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Camping | Hiking | Mountain Biking | Horseback Riding
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Description Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a dramatic, multi-hued landscape that is rich in natural and human history. Extending across 1.9 million acres of Utah lands, the Monument represents a unique combination of archaeological, historical, paleontological, geological, and biological resources. These strikingly beautiful and scientifically important lands are divided into three distinct regions: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante.
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Monument Information Information Centers:
The BLM information centers are located around the periphery of the
Monument. BLM personnel at these centers can provide visitors with essential
and detailed information. The centers also offer books and maps for
purchase through our cooperating interpretive associations. Cannonville
Contact Station Anasazi State Park
Paria Contact Station Permits:
Backcountry visitors can obtain free backcountry permits for overnight
use in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument at the Escalante
Interagency Office in Escalante, the Anasazi Visitor Contact Station
in Boulder, the Kanab Resource Area in Kanab, or the Paria Contact Station
at the Paria River. Permits can also be filled out at various trailhead
register boxes at the beginning of a trip.
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The Grand Staircase--A Museum of Earth History
The Canyons of the Escalante--Wonders in Water and Stone
The Kaiparowits Plateau--An American Outback
Primitive Camping
Hiking Route Descriptions Escalante/Boulder Area
Escalante Natural Bridge - Map: Calf Creek 7.5 quadrangle. This easy 2 mile (one way) hike begins from the Highway 12 bridge which crosses the Escalante River 15 miles east of Escalante. Park at the trailhead and hike upstream. Numerous river crossings are necessary in ankle to knee deep water. The natural bridge is on the south side of the canyon.
Boulder
Mail Trail - Maps: Escalante 7.5 & Calf Creek 7.5 quadrangle.
Approximately 16 miles one way, 2 days. Most people hike this route
starting at the Boulder Airstrip trailhead off of the Hells Backbone
road. This moderate to strenuous hike requires cross-country route finding
abilities. The Boulder Mail Trail is an historic route that was once
used to deliver mail and supplies by muleback between Escalante and
Boulder. There are spectacular views and expanses of slickrock. It crosses
Sand Creek, Death Hollow and upper Mamie Creek (dry). The route is marked
sporadically by rock cairns and old telegraph wire.
Kanab Area
Starlight
Arch - Maps: Five Mile Valley and Calico Peak. This feature lies
west of the Paria Movie Set, which can be accessed from Highway 89 between
Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. There is no established trail to the
arch from the Paria Movie Set. The best way to access the arch is by
hiking up the Paria River. This is a scenic day trip. Be aware of flash
flood dangers.
Paria River/Coyote Buttes Paria
River/Coyote Gulch Fee Demonstration Project
Route Descriptions Escalante/Boulder Area Cedar
Wash Loop - From Escalante ride east on Highway 12 to the Hole
in the Rock Road and follow the signs to Cedar Wash Road which returns
to town. Fairly level route with views of the Straight Cliffs and access
(short hikes) to two natural arches. Approximately 20 miles round trip.
Use Dave Canyon 7.5 quadrangle map.
Big Water Area Nipple
Loop - This route leaves Big Water and heads north along Nipple
Creek Wash to Nipple Butte (approximately 14 miles one way). From Nipple
Butte a loop can be made down Tibbet Canyon (approximately 12 miles).
Views of Smoky Mountain, lower Kaiparowits Plateau, and Lake Powell.
Be prepared for steep climbs. Roads not passable when wet. Use Nipple
Butte and Tibet Bench 7.5 quadrangle maps.
Grosvenor Arch/Long Flat Loop - Begin at Kodachrome Basin State Park and ride east following the signs to Grosvenor Arch (approximately 13 miles). From Grosvenor Arch a loop can be made by continuing south and east 6 miles to Long Flat, turn south for 2.5 miles. Turn west for 4 miles to the spring and return north 6 miles to Grosvenor Arch. Be prepared for steep climbs. Roads are not passable when wet. Use topo quads Butler Valley, Horse Flat, 4 Mile Bench.
