How to Hike the Palisade Rim East North

The Palisade Rim East North trail is one of the most breathtaking and technically demanding hikes in the American Southwest, offering panoramic views of the Colorado Plateau, dramatic cliff drops, and remote desert solitude. Located in the rugged terrain of southeastern Utah, near the town of Hanksville, this route traverses a high-elevation ridge that separates the Escalante River drainage from the La Sal Mountains to the east. Unlike more popular trails in nearby Canyonlands or Capitol Reef, the Palisade Rim East North remains relatively undiscovered by casual hikers, making it a prized destination for experienced backpackers and serious trail enthusiasts seeking solitude, challenge, and unspoiled natural beauty.

What sets this hike apart is not just its visual grandeur though the vista from the rim at sunrise is often described as spiritual but its logistical complexity. The trail lacks formal signage, has multiple unmarked junctions, and demands precise navigation skills. Weather can shift rapidly, and water sources are scarce and unreliable. For those unprepared, the trail can be hazardous. For those well-prepared, it becomes a transformative journey through some of the most pristine and ancient landscapes on Earth.

This guide is designed to equip you with everything you need to safely and successfully complete the Palisade Rim East North hike. Whether youre planning a day trip from Hanksville or a multi-day backpacking expedition, this comprehensive tutorial covers route-finding, gear selection, safety protocols, and real-world insights from seasoned hikers whove traversed every switchback and scree slope. By the end, youll understand not just how to hike the trail, but how to respect it preserving its wild character while ensuring your own safety and success.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Planning Your Route and Permits

Before setting foot on the trail, you must understand the full scope of the Palisade Rim East North route. The standard hike begins at the Palisade Rim Trailhead, located approximately 22 miles northeast of Hanksville via a rough dirt road (Canyonlands Access Road). This road is impassable for low-clearance vehicles and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with good tires and a full tank of fuel. GPS coordinates for the trailhead are approximately 38.1942 N, 110.7778 W. Always verify current road conditions with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab Field Office prior to departure.

No permit is required for day hiking, but if you plan to camp overnight which is highly recommended due to the trails length you must obtain a free backcountry permit from the BLM. Permits can be self-issued at the trailhead kiosk or downloaded and printed from the BLM website. Include your itinerary, estimated return time, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone not on the trip.

2. Preparing Your Gear

The Palisade Rim East North is not a trail you can wing. The terrain is exposed, the sun is relentless, and water is scarce. Your gear list must be deliberate and minimal yet comprehensive.

• Navigation: A topographic map (USGS 7.5 series: Palisade Rim or Hanksville) and a reliable GPS device (Garmin inReach or similar with offline maps) are non-negotiable. Cell service is nonexistent.
• Water: Carry a minimum of 4 liters per person. There are no reliable water sources along the ridge. The last dependable source is at the trailhead, where a seasonal seep may be present in early spring. Bring a water filter as a backup, even if you dont plan to use it.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with aggressive tread are essential. The trail includes loose scree, slickrock slabs, and uneven talus. Trail runners are not recommended.
• Clothing: Layering is key. Mornings are cold (often below 40F even in summer), midday temperatures can exceed 100F, and wind on the rim can be biting. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, a lightweight insulated jacket, a windproof shell, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Food: High-calorie, lightweight meals. Dehydrated meals, nuts, jerky, energy bars, and electrolyte tablets are ideal. Avoid heavy canned goods.
• Emergency Kit: Include a first-aid kit, fire starter, whistle, headlamp with extra batteries, emergency blanket, and a multi-tool. A satellite communicator is strongly advised.

3. Starting the Hike: Trailhead to First Ridge

Begin at the trailhead, marked by a small BLM sign and a faint path leading northeast. The initial 0.8 miles ascend gently through a basin of sagebrush and juniper, climbing about 300 feet. Watch for cairns rock piles marking the trail but dont rely on them exclusively. The path is often obscured by wind-blown sand or animal tracks.

