Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, including places to visit, hiking routes, activities, food and drink, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and rugged expanse of stunning natural beauty located in Canyon Country, in Utah, in the Southwest region of the United States. Encompassing over 1.9 million acres, the monument is a geological wonderland of towering cliffs, deep canyons, slot canyons, and mesas, with some of the most diverse and unique landscapes in the country.

The monument is well-known for its spectacular geology and paleontology, but it also boasts an abundance of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, black bears, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can explore the monument on foot, bike, horseback, or by vehicle, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views.

List of Places to Visit in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Escalante Heritage Center: This center showcases the history and heritage of the Escalante area, with exhibits on early pioneers, Native American history, and the ranching and mining industries that helped shape the region.
  • The Anasazi State Park Museum: This museum provides a glimpse into the lives of the Anasazi people who lived in the region over a thousand years ago, with artifacts and exhibits on their culture, history, and daily life.

Natural Attractions of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Grand Staircase: This is a series of multicolored cliffs that rise from the valley floor and form a staircase-like pattern of terraces that ascend to the high plateaus of the Grand Circle.
  • The Escalante River: This pristine river cuts through breathtaking canyons and offers some of the best hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities in the monument.
  • Devil’s Garden: This area features an otherworldly landscape of towering sandstone spires and hoodoos, making it a popular site for hiking, photography, and exploration.
  • Coyote Gulch: This is a remote and stunningly beautiful area with waterfalls, natural arches, and clear pools, offering some of the best backpacking experiences in the monument.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

  • The Escalante River Trail: This is a stunning 15-mile round trip hike that follows the Escalante River through some of the most scenic and remote canyons in the monument.
  • The Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail: This moderate 5.5-mile hike in Bryce Canyon National Park offers spectacular views of the hoodoos and is a must-do for any hiking enthusiast.
  • The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail: This 6-mile round trip hike in the Escalante area rewards hikers with a refreshing and stunning waterfall, and offers views of ancient petroglyphs along the way.

Best Things to Do in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Activities and Tours

  • ATV Tours: Explore the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of the monument on an ATV tour, with guided tours available for all skill levels.
  • Horseback Riding: Take a leisurely ride through the monument’s scenic vistas and canyons, with guided tours available for riders of all levels.
  • Rafting and Kayaking: Explore the clear waters of the Colorado River or the Escalante River on a guided rafting or kayaking trip, with a range of trips available for all experience levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Day 1: Explore the Anasazi State Park Museum and learn about the ancient Anasazi civilization.

Day 2: Hike the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park and enjoy the stunning views of the hoodoos.

Day 3: Take an ATV tour and explore the rugged terrain of the monument, with stops at Devil’s Garden and other scenic vistas.

Day 4: Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls and enjoy the refreshing waterfall and ancient petroglyphs along the way.

Day 5: Explore the Escalante River on a guided kayaking or rafting trip and soak in the breathtaking views of the canyons.

Day 6: Take a horseback riding tour through the monument’s scenic vistas and stop at Coyote Gulch for a picnic lunch.

Day 7: Visit the Escalante Heritage Center and learn about the history and heritage of the area.

Food and Drink Scene of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Must-Try Dishes

  • Frybread: This delicious and traditional Native American dish is a must-try in the monument. Made with flour, sugar, and baking powder, frybread is served with a variety of toppings such as honey, jam, or Navajo tacos.

Local Beverages

  • Utah Microbrews: The state of Utah is home to several microbreweries, with a range of local beers available throughout the monument.

Where to Stay in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Boulder Mountain Lodge: This rustic lodge offers cozy and comfortable accommodations, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • The Slot Canyons Inn: This charming inn features spacious rooms and suites, with a range of amenities including a hot tub, a swimming pool, and complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Native American Jewelry: The monument is home to several Native American communities, where visitors can find handmade jewelry and other crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The monument is home to several Native American communities, including the Navajo, Ute, and Paiute tribes. Visitors should respect the customs and cultures of the local communities and seek permission before taking photographs.

Best Time to Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The best time to visit the monument is during the spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can bring snow and icy conditions, making it difficult to access some areas of the monument.

Do’s and Don’ts of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
  • Pack out your trash.
  • Follow all rules and regulations.

Don’t:

  • Disturb or damage cultural or natural resources.
  • Leave food or garbage lying around.

Safety and Health

Safety in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Visitors should be aware of the potential hazards in the monument, including rugged terrain, fast-moving water, and extreme weather conditions. It is recommended that visitors bring plenty of water, food, and appropriate clothing and gear for their activities.

Health in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Visitors should be aware of the potential health risks in the monument, including exposure to sun, heat, and dehydration. It is recommended that visitors bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Getting to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

  • St. George Regional Airport: This airport is located approximately 160 miles from the monument and offers flights to several cities in the Southwest.

Bus Stations Near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

  • Greyhound: This bus service provides transportation to several cities in the Southwest, with a stop in nearby towns such as Tropic and Escalante.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: There are several car rental companies located near the monument, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Visitors can explore the monument by foot, bike, horseback, or by vehicle. There are several scenic drives in the monument, including the Hole in the Rock Road and the Burr Trail.

Where to Go Next from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Zion National Park: This stunning park is located approximately 90 miles from the monument and offers some of the most iconic landscapes in the country.
  • Arches National Park: This park features stunning natural arches and rock formations, and is located approximately 180 miles from the monument.

Conclusion

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a natural wonderland of stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. With plenty of outdoor adventures, scenic vistas, and cultural attractions, the monument is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to experience the best of the Southwest.

Grosvenor Arch just off Cottonwood Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Grosvenor Arch just off Cottonwood Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument The Stair Steps or Layers of the Grand Staircase The Stair Steps or Layers of the Grand Staircase Hackberry Canyon, just off Cottonwood Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Hackberry Canyon, just off Cottonwood Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Cottonwood Road in the Grand Staircase Cottonwood Road in the Grand Staircase Lick Wash is a wonderful slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase section of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Lick Wash is a wonderful slot canyon hike in the Grand Staircase section of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Willis Creek Willis Creek Wahweap Hoodoo Wahweap Hoodoo