"Grand Staircase - So much to see!" Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument by WinInZion

Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument Travel Guide: 96 reviews and 233 photos

Hoodoos at Devils Garden - Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

Remote yet accessible

The Grand Staircase is 1.9 million acres of bascally undeveloped land.
This part of Utah is accessed from several hiways including 89 to the south and 12 to the North. There are several roads crossing the area, these are graded dirt/gravel and you should ask at a BLM office before venturing onto one. There are BLM offices in Kanab, Cannonville, Big Water and I believe Escalante.

I've been in this area many times, yet I still feel I've not made a dent in what's out there. Do your homework before you come. The area is remote with few people out and about. It will be HOT! in July/August, be prepared.

Please see my page on Escalante for lodging and food tips!

Calf Creek Falls - Lower

The 125 Ft Lower Calf Creek Falls

I did the hike out to this beautiful falls on a terrific Sept. morning. The hike is 6 miles round trip, mostly flat with alot of sand! I am an early person and was on the trail at 7:15 AM and had the trail to myself. There was one couple about 15 minutes ahead and I only saw them on their way back. I really rate this as one of the best hikes I've done in Utah.

As I was coming back there were hordes of people heading out. Families, couples, young and old. Very few looked prepared for a 6 mile hike in Sun and 85+F. The desert is a tough place, please be prepared! Think H2O.

Nearby Petroglyphs

This not 100 hands but a panel from the same area.

If you park at the Escalante River Trailhead off RT 12 you can access some terrific Petroglyphs. The major panel here consists of 100 hand prints. There are some others in the area but this one is special. I'm not going to tell how to get to this, ask at the BLM office in Escalante. I did not find it my first time and had to go ask!

I really love challenge of finding these and being rewarded with art work from 1000 years ago!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Remote area, still unblemished by too many people!
Cons:Not on the main vacation route. Few ammenities.
In a nutshell:This what the West was like! Still here for the adventerous!

Last visit to Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument: May 2009
Intro Updated Aug 26, 2009
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Reviews (3)

Cottonwod Rd driving North from RT 89 - Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

Cottonwwod Rd - Bring an SUV Off The Beaten Path (1)

Cottonwood Rd runs across the GSENM. This is 40 miles of backcountry driving and a HC vehicle is recommended. You'll... more travel advice

Our friend Irina in one of the narrows. - Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

Willis Creek, a great little slot canyon Things to Do (2)

Coming either from Bryce or from Zion a trip to Willis Creek is well worthwhile. First you get to drive thru the... more travel advice

This the first Hoodoo, you climb up to the left - Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

The Rim Rock Hoodoos Things to Do (2)

The southern boundary for the GSENM is RT 89 from Kanab, UT to Page AZ. At MM 19 in Paria area are these fabulous... more travel advice

Map of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

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Comments (5)

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sim1 Mar 28, 2010 at 2:37 AM

I am happy I bumped into your pages, you really have some great tips here! Thanks! It helps me a lot with planning my trip to Utah!
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BruceDunning May 28, 2009 at 1:30 PM

Thank you for the pictures and comments. Hiking can be long and needs thinking before treking.
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mikelisaanna Dec 3, 2008 at 7:01 AM

Grand Staircase-Escalante was one of our favorites when we visited Utah. We loved the open spaces. Your page brought back good memories.
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saraheg77 Dec 2, 2008 at 6:50 PM

Thanks for the info.
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mikehanneman May 30, 2006 at 3:12 PM

I hate that the BLM is going to allow drilling in southern Utah. Once the area is screwed up you can't fix it. In teh USA Today they said the drilling rigs will only be 1/4 mile from the Green River. What a shame.