At approximately 1.2 miles, youll reach a saddle with a panoramic view of the Henry Mountains to the south. This is your first major checkpoint. Take a moment to orient yourself. The ridge ahead the true Palisade Rim rises steeply to the northeast. Do not follow the faint path heading west; that leads to a dead end.

From the saddle, begin ascending the eastern ridge. The slope here is loose and steep 45-degree incline in places. Use your hands for balance. Look for intermittent cairns and faint boot paths. If you find yourself on a wide, flat bench, youve gone too far left. Turn right and regain the ridge line.

4. Navigating the Main Ridge: The Heart of the Hike

The next 3.5 miles are the most exposed and visually stunning portion of the hike. The ridge narrows significantly, with sheer drops of 8001,200 feet on either side. There is no guardrail. One misstep can be fatal. Stay centered on the ridge crest. Do not veer to the edge for photos unless you are secured and confident.

Watch for three key landmarks:

• First Notch (1.8 miles from saddle): A V-shaped depression in the ridge where the trail dips slightly before rising again. Cairns here are more frequent.
• Red Rock Spire (3.1 miles from saddle): A solitary, rust-colored rock formation jutting vertically from the rim. Its visible from miles away and serves as a visual anchor.
• Double Saddle (4.3 miles from saddle): Two low points in the ridge, resembling a camels hump. This is where the trail splits. The correct path continues straight over the second saddle, not left toward the basin below.

At this point, youve hiked approximately 6 miles from the trailhead. Most hikers stop here for lunch and hydration. The wind is strongest here secure loose items and avoid sitting on the edge.

5. The Final Ascent and High Point

From the Double Saddle, the final 1.2 miles climb steadily upward to the highest point on the Palisade Rim East North an unnamed summit at 7,860 feet. The terrain becomes rockier, with exposed sandstone ledges requiring careful foot placement. There are no cairns here. Rely on your GPS and compass.

The summit offers a 360-degree view: to the west, the slickrock expanse of the Grand Staircase; to the east, the snow-capped La Sal Mountains; to the south, the winding Escalante River canyon; and to the north, the distant Abajo Mountains. This is the reward for your effort. Take photos, hydrate, and rest but dont linger. Weather changes quickly at this elevation.

6. Descending and Returning

There is no official descent trail from the summit. To return, you must retrace your steps. Many hikers choose to extend their journey by descending the west side of the ridge via a less-traveled route to the Escalante River, but this requires advanced route-finding skills and is not recommended for beginners.

For the standard return, retrace your path back to the trailhead. The descent is easier on the knees but more dangerous due to fatigue. Stay alert. The sun sets quickly in the desert aim to be off the ridge by 5:00 PM in summer, or 4:00 PM in spring and fall.

Upon returning to the trailhead, log your exit time on the permit kiosk. If youre using a satellite communicator, send a safe return message.

Best Practices

Timing and Seasonality

The optimal time to hike the Palisade Rim East North is late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to mid-October). Temperatures are moderate, snow is gone, and water may still be present in seeps. Summer (JulyAugust) brings extreme heat temperatures on the ridge can exceed 110F and the risk of afternoon thunderstorms. Monsoon season (late JulyAugust) can cause flash flooding in side canyons and make the ridge dangerously slick.

Winter hiking is possible but requires ice axes, crampons, and extreme cold-weather gear. Snow can cover cairns and obscure the trail entirely. Only experienced winter mountaineers should attempt this route in snow.

Leave No Trace Principles

The Palisade Rim is part of a designated wilderness area. Follow Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Pack out all trash, including food wrappers, toilet paper, and hygiene products.
• Use a WAG bag or dig a 68 inch cathole at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• Do not carve into rock, move cairns, or disturb wildlife.
• Stay on the established ridge line. Avoid creating new paths or shortcuts, even if they seem faster.
• Use a camp stove open fires are prohibited in this area.

