St. George to Grand Staircase-Escalante
Nearly 1.9 million acres of untamed Utah wilderness — the largest national monument in the US outside of Alaska. Slot canyons, arches, petrified forests, and backcountry adventures await in one of the most remote landscapes in the Lower 48.
I-15 N to UT-20 E to US-89 S
120 miles
Distance
2 hr 15 min
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Best Time
5,800 feet (Escalante town) elevation
Driving from St. George to Grand Staircase-Escalante
Route: I-15 N to UT-20 E to US-89 S
Head north on I-15 to UT-20 East through Panguitch, then take US-89 South through the Cockscomb formation to Escalante. Alternatively, take scenic Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon area for one of America's most spectacular drives.
About Grand Staircase-Escalante
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the last truly wild places in the American West. Established in 1996, the monument encompasses nearly 1.9 million acres of rugged canyon country, desert plateaus, and geological wonders spanning from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. The "Grand Staircase" refers to an immense series of sedimentary rock layers stepping upward from the Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon — a geological record spanning hundreds of millions of years visible nowhere else on Earth.
For adventurers from St. George, Grand Staircase-Escalante offers some of the most dramatic slot canyon experiences in Utah. Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch are narrow slot canyons that require squeezing through passages barely wider than your shoulders. Coyote Gulch features stunning natural bridges, arches, and a flowing creek through a red rock paradise. Zebra Slot Canyon showcases striking striped sandstone formations. Willis Creek offers a family-friendly slot canyon hike through ankle-deep water with towering walls.
Beyond slot canyons, the monument features the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park with ancient fossilized wood, Lower Calf Creek Falls — a stunning 126-foot waterfall reached via a 6-mile round-trip hike, and the Hole-in-the-Rock Road leading to remote trailheads and the Dance Hall Rock pioneer site. The town of Escalante serves as the primary gateway with outfitters, restaurants, and the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center. Boulder, at the other end of Highway 12, offers the acclaimed Hell's Backbone Grill and remote luxury at Boulder Mountain Lodge.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 55 miles / 50 min (full services)
- Panguitch — 85 miles / 1 hr 20 min (gas, food, lodging)
- Escalante — 120 miles / 2 hr 15 min (gas, limited services — last fuel before backcountry)
Weather & Climate
Escalante sits at 5,800 feet with significant temperature variation. Summers are hot (90-100°F) with afternoon thunderstorms from July-September (flash flood danger in canyons). Winters are cold (20-45°F) with snow possible. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-80°F. The backcountry can be 10-15°F warmer in canyons.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Spring and fall offer comfortable hiking temperatures of 55-80°F. Summer is brutally hot (95-110°F) with monsoon thunderstorm risks in slot canyons. Winter access is limited with snow on higher elevations and muddy roads. April-May and September-October provide the best balance of temperature, road conditions, and daylight hours.
Things to Do in Grand Staircase-Escalante
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah.
Top Attractions & Slot Canyons
Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch
FreeTwo narrow slot canyons connected by a short scramble. Peek-a-Boo features beautiful sculpted walls while Spooky narrows to shoulder-width passages. Combined 3.5-mile loop hike.
Start early to avoid crowds. Not recommended for claustrophobic visitors.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
FreeA 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. One of the most popular hikes in Southern Utah.
Bring plenty of water — no shade on the trail
Coyote Gulch
FreeA spectacular backpacking route featuring Jacob Hamblin Arch, natural bridges, Cliff Arch, and a flowing creek through red rock canyon. Multiple access points with 12-26 mile options.
Zebra Slot Canyon
FreeUnique striped sandstone walls in a narrow slot canyon. Short but memorable hike with photogenic banded patterns in the rock.
Willis Creek Slot Canyon
FreeFamily-friendly slot canyon with ankle-deep water and towering walls. Easy 4.4-mile round-trip hike accessible from Skutumpah Road.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
$10 per vehicleAncient petrified wood scattered across trails with views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. Easy hiking trails and campground available. Small visitor center with exhibits.
Dining & Services
Hell's Backbone Grill
$$$Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in Boulder using ingredients from their own farm. Nationally recognized for sustainable dining in a remote setting. Reservations essential.
Circle D Eatery
$$Casual dining in Escalante with burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food. Reliable stop after a day of hiking. Friendly atmosphere.
Escalante Outfitters
$-$$Pizza, salads, and espresso in a rustic outfitter shop. Great base for trip planning with gear, maps, and local knowledge.
Kiva Koffeehouse
$Architecturally stunning coffee house perched on Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder. Incredible views and artisan coffee. Worth a stop for the building alone.
Outdoor Adventures
Hole-in-the-Rock Road
Historic 57-mile dirt road leading to remote trailheads and the Dance Hall Rock pioneer site. High-clearance vehicle recommended. Access to Peek-a-Boo/Spooky and Devils Garden.
Check road conditions at the visitor center before driving
Devils Garden
FreeCollection of hoodoos, arches, and sandstone formations accessible via Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Easy walking among unique rock sculptures. Great for photography.
Cottonwood Canyon Road
Scenic dirt road through the Cockscomb formation connecting Highway 89 to Cannonville. Pass through dramatic geology and access remote trailheads.
Impassable when wet
Upper Calf Creek Falls
FreeA less-visited 88-foot waterfall with a steep but short 2-mile round-trip hike. The reward is a beautiful cascade with fewer crowds than Lower Falls.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Grand Staircase-Escalante Drive
Fill up gas before leaving Highway 12 — services are extremely limited in the backcountry
Download offline maps — cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the monument
Carry more water than you think you need — 1 gallon per person per day minimum
Check road conditions at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center before heading to dirt roads
Flash flood danger is real in slot canyons — never enter if rain is forecasted within 50 miles
Many roads require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles — do not attempt in a sedan
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Grand Staircase-Escalante
How far is Grand Staircase-Escalante from St. George?
The town of Escalante is approximately 120 miles (2 hours 15 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North and Highway 12. Trailheads closer to Cannonville can be reached in under 2 hours. Highway 12 through Red Canyon and over Boulder Mountain is one of the most scenic drives in America.
Are slot canyons in Escalante safe?
Slot canyons are generally safe in dry conditions but become extremely dangerous during rain. Flash floods can surge through narrow canyons with little warning. Never enter slot canyons if rain is in the forecast within 50 miles. Check conditions at the visitor center and carry emergency supplies. Some canyons require scrambling and basic route-finding skills.
Do I need a permit for Grand Staircase-Escalante?
Day hiking does not require a permit in most areas. Overnight backpacking requires a free backcountry permit available at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center or self-service trailhead registers. Some popular areas may implement permit systems during peak season — check current requirements before visiting.
What is the best hike in Grand Staircase-Escalante?
Lower Calf Creek Falls (6 miles round trip to a 126-foot waterfall) is the most popular and rewarding day hike. For slot canyon enthusiasts, the Peek-a-Boo/Spooky Gulch loop is unforgettable. Coyote Gulch is the premier backpacking route. Willis Creek is the best family-friendly slot canyon.
Is there cell service in Grand Staircase-Escalante?
Cell service is extremely limited to nonexistent throughout the monument. You may get spotty service in the towns of Escalante and Boulder but lose it immediately on backcountry roads and trails. Download offline maps, tell someone your plans, and carry emergency communication devices for remote backcountry travel.
Nearby Destinations from Grand Staircase-Escalante
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Goblin Valley State Park
An otherworldly landscape of thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations called "goblins" rising from the desert floor. One of Utah's most unique and kid-friendly state parks, plus a certified International Dark Sky Park for world-class stargazing.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Grand Staircase-Escalante
St. George to Grand Staircase-Escalante — 120 miles, 2 hr 15 min Drive
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the last truly wild places in the American West. Established in 1996, the monument encompasses nearly 1.9 million acres of rugged canyon country, desert plateaus, and geological wonders spanning from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. The "Grand Staircase" refers to an immense series of sedimentary rock layers stepping upward from the Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon — a geological record spanning hundreds of millions of years visible nowhere else on Earth.
The route from St. George, Utah to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah covers 120 miles and takes approximately 2 hr 15 min via I-15 N to UT-20 E to US-89 S. Head north on I-15 to UT-20 East through Panguitch, then take US-89 South through the Cockscomb formation to Escalante. Alternatively, take scenic Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon area for one of America's most spectacular drives.
Things to Do in Grand Staircase-Escalante
Top Attractions & Slot Canyons: Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch, Lower Calf Creek Falls, Coyote Gulch. Dining & Services: Hell's Backbone Grill, Circle D Eatery, Escalante Outfitters. Outdoor Adventures: Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Devils Garden, Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Best Time to Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante
Spring and fall offer comfortable hiking temperatures of 55-80°F. Summer is brutally hot (95-110°F) with monsoon thunderstorm risks in slot canyons. Winter access is limited with snow on higher elevations and muddy roads. April-May and September-October provide the best balance of temperature, road conditions, and daylight hours.
Travel Tips
Fill up gas before leaving Highway 12 — services are extremely limited in the backcountry. Download offline maps — cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the monument. Carry more water than you think you need — 1 gallon per person per day minimum. Check road conditions at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center before heading to dirt roads.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park.