There is something uniquely beautiful about Utah’s Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This remote area is one of those places that encourage travelers to occasionally travel off the well-worn path. This is one of those noteworthy travel destinations that does not always rate high on anyone’s bucket list but is certainly worth inclusion.

For those not in the know, President Bill Clinton declared this place an official national monument in 1996 via an actual Presidential Proclamation. It is called Grand Staircase-Escalante because it is home to a number of plateaus, including the 9000-foot tall Kaiparowits plateau, which descends from popular Bryce Canyon National Park south to the world-famous Grand Canyon. You can explore the various canyons of the Escalante via different drives and stunning slot canyons as well. To help you update your travel bucket list then, we now present this list of exciting things to do in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

Exciting Things To Do In Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Some Scenic Drives

1. Cruise Highway 12

Why not enjoy a scenic drive on your way to Grand Staircase? Cruise beautiful Hwy 12. Be prepared for multiple stops. Because as you drive down this highway, remember that there are a number of different great viewpoints where you can stop and take in the views.   

Veteran visitors suggest driving into Capitol Reef National Park’s back entrance. Veteran visitors report that the traffic is surprisingly sparse. You can very well be out cruising around a beautiful spot all alone.

Additionally, there is an enjoyable switchback that you drive down in order to reach Capitol Reef’s water-pocket fold area. It might be important to note that a section of this road is, as this goes to press, only gravel. Allow yourself a good two hours for this particular drive.

Also referred to as “Norton” Road by some travelers and travel bloggers, this is another option. Reported to be a scenic backway, you wouldn’t want to drive it in a sports car. While the views can’t be disputed, you will be surrendering some comfort by taking this route. If you don’t mind that then you probably have a four-wheel drive vehicle with decent clearance and should be able to travel this road. Check on weather conditions and road conditions prior to taking it though as you will otherwise be dealing with small sand drifts along with the loose graveled sections. 

Hell’s Backbone Road is generally slotted into the top 10 things to do here. Mind you, it sometimes receives mixed reviews from those who have been on it. The highlight here is the Hell’s Backbone Bridge. 

There’s a little pullout area where you can park your vehicle, sit and rest and take in the scenery. You will also pass Calf Creek Falls where you can stop and play in the water. There are those who didn’t enjoy driving through the forest and don’t consider trees a part of the scenery and there are no services.  

Even they, however, admit once you actually arrive at the top by the previously-mentioned bridge it is undeniably beautiful. You can see to well-known Bryce and beyond. To be fair, it can be windy so if driving while it’s windy out is an issue for you, check the weather prior to taking this two-hour drive. 

Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante

In order to complete this hike you need to drive about 45 minutes on a reportedly rough road. Surprisingly, when you get to the actual trailhead there’s a nice, big parking lot. Permits are $6.00 per person at press time.

They can be purchased ahead of time, paid for online, or paid by scanning a barcode right there. You will need to complete a form that must be clearly displayed on your dashboard. The 5.6-mile out-and-back hike may take longer than you expect as the hiking trail typically has a lot of rocks on it.

As is often the case, the canyon itself is cooler and that makes it more comfortable for hiking. You can download the trail route on All Trails and even print it out if you are concerned about your signal. As often suggested, dress in layers and don’t hike there if rain is expected.

This six-mile hike is rated moderately strenuous and some hikers have called it unexpectedly amazing. On this hike, you will be able to see some huge petroglyphs on the mountain there. Ah, but the real highlight of this specific hike is the waterfall at the trail’s end.

Even if you know it’s there, it just isn’t what you expect to see in a desert. It’s a beautiful waterfall that is 126 feet tall. There’s an attractive little beach area there as well. You can swim here as well. So, plan to do this hike when it’s nice and warm.

Your route to the trailhead might not be smooth so check with park officials for road conditions and recommendations. Some folks choose to do it the hard way and then complain about it. The trailhead parking lot might not look like much either but remember this is about the hike and not the drive to the starting point.

The canyon itself is unique and beautiful and hiking through it is the best way to experience that. It is an adventurous experience as you hike, shimmy, scramble, climb up and climb down on this terrific trek. You may find it odd, but in one way this hike is more kid-friendly than adult friendly as there are places where grown adults have to struggle a bit to fit through some of the tight spots here.

If you’re feeling energetic and have the time, keep going and hike to Spider Canyon. Mind you, you will need to be able to physically squeeze through 12-inch openings in the rock! There are also other challenging crevices and while you will need the essentials bulky backpacks will make it tricky, to say the least.  

