Cosmic Ashtray via Volcano Trail

This is a great adventure that requires good navigation skills if you do not download the tracks.  Most of the route travels on slickrock with very few cairns.  Drive down Spencer Flat road as far you can go.  There will be a wide parking are with a few trees.  From this area follow the road down a sandy track for about 3/4 of a mile.  Don't be fooled by all the foot prints following the road. Turn off to the right after the sandy road turns left and becomes straight again.

Follow an unmarked trail which at times is difficult to follow.  Trust the GPS tracks.  The route ascends and descends slickrock ridges for about 2.5 miles. At that point, the route turns south and continues along uneven slickrock higher about than before.  Great views can be seen to the left.  Stay high on the slickrock with occasional small cairns.

There is not much notice you have arrived at the Cosmic Ashtray until you turn a corner and ascend a little higher.  It is tempting to hike down into the Ashtray but it can be extremely difficult to get back out and good be days until someone else hikes back here.  Hike up as far as you are comfortable.  It is a very peaceful location with very few visitors.  Follow your GPS tracks out the way you came in.

There is no cell service at all out here.  Be sure to download the track when in the closest towns, Escalante or Boulder.