Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres of sandstone cliffs which ascend northwards in a series of dramatic geological steps, rich in natural and human history.

Overview

The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a multi-hued landscape which can be divied into three regions: The Canyons of Escalante National Monument, Grand Staircase Utah and the Kaiparowits Plateau. It offers many outdoor recreational activities amidst stunning scenery which includes waterfalls, natural arches, plateaus and colored cliffs.

Location /Directions

Approach from either Las Vegas along Hwy 20, or Salt Lake City along Hwy 9. Both these roads meet Hwy 89 to Glendale which provides access to many recreational spots within Grand Staircase National Monument. Hwy 12 from Escalante/Boulder also provides access.

Information

• Open year-round, weather permitting
• No entrance fees

Permits

Backcountry hiking needs a free permit, obtainable from any Visitor Centre or NPS office at Escalante

Activities

Hiking
Great hiking encircles the Grand Staircase area with many trails at each point of interest

• Calf Creek Falls
  5.5 miles RT (Moderate)
  Trailhead: Calf Creek Recreation Area
  Pass ponds and rock art to multicolored cliffs.
• Little Death Hollow
  16 miles RT (Moderate)
  Trailhead in Little Death Hollow south of Wolverine Petrified Wood Natural Area
  Awesome slot canyon.
• Forty Mile Gulch
  11 miles RT (Moderate but wet)
  45 miles south of Escalante at Hole-in-the-Rock Road, trailhead beside Sooner Rocks formation

Fly Fishing
The lakes and streams around Boulder Mountain provide perfect fishing for wild trout in the streams. Catch and release fly fishing is encouraged.

Horseback Riding
The wide open spaces at Grand Staircase are ideal for exploring on horseback. There are great rides in Kodachrome Basin State Park and surrounding the Grand Staircase Monument area. Boulder Mountain Ranch offers guided trail rides to scenic spots or checkout some of the outfitters listed below.

Camping

• Calf Creek Campground
  Hwy 12 (between Escalante and Boulder)
  13 sites: $7 per night, $2 for day use
• Deer Creek Campground
  Burr Trail, 6 miles east of Boulder
  4 sites: No fees
• Whitehouse Campground
  Off Hwy 89 near Paria Canyon, 43 miles east of Kanab
  No water or trash service
  $5 per night
• Kodachrome Basin State Park Campground
  South of Henrieville on Cottonwood Road
  24 sites/ 6 cabins: $16 per night, $6 for day use
  Hot showers and flush toilets

Fun Facts

Grand Staircase was the last area to be mapped in the U.S.