Explore the stunning landscapes and unique geology of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with our travel guide. Discover the best time to visit, top attractions, nearby accommodations, and more to plan your perfect adventure.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Travel Guide
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, located in south-central Utah, is a stunning expanse of canyons, plateaus, and cliffs. It is known for its geological feature, the Grand Staircase, a series of cliffs and plateaus that descend from Bryce Canyon National Park to the Grand Canyon. The monument is rich in natural beauty, with a variety of rock formations, including arches, bridges, and hoodoos. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, camp under the stars, and enjoy activities such as bird watching and photography. With its diverse landscape and unique geology, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Location
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is located in south-central Utah, in the western United States. It is approximately 50 miles east of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Getting There
By Air: The closest major airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is approximately 270 miles southwest of the monument. Other nearby airports include Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, about 330 miles north of the monument, and St. George Regional Airport in Utah, about 150 miles west of the monument.
By Car: The monument is accessible by car from several major highways in the region. From the west, visitors can take U.S. Route 89 to State Route 12. From the east, visitors can take U.S. Route 191 to State Route 95. From the north, visitors can take State Route 12. From the south, visitors can take U.S. Route 89.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
The summer months (July to August) can be extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
The winter months (November to March) are cooler, with daytime temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is the possibility of snow, especially at higher elevations. Some roads and trails may be inaccessible during the winter months due to snow and mud.
Therefore, spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to take advantage of the pleasant weather and avoid the extremes of summer heat and winter cold.
Top Attractions
The Grand Staircase: The Grand Staircase, a series of cliffs and plateaus that descend from Bryce Canyon National Park to the Grand Canyon. The monument is rich in natural beauty, with a variety of rock formations, including arches, bridges, and hoodoos. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, camp under the stars, and enjoy activities such as bird watching and photography. With its diverse landscape and unique geology, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Escalante River Canyons: These stunning canyons are carved by the Escalante River and its tributaries, with beautiful rock formations and narrow slot canyons.
Calf Creek Falls: A beautiful 126-foot waterfall located in a canyon, accessible by a moderate hike.
Devil’s Garden: An area filled with fascinating rock formations, including arches, hoodoos, and other unique geological features.
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch Slot Canyons: Two of the most popular slot canyons in the monument, known for their narrow passages and towering walls.
Hole-in-the-Rock Road: A historic road that was once used by Mormon pioneers, now a popular route for exploring the monument’s backcountry.
Grosvenor Arch: A large double arch located near the monument’s southern border.
Kodachrome Basin State Park: A nearby state park known for its colorful rock formations and stunning landscapes.
Burr Trail: A scenic road that offers breathtaking views of the monument’s landscapes and geology.
Top Activities
Hiking: There are numerous trails in the monument, ranging from short, easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
Camping: There are several campgrounds in the monument, as well as opportunities for backcountry camping.
Photography: The stunning landscapes and unique rock formations make this a great destination for photographers.
Bird Watching: The monument is home to a variety of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and songbirds.
Fossil Hunting: There are several areas in the monument where you can see fossils from the Cretaceous period.
Where to Stay
When visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, there are several options for accommodations both inside the monument and in nearby towns. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
Inside the Monument:
Camping is a popular option for visitors looking to fully immerse themselves in the monument's natural beauty. There are several campgrounds within the monument, including Calf Creek Campground and Deer Creek Campground.
Nearby Towns:
Escalante: This is the closest town to the monument and offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds.
Boulder, UT: Located just north of the monument, Boulder also has several hotels and bed and breakfast options.
Kanab: A larger town located to the south of the monument, Kanab has a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
Page, Arizona: Located to the southeast of the monument, Page is another option for accommodations, with several hotels and motels to choose from.
Tips for Visiting
Bring plenty of water, as it can be very hot and dry in the area.
Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
Check the weather and road conditions before heading out, as some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding or snow.
Respect the natural and cultural resources of the monument by staying on designated trails and not disturbing wildlife or cultural artifacts.
