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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah 2024

Endless adventure, amazing scenic drives, breathtaking landscapes, and star-filled night skies. Discover the eternal beauty and wilderness of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Best time: mid-April–May | September–October

A moonlit arch over Grand Staircase-Escalante

The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a huge remote area with a mixed scenery of canyons, arches, hills, waterfalls, and forests. This area extends from the town of Boulder to the town of Big Water on the Arizona border. At its widest point, it stretches for almost 150 kilometres from Capitol Reef to Johnson Canyon.

The monument is much larger than all the national parks of Utah taken together. No matter whether you are travelling on the All-American Highway, Scenic Byway 12, or Highway 89, over 7,700 square kilometres of scenic Utah horizons open to you along the way. Colorful sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, picturesque washes, and endless Slickrock all together create the unforgettable adventure.

The monument can be divided into two distinct areas—Grand Staircase and the Escalante River Canyon, separated by the Kaiparowits Plateau. The most popular areas are the Escalante Canyons and Escalante River tributaries. These are perfect hiking places. You can marvel at gorgeous waterfalls, amazing arches, beautiful oases, and narrow canyons. Some more hiking can be done at the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail.

The Grand Staircase area is less visited due to its remoteness. Although it is really spectacular and has the largest network of slot canyons in Utah. This is the place to enjoy wilderness recreation. The monument features a lot of scenic driving opportunities with lots of camping options and an endless number of hiking trails that lead to the most striking spots in the state. This is also one of the most photographed locations in Escalante.

The best time to visit this area is from mid-April through May and from September through October. During these several months, weather and water conditions are the most pleasant. Summer season is also popular, despite too hot temperatures and frequent thunderstorms. However, if you want to do canyoneering that involves wading through cool pools, summertime is the perfect season. Winters are not recommended for snow often makes certain roads impassable, particularly November through March sees the largest amount of precipitation.

Practical info

When is the peak season for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument?

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument from mid-April to May and September to October are the best times visit. The weather and water conditions make it the peak season, unlike winters. The summer season is still preferred despite the cruel sun and thunderstorms, but winters are an unwise choice due to snowfall blocking certain roads.

In which state is Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument situated?

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is situated in Utah and spans approximately 150 kilometers from Capitol Reef to Johnson Canyon. It is an extensive wilderness recreation spot of canyons, arches, hills, waterfalls, and forests scattered across distant areas.

What are the popular areas to visit at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument?

The National Monument's Escalante Canyons and its tributaries of Escalante River are the main attraction. These areas are perfect for hiking, witnessing arches, oases, narrow canyons, and waterfalls. Another good option is the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail. With a vast network of slot canyons, the Grand Staircase area is ideal for wilderness recreation where visitors can escape the crowds.

What activities can be experienced in the Escalante River Canyon area of the monument?

The Escalante River Canyon region of the National Monument is perfect for people who want a unique hiking experience, seeing narrow canyons, waterfalls, oases, and arches. Activities such as camping, fishing, and backpacking can also be enjoyed. Explorers who seek adventure can indulge in kayaking, rafting, and canyoneering. Summertime is the best because of wading through cool pools during activities.

What is the weather condition during summers at the monument?

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument experiences a harsh summer season from June through August. Although those months are popular, it's always hot with occasional thunderstorms. However, canyoneering can be done during this time, and wading in cool pools can make the weather comfortable. Winters should be avoided because snow accumulation blocks roads.

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