to The Narrows in Zion

Awesome Zion Hikes to Do Besides the Famous Angels Landing

Hiking Yant Flat: A Guide to Utah’s Candy Cliffs

Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch: An Epic Day Hike

PIn this guide for your Reflection Canyon Backpacking Adventure!