Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument: Utah’s Wildest Frontier

Remote, rugged, and wildly scenic, Grand Staircase–Escalante is one of Utah’s most underrated natural gems. This sprawling national monument offers slot canyons, prehistoric fossils, red rock cliffs, and hiking adventures with far fewer crowds than Zion or Bryce.

Overview

Covering nearly one million acres, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument spans southern Utah’s high desert and canyon country. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the monument features dramatic sandstone formations, hidden waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, and some of the darkest night skies in the U.S. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.

Why Visit Grand Staircase–Escalante?

• Hike surreal slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch
• Visit the remote beauty of Devil’s Garden and its hoodoos
• Discover ancient dinosaur fossils and Native American rock art
• Escape the crowds and enjoy true backcountry adventure

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be dangerously hot, especially in exposed desert areas, while winter may bring snow and limited road access to remote trailheads. Flash flood risks are highest during late summer thunderstorms, so always check weather conditions before hiking slot canyons.

Entry Info & Typical Costs

• Entrance fee: Free — no park pass required (BLM-managed land)
• Trailhead fees: Some trailheads require a small day-use fee (e.g., $5 for Hole-in-the-Rock Road trailheads)
• Permits: Not required for most day hikes; overnight or technical canyoneering may require registration at trailheads
• Camping: Free dispersed camping allowed in many areas; some established campgrounds ~$10–$20/night
• Gear rentals: Not available inside the monument; bring your own supplies from nearby towns like Escalante or Kanab
• Guided tours: Optional; half-day to full-day tours range from $100–$250 depending on activity

How to Get There

The monument is accessible from multiple entry points, with Escalante, Kanab, and Boulder, Utah, serving as common base towns.

• From Escalante: Take Hole-in-the-Rock Road for access to slot canyons and trailheads
• From Kanab: Cottonwood Canyon Road and Johnson Canyon Road offer scenic routes into the western portion
• From Boulder: Burr Trail provides access to remote hikes and red rock scenery
• Road conditions: Many access roads are unpaved and impassable when wet — check conditions before visiting

Visitor Tips

• High-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended for many dirt roads
• Pack extra water, food, and gas — services are limited or nonexistent in the backcountry
• Download offline maps or bring paper maps — cell service is very limited
• Always let someone know your hiking plans, especially for remote slot canyon routes

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Grand Staircase–Escalante dog-friendly? Yes, but keep dogs on leash and bring extra water for them
• Is this part of the U.S. National Park System? No, it’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), not the National Park Service
• Can I camp inside the monument? Yes, dispersed camping is allowed — follow Leave No Trace principles
• Are the roads accessible year-round? Some unpaved roads become impassable after rain or snow; check with the BLM office before heading out