Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The basics

Unlike many of Utah’s state and national parks, Grand Staircase-Escalante doesn’t have an official entrance, so most visitors choose an area to cover before setting out. There are a few visitor centers, including the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in the town of Escalante, where you can see interpretive displays, pick up maps, or ask for general advice. Additional visitor centers are in Kanab, Big Water, and Cannonville.

Most of the trailheads in the monument are only accessible by dirt roads, so make sure your car has 4WD and can handle rough terrain if you plan to venture off the main roads. Hiking tours typically include transportation.

Things to know before you go

• Make sure you check the difficulty of your hikes before setting out, and always carry lots of water.

• Slot canyons can be confusing and dangerous to hike in, and are best visited with a professional guide who knows the area well.

• The Big Water and Kanab Visitor Centers are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly.

How to get there

The Escalante Canyons Outstanding Natural Area section of the monument is located right on Scenic Byway 12. By car, it’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park or just under 4 hours from Moab. The Grand Staircase region is easier to access from Kanab, about a 1-hour drive from Zion National Park or 3 hours from Las Vegas.

When to get there

The best time to visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is in the fall, when the weather is warm and dry, or in the springtime, when temperatures are pleasant and not usually too rainy. Summers are often too hot and sunny for safe daytime hiking, while winters get cold and sometimes see snow at higher elevations.

Utah’s Mighty Five

Utah’s national parks are collectively known as the “Mighty Five.” Arches and Canyonlands are both known for their rock formations and scenic views, while Capitol Reef offers an unusual feature for a national park: orchards where you can pick your own fruit. In the western part of the state, Bryce Canyon is known for its massive rock pinnacles, or hoodoos, while Zion features scenic hiking trails and a mix of rock formations and woodlands.

Ways to explore

Unlike many of Utah’s state and national parks, Grand Staircase-Escalante doesn’t have an official entrance, so most visitors choose an area to cover before setting out. There are a few visitor centers, including the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in the town of Escalante, where you can see interpretive displays, pick up maps, or ask for general advice. An additional visitor center is in Kanab.

Most of the trailheads in the monument are only accessible by dirt roads, so make sure you have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle that can handle rough terrain. Hiking tours typically include transportation.

Accessibility

Owing to its rough and uneven terrain, much of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is not readily accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camping gear, large quantities of water and food, a first-aid kit, hiking poles

What to wear

Wear good hiking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, and other durable outdoorsy gear with good sun protection.

Not allowed

Campfires, littering, vandalizing petroglyphs, improperly disposing of garbage

Amenities

Visitor centers, campgrounds

Address 

Given that Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument occupies such a vast swath of land in southern Utah, there are numerous points of access and parts of the park to explore. Given its location, most visitors self-drive there.

Driving

Traveling via US Route 89 will connect you to many of the towns that border the national monument, including Escalante, Kanab, and Big Water. Before setting out, make sure your vehicle is capable of off-road driving.

Public transportation

Public transportation options are very limited in this rugged part of the country. If you don’t have a car, you can book a tour that includes pickup and drop-off in Kanab, Las Vegas, or Salt Lake City.

Best times to visit

Arrive early in the day to beat the midday heat, and give yourself the most time for hiking and exploring.

Best days to visit

Crowding is rarely an issue in this remote wilderness, but weekends and holidays may see more visitors than weekdays.

Best months to visit

Winter is the low season here, when some local businesses are closed. Aim for spring and fall to miss the peak-summer heat.

Special events

Visit in September to attend the Escalante Canyons Art Festival, which features art exhibits, workshops, an arts and crafts fair, live music, and more.