Grand Staircase National Monument
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.
- Calf Creek Campground
Hwy 12 (between Escalante and Boulder)
13 sites: $15 per night - Deer Creek Campground
Burr Trail, 6 miles east of Boulder
4 sites: $10 per night - 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: $20-$30 per night, $8 for day use
Hot showers and flush toilets
Fun Facts
Grand Staircase was the last area to be mapped in the U.S.
