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Griffin Top

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Hiking Mud Springs Point - Griffin Top Hiking Mud Springs Point

Griffin Top

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Easy / Short Hike

Fri

Snow likely before noon, then snow and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. West southwest wind 16 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

38 | 30

Sat

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

35 | 25

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

42 | 24

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 49.

49 | 27

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 32

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Late Spring through Fall.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None, bring all you need.

Fri

Snow likely before noon, then snow and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. West southwest wind 16 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

38 | 30

Sat

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

35 | 25

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

42 | 24

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 49.

49 | 27

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 32

View Full Weather Details
Dramatic cliff views along the hike.

Dramatic cliff views along the hike.

Mud Springs Point is the high-point of Griffin Top in the Escalante Mountains, just northwest of the town of Escalante. As a bit of a high-point bagger, this one was on my list because of the views I expected it to have. We were not disappointed!

The hike is short, but along the top of a dramatic cliff wall with broad views to the west and south in the Bryce and Zion directions. A very nice little amble and great picnic spot. Fall will bring dramatic colors, if your timing is right!

Note: Those not wanting to hike at all can get a superb view from the trailhead and there are many primitive campsites along the road on the way to the trailhead.
Big views to the south on the way to Mud Springs Point

Big views to the south on the way to Mud Springs Point

Getting There

From the town of Escalante, head west on UT-12 for about 5 miles to mile marker 54.8 where a good, graded dirt road leaves on the right (Old Escalante Road).

Take this dirt road and reset your odometer. Stay on the dirt road as it crosses a wash, then bends and heads west. Ignore the many side roads. Follow this road for 14.6 miles to a 4-way junction at a high saddle.

Go right on this saddle, on forest road 140 and reset your odometer. FR-140 climbs quickly with several switchbacks. The views along the drive of Escalante are excellent. Follow FR-140 for 7.7 miles to a side road on the left (FR-1377) This side road is lesser used and will require high clearance. There are good campsites off this road. Follow the road to its end in 2.1 miles at the edge of a cliff.

Diane and Ruby on a windy day.

Diane and Ruby on a windy day.

Route

Navigation is easy for this one. From the trailhead, follow along the rim of the cliff, heading west. There was a pretty good social trail on our visit. A few minor deviations may be needed away from the top of the cliff, but generally stay near the edge. It is only about 0.25 miles from the trailhead to Mud Springs Point.

The point faces west with views of Johns Valley below and the Paunsaugunt Plateau beyond. To the south is the Bryce Canyon area, and some peaks in Zion are just visible as well. Return the same way.


Maps

Route / 0.87 miles / Elevation Range 10,625 - 10,736 ft.
Printable Maps:
Trailhead

12S 421623mE 4195528mN

N37° 54' 14" W111° 53' 30"
Mud Springs Point

12S 421308mE 4195666mN

N37° 54' 18" W111° 53' 42"
FR-140/1377 junction

12S 423937mE 4196508mN

N37° 54' 47" W111° 51' 55"

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