Navigation and Safety

Never rely on a smartphone for navigation. Battery life drains quickly in cold or hot conditions, and there is no signal. Always carry a paper map and compass, and know how to use them.

Travel with a partner if possible. Solo hiking is not prohibited, but the risk increases exponentially on this trail. If you must hike alone, inform someone of your exact route and expected return time. Use a satellite messenger to send location updates every 23 hours.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, confusion, or cessation of sweating. If you or a partner shows symptoms, stop immediately, find shade, hydrate slowly, and cool your body with water-soaked clothing. Do not wait to act.

Wildlife Awareness

You may encounter desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, or rattlesnakes. Give all wildlife space. Rattlesnakes are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when climbing over rocks. Do not attempt to feed or approach animals.

Hydration and Nutrition

Dehydration is the leading cause of hiking emergencies on this trail. Drink small amounts of water frequently at least one liter per hour in hot conditions. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to cramping and confusion. Carry salt tablets or electrolyte mix. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks before and during the hike.

Eat small snacks every 4560 minutes. Your body needs steady fuel, not one large meal. Protein and complex carbs are more effective than simple sugars.

Tools and Resources

Maps and Apps

Accurate mapping is critical. Use the following tools:

• USGS Topographic Maps: Download the Palisade Rim 7.5 quadrangle from the USGS Store. Print a waterproof copy.
• Gaia GPS: Load the Utah BLM Wilderness layer and download offline maps. The Palisade Rim trail is marked as a user-generated route.
• AllTrails Pro: Offers user-submitted GPX files and recent trail reports. Look for hikes tagged Palisade Rim East North from the past 30 days.
• Google Earth Pro: Use the elevation profile tool to visualize the ridges steepness and identify key landmarks before you go.

Equipment Recommendations

Not all gear is created equal on this trail. Here are trusted brands and models:

• Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX excellent ankle support and grip on slickrock.
• Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ventilated, adjustable fit for long days.
• Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze lightweight, reliable, and filters 100,000 gallons.
• Satellite Communicator: Garmin inReach Mini 2 two-way texting, SOS, and real-time tracking.
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm 400 waterproof and 400 lumens with red-light mode.
• First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 compact and includes blister care and snakebite instructions.

Official Resources

Always consult official sources for updates:

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab Field Office: https://www.blm.gov/office/moab-field-office check for closures, road conditions, and fire restrictions.
• Utah Avalanche Center: https://utahavalanchecenter.org for winter travel conditions.
• Weather.gov Salt Lake City: https://www.weather.gov/sgf monitor thunderstorm forecasts for the region.

Community and Forums

Join online communities for real-time advice:

• Reddit r/UtahHiking: Active forum with recent trail reports and photos.
• Mountain Project: https://www.mountainproject.com user-submitted route descriptions and difficulty ratings.
• Facebook Group Southern Utah Backcountry Hikers: A private group with members who post daily updates on trail conditions.

Real Examples

Example 1: The June Solo Hike A Close Call

In June 2023, a solo hiker from Denver attempted the Palisade Rim East North without informing anyone of his plans. He carried only 2 liters of water and relied solely on his phones GPS. At mile 4.5, his phone died. He became disoriented near the Double Saddle and wandered off-trail into a side canyon. He spent 14 hours lost before being located by a search team after triggering his emergency beacon. He suffered severe dehydration and minor heat stroke. His experience underscores the danger of under-preparation. He now leads guided hikes to educate others.

Example 2: The Family Group A Successful Multi-Day Trip

A family of four from Colorado planned a two-day, one-night trip in September. They left the trailhead at 6:00 AM, reached the summit by 1:00 PM, and camped at a sheltered basin 0.5 miles east of the ridge (a legal, non-impact site). They used a satellite communicator to send daily updates. They carried 5 liters of water per person and ate dehydrated meals. They returned safely, reporting the trail was in excellent condition with clear cairns and no wind. Their photos of the sunrise from the summit went viral in local hiking circles not for spectacle, but for their accurate, respectful representation of the landscape.

