Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a dramatic, multi-hued landscape, rich in natural and human history. Extending across almost two million acres of Utah public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 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.
Vehicle Travel
The easiest way to see the Monument is by vehicle. Highways 12 and 89 run along the north, south, and west boundaries and offer outstanding views. High clearance vehicles are recommended for most dirt roads and many require 4-wheel drive. Conditions can change quickly after storms. Check at a visitor center before driving on unpaved roads.
Scenic Drives
| HWY 89: |
| Paved road stretching 72 miles between Kanab, UT and Page, AZ. Views of the Vermilion Cliffs and Kaiparowits Plateau. Access to Paria Movie Set. |
| Scenic Byway - HWY 12 “All American Highway”: |
| Paved road winding 124 miles from HWY 89 to Torrey, UT. Views of vast slick-rock benches and canyons. Access to Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Calf Creek Recreation Area, Dixie National Forest, and Anasazi State Park Museum. |
| Scenic Backway-Johnson Canyon/Skutumpah Road: |
| Paved road traveling north 16 miles from HWY 89 to the #501/#500 Junction. Dirt road for the next 34 miles heading northeast to Cannonville, UT. Subject to flooding and washouts. Road passes through the cliffs that make up the “Grand Staircase”. |
| Scenic Backway-Cottonwood Road: |
| Dirt and clay surface road meandering 46 miles between HWY 89 and Kodachrome Basin State Park. Flash flooding frequently washes out sections of this route. Road follows along the scenic Cockscomb monocline. Access to Grosvenor Arch. |
| Scenic Backway-Hole-in-the-Rock Road: |
| Dirt road reaching southeast for 57 miles one way. Last 6 miles before Hole-in-the-Rock overlook are rough and rocky. Four-wheel drive vehicles required. Highly prone to washouts and flash flooding. Access to Devils Garden. |
| Scenic Backway-Burr Trail: |
| Paved road for the first 31 miles traveling east from Boulder, UT. Road turns to dirt at the Capitol Reef National Park boundary. Highlights include panoramic vistas and sweeping sandstone cliffs. Access to Deer Creek campground. |
Areas of Interest
Visitor Centers
Escalante Interagency Center
755 West Main Street
Escalante, UT 84726
435-826-5499
Kanab Visitor Center
745 East Hwy 89
Kanab, UT 84741
435-644-4680
Cannonville Visitor Center (seasonal)
10 Center Street
Cannonville, UT 84718
435-826-5640
Mountain Biking
Bicycles are only permitted on designated dirt roads. Visitor center staff can help you choose rides to fit your time and ability.
Off Highway Vehicle (OHV)
Use Off-highway vehicles are permitted within the Monument on designated roads. Cross-country travel is prohibited and OHVs are not permitted on hiking trails. Check at a visitor center for maps and information before riding.
Backpacking
One way to see and enjoy the vast backcountry of the Monument and adjacent Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is to spend several days hiking. Most routes are unmarked and traverse a wide variety of canyon and slickrock terrain. Visitor center staff can help you choose routes that fit your time and ability. Stop at a visitor center for route descriptions, maps, locations of water sources, weather forecasts, and current road conditions before starting out. A free backcountry permit is required. Map and compass skills are recommended.
Permits
Free backcountry permits are required for ALL overnight stays (backpacking, car camping, horse packing, and kayaking). Obtain a permit at any visitor center or self-register at many of the trail head register boxes.
Day Hiking
There are many options for day hikes within the Monument. Most are unmarked routes. Check at a visitor center for suggestions. Popular hikes include Lower Calf Creek Falls, Spooky Canyon, Devils Rock Garden, Lick Wash and Grosvenor Arch.
Camping
There are numerous public and private campgrounds in the area. Dispersed car camping is permitted in some areas within the Monument. A backcountry permit is required. Check at a visitor center for camping options. Campers must follow the Leave No Trace principles. Campfires are not allowed in the canyons.
Cell Phones
Cell phones do not work in many areas in and around the Monument.
For more information about the Grand Staircase Escalante, check out their web site at www.ut.blm.gov/monument
Grand Staircase Escalante
National Monument Headquarters
190 E. Center
Kanab, UT 84741
435-644-4300