You will have to hike roughly half a mile or so back to the trailhead. Part of it is uphill too. It might be under five miles, but it is a challenge.  

The road to the trailhead is a bumpy dirt road but you’ll be on it for under 15 minutes. This hike is under five miles in total. This is a very short but gorgeous canyon.

This hike is a little over five miles out and back with an elevation gain of 300 feet as you must hike uphill on the way back to the trailhead. The slots here are only reportedly about 200 yards in length. There are areas here that are only about 10 inches in width and climbing is required.  

You can download the AllTrails map for this hike on your smartphone. You might want to print it out as well. In fact, having a copy of the map for every member of your hiking party is always a good idea. 

As always, you should check on weather conditions prior to heading out on your hike. In fact, experienced hikers even phone the ranger station here to ensure that there is not too much rainwater in the canyon and to ensure there is no approaching storm. Always be prepared.

Are you in the mood for a great backcountry adventure? If so, consider hiking the Coyote Gulch Trail. This is an adventurous 13-mile hike that requires both time and effort. 

Veteran visitors recommend contacting the staff at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center and inquire about a permit and to get current information on the weather and trail conditions before you begin your adventure. FYI: There are four other official area visitor centers. They are Big Water, Cannonville, Escalante, and Kanab.

Some Other Places To Visit In Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

This is actually both a museum and a state park located in Southern Utah. There is also an information center focused on the entire surrounding area, a souvenir store, and an outdoor picnic area as well. Of course, the main attraction here is the rugged ruins of an ancient Anasazi Village. It is formally known as the Coombes Village site. Located in Garfield County, it is open all year.

This state park is also located in Garfield County approximately a half-mile north of the actual town of Escalante. Here you can hike through an actual petrified forest. In fact, the popular Petrified Forest Trail is a single-mile loop, relatively easy, and enjoyable. Other highlights here include the reservoir where you can go kayaking or paddle boarding and the little visitor center museum that’s free to explore.

Feeling hungry after your full day of fun and adventure? Need more than a picnic lunch of trail mix and water? Those in the know suggest getting a bite to eat at the following assorted eateries.

The Escalante Outfitters Restaurant

This restaurant is actually a part of the nearby Escalante Outfitters store nestled in Escalante. Here you can get coffee, lunch, and dinner. The pizza and beer come highly recommended. The complex also offers visitors pay showers and a laundromat as well. The store itself focuses more on camping-related clothing and other gear.

Kiva Koffeehouse

Also located in Escalante, this place was built to blend in with the environment so if you’re not paying attention you could almost miss it. Use Google Maps if you don’t want to have to turn around and go back. While they do advertise meals, the highlight here is the coffee and pastries. There’s plenty of parking too.

Magnolia’s Street Food Truck  

If you’d just like to grab a bite and go, consider this food truck parked by the earlier-mentioned Anasazi State Park Museum. The park is a fun place to stop and you can grab a bite and go!

Escalante Outfitters

This business, mentioned earlier, does have a store. However, the majority of the merchandise here centers around camping gear, hiking gear, clothing, sunscreen, and souvenir stickers.

Groceries

It shouldn’t take an Eagle Scout like your rovin’ writer to tell you that especially when it comes to food and water, you really should “be prepared.” Veteran visitors can confirm that as this goes to press, there are no full-service supermarkets anywhere in the area. You must either shop before you arrive or “be prepared” for a limited selection.

Beer, Wine, and Alcohol

You’re in the state of Utah. Alcohol is comparatively difficult to find here The Escalante Outfitters, however, also offers adventurers a selection of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages if you didn’t bring your own.

If you plan on spending a night or more here, you need to know your options. Camping in the area is an option but permits and reservations may be an issue should you not plan properly.

One suggested possibility is the Bureau of Land Management’s Hole In The Rock. They offer spots where you can even park a trailer. Should you get there early enough, you can even score a spot with an incredible view!

Escalante Outfitters offers cabins with minimal amenities. They sleep up to two people. There’s even a single-family cabin complete with its own bathroom and cable TV. However, there are only seven of them so plan ahead.   

Area RV Parks

If you are traveling in an actual RV, there’s the Escalante Cabins and RV Park! There are other RV options such as Circleville RV Park and Duck Creek Village RV but they are almost two hours away from the park itself.

Last but not least, is the Entrada Escalante Lodge. It is praised for being the area’s “best value hotel.” Suites include kitchenettes and living room spaces.