Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the largest and most remote protected landscapes in the American Southwest. Spanning 1.87 million acres of rugged terrain between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, the monument encompasses three distinct regions — the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante — each offering dramatically different geology and adventure opportunities. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this vast monument is a paradise for explorers seeking solitude and raw, untouched landscapes.

Top Destinations & Adventures

The monument's most popular attractions include Coyote Gulch (a stunning backpacking route with natural bridges and arches), Zebra Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch (narrow slot canyons near Escalante), Lower Calf Creek Falls (a 126-foot waterfall accessible via a 6-mile round trip hike along Highway 12), and the Toadstools (whimsical balanced rock formations just off Highway 89). Willis Creek Narrows offers an easy family-friendly slot canyon hike. For adventure seekers, Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch provide thrilling narrow canyon experiences with some scrambling required.

Visitor Information

Grand Staircase-Escalante is accessible from multiple points along Highway 12 (the Escalante section) and Highway 89 (the Grand Staircase section). The BLM Visitor Centers in Escalante, Cannonville, and Big Water provide maps, trail conditions, and permit information. There is no entrance fee for the monument. Many roads are unpaved and require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, especially in the Kaiparowits and southern Grand Staircase areas. Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout the monument — come prepared with maps, water, and supplies. The monument is approximately 2-3 hours from St. George depending on which section you visit.