Cosmic Ashtray(edit)

based on 46 tracks & routes | |

EASY

#3 hike out of 53 in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument |

EASY

4.5 mi

Distance

2 hrs 34 min

Time

719 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult one way trail to Cosmic Ashtray in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

This trail goes by The Volcano.

This hike requires wayfinding skills, and use of a reliable GPS device, as it is almost exclusively on slickrock. This is one of the area's SAR's most visited locations due to the ease of getting lost. Download the tracks, follow tracks, and bring water. Once you climb up the steep slickrock to the Volcano, go to the northernmost section of the dome. Here, you will find the opening that allows you to enter and explore the Cosmic Ashtray. There are moki steps that allow you to get down into the pit, but rope is recommended.

Getting Started

Unless you have a high clearance 4wd vehicle, or a bicycle, you must start at Harris Wash. The road up to The Volcano is deep, loose sand and is impassible for most vehicles.

Taking Children

Taking children on this trail would be difficult due to the extremely steep climb up to the Volcano entrance.