Griffin Top
Around Escalante - Utah
Note: On unpaved roads, road conditions can change constantly. Therefore we strongly recommend to check the road conditions before each trip. Information is available at the Colorado NM Visitor Center. Before reported, during or shortly after rain or snowfall, we advise against driving on unpaved roads.
Coordinates:
Junction from Old Escalante Road with Griffin Top Road: Breite 37.825281, Länge -111.882281
Junction from Griffin Top Road onto the track: Breite 37.913031, Länge -111.865363
Our visits: So far 1 visit in May 2023
Old Escalante Road
Description: Old Escalante Road or Forest Road 17 is a dirt road in Garfield County that is almost 23mi long. The scenic road connects Scenic Highway 12 in the east with Johns Valley Road in the west. The road reaches an altitude of 9491feet and is normally snow-free from the end of June to the end of October. It is wide, very well maintained and therefore normally free of washboards and deep potholes. However, as always on unpaved roads, a little ground clearance is not a disadvantage.
Our rating: We came across this route during our tour in June 2023 while looking for an alternative route between Escalante and Bryce Canyon NP.
The dirt road was in very good condition and was very easy to drive. There were plenty of opportunities to stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and great views. On a clear day you can see as far as Bryce Canyon. We can definitely recommend this route to anyone looking for a nice alternative to Scenic Route 12.
Griffin Top
Description: Griffin Top is a 10771feet high mountain pass in Garfield County. From its high plateau you have a wonderful panoramic view. The summit can be reached via Forest Road 1377, a branch off the Old Escalate Road. This also unpaved road leads over a high plateau with long stretches of alpine meadows and opportunities to observe wildlife.
After about 7.5mi on Griffint Top Road, you come to a junction with a dirt track. Follow this for another 1.5mi until you reach the viewpoint.
Our rating: When we visited in June 2023, there was still snow in some places. The dirt track in particular was still very muddy in some places. A four-wheel car was necessary to avoid getting stuck in the mud. Later in the year and in dry conditions, the dirt track should not be a problem with a little ground clearance. The viewpoint is great. You have a sweeping view and on a clear day you can even see as far as Bryce Canyon. We can imagine that it will be even more spectacular here in the fall when the trees change color.
