This is an unmarked route. Hikers must be able to use topographic maps to find their way. Steep descents on slickrock and one pour-off to negotiate as you descend from Spencer Flat to Phipps Wash. A cairned route on the left side of the pour-off leads you safely around this obstacle. A steep cairned scramble up the slickrock leads to Phipps Arch.
Drive 10.0 miles east of Escalante on Hwy 12. Turn right (south) onto the Sheffield Road (103). (This dirt road connects with Hwy 12 approximately 0.5 mile past the Head of the Rocks Overlook.) There are several possible places to start the hike off of the Sheffield Road. A good place is 0.75 mile south of Hwy 12 at a dispersed camping site on the left (east) side of the road. At this point, it is possible to drop down off of the rim and continue down the slickrock to the head of Phipps Wash. The trip ends at the Escalante River trail head on Hwy 12, 14.0 miles east of Escalante. Return the way you came if you don't have two vehicles.
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