Kanab Area Johnson
Canyon / Skutumpah Roads - The Johnson Canyon Road, 11 miles
east of Kanab on Highway 89, provides access to the canyons and terraces
of the Grand Staircase. Many rides of varying lengths can be made from
Johnson Canyon and Skutumpah roads. It’s approximately 65 miles from
Highway 89 to Cannonville on Highway 12. Be prepared for steep climbs.
The Skutumpah Road is not passable when wet. Use topo quads Skutumpah
Creek, Deer Springs Point, Deer Range Point, Bull Valley Gorge, and
Cannonville.
Route Descriptions Escalante/Boulder Area The
Lower Gulch - Map: King Bench 7.5 quadrangle. This ride begins
along the Burr Trail. It is a picturesque canyon ride which follows
the stream bed for approximately 5 ½ miles downstream before it becomes
impassable to horses. In several areas the route narrows and you may
encounter boggy conditions and quicksand. Water is usually reliable
in the upper end of the canyon, but dries up in the lower end during
the summer months. Deerflies are a definite problem in late May, June
and July. Flash floods are always a possibility. Kanab Area The
Lower Gulch - Map: King Bench 7.5 quadrangle. This ride begins
along the Burr Trail. It is a picturesque canyon ride which follows
the stream bed for approximately 5 ½ miles downstream before it becomes
impassable to horses. In several areas the route narrows and you may
encounter boggy conditions and quicksand. Water is usually reliable
in the upper end of the canyon, but dries up in the lower end during
the summer months. Deerflies are a definite problem in late May, June
and July. Flash floods are always a possibility.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Grand Staircase-Escalante
National Monument |
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For more information visit the National Park Service website |
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The
cream- and rose-colored cliffs of Navajo sandstone pictured here are
the third in a series of great geological steps that ascend northward
across the southwest corner of the Monument. This Grand Staircase-the
Chocolate, Vermilion, White, Gray, and Pink Cliffs--spans five different
life zones from Sonoran desert to coniferous forests. It is a masterpiece
of geological and biological diversity. 
The
Escalante River cascades off the southern flank of the Aquarius Plateau,
winding through a 1,000-mile maze of interconnected canyons. This magical
labyrinth is one of the scenic wonders of the West. Even though
Spanish explorer and priest Father Silvestre Velez de Escalante never
wet a boot or even saw the river, his is the namesake given by the Powell
survey crew that discovered and named the Escalante River in 1872.
A
vast wedge-shaped block of mesas and deeply incised canyons towers above
the surrounding canyonlands. The isolated, rugged plateau is refuge
for wildlife, rare plants, and a few adventure-ready individuals equipped
to handle profound solitude and uncompromising wild country. "The
Kaiparowits was the name for a point near the north end of the plateau
so we decided to call the whole mountain by that name," wrote A.
H. Thompson. It is a Paiute name meaning "Big Mountain’s Little
Brother." Many sites from prehistoric cultures have been recorded
on the Plateau. Many more are preserved for future study.
Developed
Campgrounds
Grand
Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres of public
lands in Southern Utah, much of it accessible for hiking. Hiking in
this rugged and remote area is mostly on unmarked routes. Find out what
your skill level is by doing a day hike. Visit with BLM staff and plan
extended hikes accordingly. These lands are rugged and primitive, appealing
to those looking for an adventure. Remoteness, limited travel corridors,
and low visitation have all helped to preserve this type of opportunity.
Lower
Calf Creek Falls - Map: Calf Creek 7.5 quadrangle. This 2 3/4
mile (one way) interpretive trail begins from the Calf Creek campground
($2 per vehicle day use fee area). This hike is moderately difficult
on a developed sandy trail which ends at 126-foot-high Calf Creek Falls.
Phipps
Wash - Map: Calf Creek 7.5 quadrangle.
This route also begins at the Highway 12 bridge trailhead. Follow the
marked route downstream past private property then hike in and out of
the river until you get to the mouth of Phipps Wash which enters from
the west. Maverick Natural Bridge (approximately 1.5 miles) can be found
in a north side drainage of Phipps wash. Phipps Arch is accessed by
scrambling up a south side drainage. 