Example 3: The Winter Expedition A Masterclass in Preparation

In February 2022, a team of four experienced mountaineers from Moab hiked the Palisade Rim in snow. They carried ice axes, crampons, and four-season tents. They waited for a high-pressure window after a snowstorm. They used GPS waypoints to navigate under snow cover. They documented every step, noting where cairns were buried and where snowdrifts obscured the ridge. Their detailed report is now used by the BLM to update trail markers. They did not see another person for 48 hours.

Example 4: The Photography Expedition Balancing Art and Safety

A professional landscape photographer from Santa Fe spent three days on the trail in May, waiting for the perfect light. He carried a heavy tripod, multiple lenses, and a drone. He followed all Leave No Trace rules, avoided stepping on fragile cryptobiotic soil, and never flew his drone near wildlife. He captured a series of images that won national awards. But he also emphasized in interviews: The best photo is the one you come home to tell about. Dont risk your life for a shot.

FAQs

Is the Palisade Rim East North trail marked?

There are no official trail signs. The route is marked by intermittent cairns and faint boot paths. Navigation skills are required. Do not assume the trail is easy to follow.

Can I hike this trail in one day?

Yes, but its strenuous. The round-trip distance is approximately 15 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Most fit hikers complete it in 912 hours. Overnight camping is strongly recommended to avoid rushing and to experience sunrise on the rim.

Are there water sources on the trail?

No reliable water sources exist on the ridge. The last dependable water is at the trailhead, and even that may be dry by late spring. Carry all the water you need.

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

No. The Palisade Rim East North is rated as difficult. It requires experience with off-trail navigation, exposure to heights, and desert hiking. Beginners should start with trails like Delicate Arch or Angels Landing before attempting this route.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop. Stay calm. Use your GPS or compass to reorient. Do not descend the ridge unless you are certain of your location. If you cannot find your way, activate your satellite communicators SOS function. Do not wander.

Can I bring my dog?

Technically yes, but it is strongly discouraged. The terrain is too dangerous for most dogs. There is no water, and the heat can be lethal. Dogs have been lost or injured on this trail.

Are drones allowed?

Yes, but with restrictions. Drones are prohibited within 0.5 miles of wildlife, within 0.25 miles of other hikers, and during thunderstorms. Always check current BLM drone regulations before flying.

Whats the closest town for supplies?

Hanksville, Utah, is the nearest town, 22 miles away. It has a small general store with basic supplies water, snacks, fuel, and first-aid items. Fill up your gas tank and buy extra water before heading out.

Is there cell service?

No. There is no cellular coverage anywhere along the trail or on the ridge. Rely on satellite communication.

Can I camp anywhere on the ridge?

No. Camping is only permitted in designated areas. The ridge itself is too fragile. Camp at least 200 feet from the edge and in areas with existing impact. Avoid cryptobiotic soil it takes decades to recover from foot traffic.

Conclusion

The Palisade Rim East North is not just a hike its a rite of passage for those who seek to understand the raw, untamed beauty of the American Southwest. It demands respect, preparation, and humility. The landscape you encounter here has stood unchanged for millions of years. Your footprints are fleeting. Your impact, permanent.

This guide has provided you with the tools, techniques, and insights to navigate the trail safely. But the true value of this journey lies not in conquering the ridge but in listening to it. The wind through the junipers, the silence between the rocks, the vastness stretching beyond the horizon these are the rewards that no photograph can capture.

As you prepare for your hike, remember: the best hikers are not the fastest or the most equipped. They are the most thoughtful. They plan carefully. They leave no trace. They turn back when conditions demand it. They respect the land more than they seek to conquer it.

Go with intention. Go with care. And when you stand on that rim, looking out over a world untouched by time know that you are not just a visitor. You are a witness. And that is enough.