Hiking To The Cosmic Ashtray In Escalante, Utah
What is The Cosmic Ashtray
The Cosmic Ashtray, also known as The Volcano, is a truly unique and jaw-dropping natural formation tucked away in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument near the town of Escalante, Utah. This incredible rock formation is a crater that is filled with orange sand and has a rock in the middle of it. It is unlike anything I have ever seen but reaching it requires some adventure and preparation. Overall the hike can be challenging for some but is well worth the effort! If you are in the Escalante or Southern Utah area also make sure to check out this guide on The Ultimate 3 Day Utah Road Trip.
Getting To The Cosmic Ashtray
Getting to the Cosmic Ashtray trailhead itself can be an adventure. Many guides and directions state that this is a 8 mile round trip hike however I have found a secret route that cuts the hike down to less than 2 miles round trip.
From the town of Escalante, you'll head about 5 miles east on Highway 12 until you reach Hole-In-The-Rock-Road. From here take this road south for about 10.5 miles until you reach Harris Wash Road. If you get to the Devils Garden then you have gone just a bit too far. The road isn’t hard to miss. Take Harris Wash Road for about 9 miles until you eventually come to some deep sand, there will be a sign warning you of the deep sand. Here there is a small pull-off to start the hike. To help navigate on the hike I used an AllTrails map. This specific map involves a slot canyon but you can just skip it and it will help guide you from the small parking pull-off to the Cosmic Astray and back. People claim that at times when Harris Wash is flooded you can’t cross it with your car and taking the longer 8 mile hike is the only options. That being said I have been to The Cosmic Astray multiple times and have never had issues with this route even after recent snowmelt or rain.
If the southern route is blocked or you are just looking for a longer hike here are more directions on an alternate way to get to the Cosmic Ashtray. From the town of Escalante, head about 9.5 miles east on Highway 12 and turn onto Old Sheffield Road. After 5.8 miles on this dirt road, you'll reach a junction where you keep straight onto a two-track road for another 0.9 miles to the trailhead parking area. This hike can also be found on a separate AllTrails map to help with navigating the Utah desert. This hike is around 8 miles round trip with no marked trail.
Challenges in Getting To The Cosmic Ashtray
There are a few challenges during the journey on the way to The Cosmic Ashtray. Parts of the trail can be very sandy and you may have to stop frequently to remove sand from your shoes. The trail is also not defined at all so make sure to refer to GPS coordinates and a digital map to stay on course. Additionally, the hike to the Cosmic Ashtray can reach extremely high temperatures in the summer and there is minimal shade available along the route. Make sure to come well prepared with navigation tools and plenty of water!
Arriving At the Cosmic Ashtray
As you crest a rise, the immense and bizarre formation of The Cosmic Ashtray reveals itself. Imagine a massive, deep and wide pothole filled with bright orange sand, with a huge island of rock rising from the center. The scale is hard to comprehend from photos. Once you arrive at the Cosmic Ashtray there are two vantage points to view it from, the north and south side. If you access the Cosmic Ashtray from the north view you can actual go inside and walk around on the orange sand, but be mindful of getting back out. There are a few natural footholds in the rock coming out but be prepared with a rope or a hiking buddy as they are not the easiest to navigate.
When to Visit
The Cosmic Ashtray can be visited year-round, but the intense summer heat of southern Utah makes spring, fall, and even winter ideal times. Whenever you go, bring ample water, sun protection, and navigation tools like a GPS.
Enjoy The Cosmic Astray and Be Respectful of The Land
No matter the season, hiking to the Cosmic Ashtray is an unforgettable adventure into one of Utah's most unique landscapes. Tread lightly, be prepared, and get ready to be wowed by this hidden gem. Also be mindful to pack out what you pack in.
Photograph taken in Escalante, Utah