Peek-a-boo
and Spooky Gulches - Map: Big Hollow Wash 7.5 quadrangle.
This is a moderate hike that explores narrow and challenging short slot
canyons. Drive approximately 26 miles south on the Hole-in-the-Rock
road to the signed Dry Fork turnoff on the left. Follow the road, keeping
left, to the parking area. From the rim descend on a cairned route to
the Dry Fork Wash. The canyon to your immediate left is called the Narrows
and does not require scrambling or climbing skills. Peek-a-boo Gulch
is a short distance downstream on your left and requires some climbing,
and scrambling skill. The mouth of Spooky Canyon is approximately ½
mile further downstream from Peek-a-boo and requires less scrambling
skill although it is extremely narrow and may not be suitable for larger
or claustrophobic people. Keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes. All
three canyons can be hiked in a day. 
Escalante
River Gorge - Map: Escalante 7.5 & Calf Creek 7.5 quadrangle.
Approximately 15 miles one way, 2 days. The signed trailhead is just
east of Escalante. This moderate hike is in and out of ankle to knee
deep water along the scenic upper Escalante River canyon. There are
opportunities for side trips up Death Hollow and Sand Creek. The hike
ends at the Highway 12 bridge trailhead. Flash floods are always a danger.
Lick
Wash - Maps: Deer Spring Point 7.5 quadrangle. From Kanab drive
east to the Johnson Canyon turnoff from highway 89. Travel north to
the Skutumpah Road turnoff and travel east about 14 miles to Lick Wash.
The mouth of the canyon is located approximately 2 miles from Deer Springs
Ranch. There is no developed trailhead, but hikers can park on the flat
at the mouth of the canyon. The canyon is approximately 3 miles long
with no elevation change making it a fairly easy day hike. Be aware
of flash flood dangers.
Hackberry
Canyon - This 14 mile canyon parallels the Cottonwood Canyon
Road. The mouth of the Canyon is accessible from the Cottonwood Canyon
Road, and is located about 15 miles north of Highway 89. Parking is
available along the Cottonwood Canyon Road. No established trail exists
in the canyon, but the route is self defined through the drainage. The
Canyon offers enchanting one to three day hikes. The canyon is narrow
and increases in elevation heading north. Some rock scrambling is involved.
Several springs are located in the canyon, and can be utilized for drinking
water if treated, however, expect to share them with permitted livestock.
Maps: Calico Peak and Slick Rock Bench 7.5 quadrangle.
The
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres
of public lands in Southern Utah, with several hundred miles of roads
and trails. Many of the routes are ideal for family or group, vehicle
supported trips. Mountain biking is a refreshing way to experience the
variety of landscapes that the Monument has to offer. These lands are
rugged and primitive, appealing to those looking for an adventure. Remoteness,
limited travel corridors, and low visitation have all helped to preserve
this type of opportunity.
Egypt
- Begin from Hole in the Rock Road 16.5 miles south of Highway 12. Ride
east, crossing Twentyfive Mile Wash, to the Egypt Trailhead (mountain
bikes are not allowed on the trail). Outstanding views of the Escalante
River Canyons. Approximately 10 miles one way, 300-foot elevation gain,
Use Egypt 7.5 quadrangle map.
Fiftymile
Bench - Begin from Hole-in-the-Rock Road at Willow Tank, 34.2
miles south of Highway 12. This route heads up Willow Tank slide to
Fiftymile Bench, south along the bench, and descends down Sooner Slide
to Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Return north to Willow Tank. The route follows
the Straight Cliffs high above the desert floor with far vistas of the
Escalante River Canyons, Henry Mountains, and Glen Canyon Country. Approximately
27 miles round trip, strenuous elevation gain of 500 feet. Use Big Hollow
Wash, Blackburn Canyon, and Sooner Bench 7.5 quadrangle maps.
The
Monument offers numerous opportunities to experience the backcountry
by horse. The varied landforms provide horse riders with a variety of
challenging terrain for all skill levels. These lands are rugged and
primitive, appealing to those looking for adventure. Remoteness, limited
travel corridors, and low visitation have all helped to preserve this
type of opportunity.