Bull Valley Gorge is a stunning geological wonder in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, United States. The gorge was formed over millions of years by the waters of the Escalante River, which carved through the Navajo sandstone, leaving behind towering cliffs and narrow canyons.

Legend has it that the gorge was named after a bull that fell into the river and was swept away by the current. The bull was later found trapped in the narrow canyon, hence the name Bull Valley Gorge.

To get to Bull Valley Gorge, you'll need to travel to the town of Escalante in southern Utah. From there, head east on Highway 12 for about 5 miles until you reach the town of Boulder. Then, turn left onto the Burr Trail Road, a scenic drive that winds through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

After about 15 miles, you'll reach the Bull Valley Gorge Trailhead. The trailhead is marked by a sign and a small parking area. From here, it's a short hike down to the gorge. The trail is relatively easy at first, but it becomes more challenging as you descend into the canyon. The terrain is rocky and uneven, and a few steep sections require some scrambling.

Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the towering cliffs and the narrow canyon walls. The gorge is about 2 miles long and can be explored in either direction. However, it's important to note that flash floods are common in the area, and it's important to check the weather forecast before setting out on your hike.

Bull Valley Gorge is a must-see destination for anyone visiting southern Utah. It is rugged beauty, and unique geological features make it a truly unforgettable experience.

In 1954, three men - Max Henderson, Clark Smith, and Hart Johnson - were killed in a tragic accident in Bull Valley Gorge. They had been driving over the one-lane bridge on Skutumpah Road when their pickup truck apparently stalled and rolled backward, plunging over the edge and landing in the narrowest section of the slot about 20 to 25 feet below the bridge and 80 feet or more above the canyon floor. The men were killed instantly, leaving behind seven children in Henrieville and Cannonville who lost their fathers.

Recovering the bodies of the three men was not an easy task. The sheriff arrived at the scene with his son, who rappelled into the slot to reach the pickup. People on the rim pulled up two bodies with ropes, but the third victim had evidently fallen from the truck and was found at the bottom of the gulch.

After the accident, county workers pushed large quantities of boulders, rubble, and tree trunks into the slot directly over the pickup truck. Then, they rebuilt the wooden span on top of this. As a result, the pickup still hangs high above the bottom of the gorge and can be seen if you make your way to the canyon floor directly under the bridge.

If hiking or backpacking the length of Bull Valley Gorge, keep in mind conditions can be highly variable and dangerous. Some sections require rope and climbing skills, and backpackers and hikers may encounter cold standing water and mud and flash flooding due to the narrow width of some parts of the canyon. Therefore, before going, it's important to check with Monument Visitor Center staff for current conditions, weather forecasts, and information on the skills and gear needed. Topographical maps are also recommended, and backpackers must obtain a permit at no cost at the trailhead or from a Monument Visitor Center.