Orange Cliffs

Glen Canyon neighbors Canyonlands in the Orange Cliffs area

NPS/Emily Upchurch

 

The Orange Cliffs portion of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, bordered by Canyonlands National Park, is one of the most scenic areas of the Colorado Plateau region. This is dry desert country with an annual average precipitation of 5 to 9" (13 to 23 cm). Elevations vary from approximately 3700' to 7000' (1128 to 2134m) above sea level. Temperatures range from 110°F (43°C) in the summer to -20°F (-29°C) in the winter. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

Regulations

For your safety and the protection of this unique and fragile landscape, please follow all regulations.

• All overnight backcountry use requires a permit AND a camping reservation. Overnight backcountry permit reservations are available through Recreation.gov. For further information, visit Canyonlands Backpacking.
• Vehicles campers must camp in designated sites. Backpackers must camp in designated zones. The only exception to this is the section south of Clearwater Canyon. Check bulletin boards or ranger stations for further information. Stay limits vary by sites and zones.
• When camping 100 feet or more from Lake Powell's shoreline, and outside designated campgrounds, group size for hiking and/or camping shall not exceed 12 people and 3 vehicles (and may be further restricted by permit). Groups greater than 12 people shall split into groups of 12 or fewer, and camp at least 1/2 mile apart.
• All vehicles must stay on designated roadways. Mountain bikes are considered vehicles and are subject to all vehicle regulations including camping restrictions. All motor vehicles must be street legal with license plates. All operators must be licensed. ATVs are only permitted in certain areas. Review our ORV regulations and ORV maps for the regulations of the area you plan to visit.
• Wood fires are prohibited. In designated vehicle campsites, charcoal fires are allowed with a fire pan. Users must pack out all ash and unburned charcoal. No wood cutting or collecting is allowed.
• Pets are NOT allowed in Canyonlands National Park or the Orange Cliffs unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
• The discharge of firearms, bows and arrows and similar devices, weapons, and fireworks are not allowed. Hunting is permitted in Glen Canyon, during hunting season, with proper license only.
• Vehicle campers must provide and use a washable, reusable toilet system and must pack out all human waste. Backpackers may dig a hole 6-8" (15-20 cm) deep 200 feet (91m) from water sources and archeological sites. Commercial, landfill safe human waste bags are strongly recommended for backpackers. Everyone must pack out toilet paper and other trash. It is illegal to place plastic bags or other containers contaminated with human waste in dumpsters or other trash receptacles.
• Collecting artifacts, touching rock writing, and disturbing or defacing archeological sites in any way is prohibited. Archeological sites are protected by law.

 

Recommendations

• Stay on established roads and trails. Do not hike on areas with biological soil crust (the dark crusty growth on top of the sand).
• Bring plenty of drinking water. One gallon (4 liters) per person per day is recommended in summer months.
• The Orange Cliffs unit contains large amounts of terrain susceptible to flash flooding, research updated weather forecasts before beginning your trip and plan accordingly.
• Do not feed the animals. Be alert for venomous snakes. Do not leave children or pets in closed vehicles.
• 20' to 30' (6 to 9m) of rope is recommended on the Maze Overlook Trail and on some other trails.
• Purify all water taken from natural sources before drinking.

 

Getting Around

Get more information on travel and campgrounds on The Maze webpage.

Approximate Mileages

• Utah 95 to Waterhole Flat: 32 miles
• Waterhole Flat to Flint Trail: 11 miles
• Flint Trail to Hans Flat: 14 miles
• Hite to SR24 via Flint Trail: 100 miles

General Road Conditions

Road conditions can change due to weather and other factors. Call Hans Flat Ranger Station at 435-719-2218 between 8 am and 4 pm for latest road conditions.

• Junction to Waterhole Flat: two-wheel drive/high clearance
• Waterhole Flat to Teapot Rock: moderate four-wheel drive
• Teapot Rock to Doll House: difficult four-wheel drive/high clearance
• Flint Trail: difficult four-wheel drive/high clearance
• Flint Trail to Hans Flat: all-wheel or four-wheel drive/high clearance

Roads in this district are challenging and visitors must be prepared with the proper equipment to facilitate self-rescue. Carry extra supplies in case it takes a day or two for the road to dry out. Cell phone communication is not reliable. Rangers cannot winch vehicles out and commercial towing fees below the Flint Trail start at over $2,000.