What is the cosmic ashtray?
The cosmic ash cup is also known as a volcanic, Islomie dome, cosmic navel or red breaks and is a unique geological formation near Escalante, Utah.
The cosmic ashtray is a huge dome with a large island in the middle, surrounded by what looks like orange water (and could after a rain), but is actually light orange sand.
It is much larger than it looks in photos: you really have to see to believe!
Drive instructions for the cosmic ashtray
To reach the cosmic ashtray, start in Escalante, Utah. (Take a series of pizza for the street near Escalante outfitters and thank me later!)
Drive 10 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Escalante and then turn east into the Harris Wash Road. The street crosses Harris Wash after about seven miles, which may be impassable if it is rained recently.
Here you will find a dirt extract with a trail register and a sign with the inscription “Authorized vehicles only via this point”.
From the non -marked starting point you hike about four miles over the desert to the cosmic ashtray.
Hiking to the cosmic ashtray: GPS coordinates and cards
Before I give you the coordinates for the cosmic ashtray, please read the following very important security tips:
• The cosmic ashtray is located in the literal center of nowhere. If you are injured or stranded and need help, help can be a few hours to several days away.
• It is best to navigate the road in a 4 × 4 or AWD vehicle, the better the better.
• Regardless of the type of vehicle you have, make sure that you eat for at least 2 days and bring water and a lot of warm clothing if you have to spend the night unexpectedly.
• I strongly recommend bringing a satellite messenger like a Garmin inreach to request help if necessary. You will not have a cell service near the cosmic ashtray.
• I do not recommend hiking this way in summer if the temperatures can pass 100 ºF. Try to hike in spring or autumn and always bring a lot of water with you.
If you have read all security warnings, you will find the coordinates for the cosmic ashtray yourself: 37,682978, -111.315898.
Please use the coordinates in combination with at least two different downloaded cards: Do not expect Google to bring you there.
It is very easy to get lost in the Slickrock desert, even with coordinates, if there are only a few sights that lead them and look the same in every direction.
You will find some recorded routes of people about all trails and gaagps. I recommend downloading more than one route to your telephone or handheld GPS, since recorded paths are not always 100% accurate.
The path is 8.3 miles round trip, but take additional time to get there if you are disoriented or lost. Even with the GPS coordinates, it can take some time for the cosmic ashtray in the large expanse of the desert in Utah.
Pack enough food and water to keep all day long.
Do not leave any trace: Visit the cosmic ashtray safely and responsibly
The cosmic ashtray is literally in the middle of nowhere without an established path. If you choose a visit, please leave no trace.
Do not leave any traces in the desert Pack your feces!
Yes, really. There are no toilets at the starting point or somewhere in many miles from the cosmic ashtray.
In a desert environment, the burial of your kot does not work in contrast to a forest, since there are not enough microorganisms in the thin floor, not enough microorganisms to decompose.
When you visit the cosmic ashtray, be sure to bring Doggy Poop bags or a designated “WAG bag”, if natural calls.
Camping near the cosmic ashtray
The cosmic ashtray is surrounded by public BLM land, which means that you can pull off the street and camp almost everywhere.
You can even camp in the “Trailhead” overnight, where the trail register is located if you want to have an early start or plan to return at sunset.
Remember not to leave any traces, which means to use existing campsites, not disturbing plant life or fragile cryptobiotic soil and unpack all of your garbage including human feces.
Tips for taking pictures of the cosmic ashtray
The shape of the dome makes it difficult to get a well -lit photo of the cosmic ashtray on a sunny day, as part of the “nabble” will always be in the shade. The golden hour is the best time or you can hike on a cloudy day.
(However, I do not recommend hiking if there is rain for the forecast because the street can become impassable.)
Things that are to be done near the cosmic ashtray and Escalante, Utah,
Do not miss the Lower Cal Calf Creek Falls in the area, also near Escalante, Utah. (And make sure you grab this pizza pizza at Escalante outfitters.)
Utah also houses five beautiful national parks that are worth visiting: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion.
You could get out with the road in Utah for several weeks and still don’t see everything, but the “powerful five” national parks are a great place to start!
Questions about visiting the cosmic ashtray near Escalante? Let me know below!
You could also like
