Coyote Gulch

The weather could not be better for early November canyon country. High pressure is locked in — 51-53°F highs and 35-36°F lows every day through Friday with light winds under 12 mph and zero precip probability. Nights are cold enough to want a solid sleeping bag but not dangerous. No wind to speak of means no dust or chill issues on the exposed canyon rims.

The stream flow data attached to this briefing is from California gauges in the Salinas, Alameda, and Llagas watersheds — entirely unrelated to the Escalante River system where Coyote Gulch drains. Disregard those numbers for crossing planning. The Gulch itself typically runs low and manageable in November, but late-season thunderstorms or upstream conditions you can't see from the trailhead can change that fast. At the Hurricane Wash and Red Well Trailheads, check the channel before committing — look for undercut banks, turbid water, or debris moving in the current as your real-time indicators. Ankle-to-knee depth with clear water and a firm bottom is a go. Anything higher or murkier, scout downstream for a better crossing.

No snow on the ground — SNOTEL stations confirm 0 inches — and overnight lows staying in the mid-30s mean no ice accumulation on the canyon floor or slickrock in the morning. The red rock will be dry and high-friction all day. No fires within 50 miles, so air quality is clean and there are no trail closures to worry about.

Daylight is the main logistical constraint. Sunset hits at 5:26 PM, so if you're doing any significant slickrock navigation or scrambling near Jacob Hamblin Arch or Crack-in-the-Wall, build your day to have that terrain behind you by 4 PM. The canyon walls cut your effective light well before official sunset. Camp selection is easy given conditions — anywhere you like. Plan mileage with the short day in mind rather than the weather.