That's not an easy question to answer because the answer changes based on the water level in the lake, how willing you are to scramble down narrow ledges, etc. The north crack of hole in the rock is usually accessible by foot, though depending on the water level it can be a pretty long walk down (and back up) a <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> very hot crevasse.

There isn't a whole lot of reasonable water access from Smoky Mtn Road or anywhere on that northwest side of the lake.. the only places flat enough for any sort of a road, are several hundred feet above the water elevation and mostly separated with a good amount of sheer vertical. Possible to walk down of course, but we're talking an hour or more each way, blazing trail in full exposure to a very hot sun and hoping you can find a safe route down where there really aren't many established paths.

If you want to get to the lake shore somewhere between Big Water and Bullfrog, your best bet is going to be taking Smoky Mtn or Cottonwood Canyon road up toward Escalante, then cutting over to 50 mile road (aka hole in the rock road) and taking that down to the crevasse. That way the route to the water is clearly visible and relatively short, you'll be able to tell pretty easily whether or not it's walkable from the top before you set out. Plus all that stuff is crazy beautiful and awe inspiring with tons of stuff to gawk at along the way.. hey that ain't bad eh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Don't take any dumb risks, you can be out there for a few days and not see anyone - forget about cell signal, just turn it off and save battery.

Have an awesome trip! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />