St. George to Escalante

A stunning 126-foot waterfall at the end of a 6-mile round-trip desert hike along Calf Creek. The pool at the base is refreshing on hot days and the canyon walls glow with desert varnish and ancient pictographs along the way. One of Southern Utah's must-do hikes.

An incredibly narrow slot canyon that requires squeezing through passages barely wider than your shoulders. The sculpted sandstone walls tower above in dramatic curves and wave-like patterns. Combined with Peek-a-Boo Gulch for a 3.5-mile loop.

A beautiful slot canyon with sculpted walls, natural windows, and moderate scrambling required to enter. Connects to Spooky Gulch via a short overland section for an unforgettable loop hike. Accessed via Hole-in-the-Rock Road.

Named for the striking striped patterns in the sandstone walls, Zebra is a short but spectacular slot canyon. The banded pink and white rock formations are unlike anything else in the region. About 5 miles round trip from the trailhead.

Follow the Escalante River through a beautiful canyon with multiple access points. Day hikes and multi-day backpacking options available. The river corridor supports lush vegetation, natural arches, and side canyon explorations.

The most dramatic stretch of Highway 12 — a narrow ribbon of road along a knife-edge ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides and 360-degree views of canyons, mesas, and slickrock. Pullouts allow you to stop and absorb the panorama. Not for those with a fear of heights.

Highway 12 climbs to 9,600 feet over Boulder Mountain, passing through aspen and pine forests with sweeping overlooks of the Capitol Reef area and the Waterpocket Fold. In fall, the aspens turn brilliant gold. Several pulloffs offer photo opportunities.

A designated overlook on Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder with panoramic views of the Escalante River canyon system and the vast Grand Staircase landscape stretching to the horizon. Interpretive signs explain the geology.

An architecturally stunning coffee house perched on a hillside along Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder. The hand-built structure features incredible views from the patio and serves artisan coffee and pastries. Worth a stop for the building and views alone.

Easy to moderate hiking trails wind through hills covered with ancient petrified wood — fossilized trees dating back nearly 150 million years to the Jurassic period. The colorful mineralized wood is scattered across the landscape in remarkable quantities.

A scenic reservoir within the state park offering fishing for rainbow trout and bluegill, non-motorized boating, and shoreline picnicking. The calm waters reflect the surrounding cliffs and provide a peaceful setting.

The state park campground offers 22 sites with water and electric hookups, modern restrooms, and hot showers. Sites sit among pinyon-juniper woodland with views of the surrounding landscape. Reservations recommended during peak season.

Casual dining in downtown Escalante serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food. A reliable refueling stop after a long day of hiking. Friendly service and generous portions.

Part outfitter shop, part cafe serving wood-fired pizza, salads, and espresso. A great base for trip planning with maps, gear, local beta, and a laid-back atmosphere. Also offers cabin rentals.

Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in nearby Boulder, 30 miles east on Highway 12. Uses ingredients from their own farm and has received national recognition. Reservations essential — one of rural Utah's finest dining experiences.

Essential first stop for backcountry visitors. Rangers provide current trail conditions, road status, weather forecasts, and backcountry permits. Maps, books, and interpretive displays about the monument's geology and ecology.

The primary grocery and gas station in Escalante. Stock up on supplies and fill your tank here — services are extremely limited beyond town in any direction. Basic groceries, snacks, and camping supplies available.

The state park campground is the most developed option near town with 22 sites, electric hookups, hot showers, and flush toilets. Scenic setting among pinyon-juniper woodland with reservoir access.

A BLM campground along Highway 12 at the Calf Creek Falls trailhead. 13 sites nestled in a canyon with cottonwood shade. No hookups but vault toilets available. First-come, first-served — fills early during peak season.

Free dispersed camping is available on BLM land throughout the monument. Hole-in-the-Rock Road and other backcountry roads offer numerous pull-off camping spots. No facilities — pack everything in and out. Check current fire restrictions.

Several small lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals in and around Escalante offer comfortable overnight options. Escalante Outfitters has cabins, and the Slot Canyons Inn provides upscale rooms. Book ahead during spring and fall peak seasons.

A peaceful 20-room lodge in Boulder (30 miles east) set beside a bird sanctuary. Home to Hell's Backbone Grill. The remote location and natural setting make it a destination in itself. Popular with hikers, artists, and those seeking solitude.