Explore the Cosmic Ashtray
HikingChallengingSpringFall
Find this surreal, orange-sand-filled massive stone bowl hidden deep in the backcountry of Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Itinerary tips
- 1Secure a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to navigate the deep sand and jagged rocks of Harris Wash or the Spencer Flat route.
- 2Download offline topographic maps and a GPS track, as there is no cell service and no marked trail across the slickrock.
- 3Pack at least four liters of water per person and salty snacks to combat the intense exposure and elevation gain.
- 4Plan for a 5 to 8-hour round-trip commitment depending on your chosen route and physical pace.
- 5Park only in designated pull-outs off Hole-in-the-Rock Road and display your free backcountry permit obtained at the Escalate Interagency Visitor Center.
- 6Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scale of the orange sand pool against the white sandstone walls.
More in Southern Utah Parks
Hike the Navajo and Peekaboo Loop
Descend from Sunset Point through Wall Street’s towering cliffs and wind through the 'Silent City' hoodoos.
HikingHike to Lower Calf Creek Falls
Follow a sandy 6-mile trail to a stunning 126-foot waterfall tucked inside a sheer Navajo sandstone alcove.
HikingHike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail
Descend from Sunset Point into the heart of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, passing through the towering walls of Wall Street and the iconic Queen Victoria spire.
HikingWalk the Rim Trail at Fairyland Canyon
Escape the crowds by hiking the quieter northern rim of Bryce Canyon, offering intricate views of the Tower Bridge and China Wall formations.
Hiking
