Overview
Wide Hollow Reservoir offers a completely different experience from the high-mountain trails of Boulder Mountain or the canyon-edge routes of Red Canyon. Sitting at about 5,900 feet in the lower desert transition zone near Escalante, the reservoir loop is flat, accessible throughout most of the year, and focused on water-edge walking rather than elevation gain.
The 5-mile loop circles the reservoir with consistent water views and access to the shoreline. The surrounding landscape is classic Colorado Plateau high desert, pinyon-juniper woodland, sagebrush flats, and the wide-open sky of southern Utah. The reservoir provides a visual anchor and a draw for waterfowl that would not be present in the dry desert surrounding it.
For visitors staying in Escalante and exploring the region around Dixie National Forest and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Wide Hollow offers a morning or evening walk close to town with the kind of desert reservoir scenery that this particular corner of Utah does well.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: East Shore
The loop begins at the parking area and follows the east shore of the reservoir north. The trail is generally flat with a good track on the shoreline berm. Waterfowl activity is highest in the morning and evening. Several fishing access points are present along the east shore.
Miles 2.5 to 5.0: West Shore Return
The loop crosses to the west shore via the dam or a ford at the north end and returns along the opposite bank. The views of the Escalante Canyons to the south are best from the western shore on clear days.
When to Visit
April through November. The lower elevation gives this trail a much longer season than the mountain routes. Spring and fall migration bring the best birdwatching. Summer mornings are manageable, but afternoon heat at 5,900 feet in July and August can be significant. Early or late-day hiking is recommended in summer.
Flash flood risk is not significant on the reservoir loop, but afternoon thunderstorms in summer can bring lightning to the exposed shoreline.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry:
- 2 liters of water (water is at the trailhead, not on the loop)
- Sun protection for the fully exposed shoreline
- Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching
- Fishing gear and license if planning to fish
Practical Details
Vault toilets at the reservoir access area. Limited cell service possible near Escalante. Free parking. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Keep dogs on leash near the water to avoid disturbing waterfowl.
Getting There
From Escalante on UT-12, the Wide Hollow Reservoir access is a short drive west of town via the signed reservoir road. The access road is gravel and generally accessible to standard vehicles. Verify current road conditions and access with the Escalante Ranger District.