Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

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.

• 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.

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.

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 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.

The Grand Staircase Escalante is a vast, canyon-filled national monument in Southern Utah. Spanning close to a couple of million acres, the area is known for its rugged landscapes, prehistoric rock art, and fiery red rock formations. The monument has been nicknamed a “staircase” because of the tiered cliffs that resemble steps.

The national monument is classified into three distinct areas: the Najavo sandstone Escalante Canyons to the northeast, by far the most popular draw for hikers and climbers; the lesser-visited Grand Staircase region to the west, famous for its slot canyons; and the Kaiparowits plateau in between, home to 30-million-year-old fossils and dinosaur eggs.

Yes. While most roads that pass through Grand Staircase Escalante (including those leading to trailheads) are unpaved, you’ll find two asphalted highways. If you’ve got your own transportation, spin down Byway 12, a famously scenic route—classified as an All-American Road—that runs alongside Bryce Canyon National Park and the Grand Staircase.

Mountain bikes and ATVs are prohibited in Grand Staircase Escalante. This rugged expanse of backcountry is best explored on foot. Trails range from easy day hikes to multi-day long-distance endeavors, including technical climbs for those with the right skills and experience. Whatever you choose, bring four liters of water per person—you’ll need it.

Yes—with the proper precautions. This is a massive area with limited cell connectivity. Storms can roll in quickly, leaving travelers stranded. Bring several days’ worth of emergency supplies. In dry weather, 2WD cars can reach most trailheads, but 4WD vehicles are still recommended. When in doubt, consider visiting with a guide.

While the Grand Staircase Escalante is best known for its unique geological features, Southern Utah also boasts an impressive biodiversity. A few animals that call this region home are mountain lions (attacks are extremely rare), desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 bird species, including the endangered California condor and bald eagles.