Hole-in-the-Rock Guide
Hole-in-the-Rock: A Monument to Pioneer Perseverance Guide
Hole-in-the-Rock is a remarkable historical site located near Escalante, Utah, representing an incredible feat of pioneer engineering and determination. It's a steep, narrow crevice blasted through a sandstone cliff, allowing Mormon pioneers to traverse the otherwise impassable Colorado River gorge. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of those early settlers. In 1879, Mormon pioneers, tasked with establishing a settlement in southeastern Utah, faced the daunting challenge of crossing the Colorado River. Rather than taking a long detour, they decided to carve a passage through a seemingly insurmountable sandstone cliff. Using hand tools and black powder, they spent six months blasting and chiseling a narrow, precarious path, known as Hole-in-the-Rock. This allowed wagons and livestock to descend the steep incline and cross the river, enabling the establishment of Bluff, Utah. Visitors to Hole-in-the-Rock can hike down to the historic site and marvel at the sheer audacity of the pioneers' endeavor. While the original wagon trail is no longer accessible to vehicles, the views of Lake Powell and the surrounding canyonlands are spectacular. Photography is a popular activity, capturing the dramatic landscape and the historical significance of the site. Boating on Lake Powell offers another perspective of Hole-in-the-Rock, allowing visitors to appreciate its scale from the water.
Transportation
Hole-in-the-Rock is located at the end of Hole-in-the-Rock Road, a 62-mile (100 km) dirt road that begins south of Escalante. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and four-wheel drive may be necessary depending on road conditions. The road can be rough and slow-going. There is no public transportation available.