Grand Staircase / Escalante National Monument
PO Box 225, Escalante, UT 84726; (435) 826-4291;
Newly established in September 1996 is 1.7 million acres of
multi-colored cliffs and mesas in Southern Utah, extending
from Bryce Canyon N.P. to
Lake Powell. The Escalante and Paria Rivers have carved out
two major canyon systems. Many red rock canyons, cliffs, rock formations,
and natural bridges abound in this region.
Many paleontological and archeological sites abound with samples
of fossils, petrified wood and prehistoric Anasazi indian ruins.
Primary access is either by Utah SR-12 from the north and US-89
from the south.
The Grand Staircase
a series of great geological steps including the Chocolate, Vermilion, White, Gray and Pink Cliffs that ascend northward across the southwest corner of the
Monument spanning five different environments (from Sonoran desert to coniferous forests).
Kaiparowits Plateau
Majestic tableland that towers above the surrounding canyonlands and is a isolated
refuge for wildlife, rare plants and adventure-ready individuals seeking profound solitude.
Canyons of the Escalante
These natural wonders of water and stone are formed bt the Escalante River cascading
off the southern flank of the Aquarius Plateau and winding through a 1000-mile maze
of interconnected canyons, creating a natural scenic wonder.
Escalante Natural Bridge - 100 feet across and 130 feet high -
located by 2 mile hike up the Escalante River.
Grosvenor Arch - Group of arches tall arches.
Lower Calf Creek Falls - geological feature
Devils Garden - geological feature
Wildlife: - mountain lions, bighorn sheep, bear, etc
Birding: - Over 200 species include gold eagles and
peregrine falcons.
Slot Canyons
Slot canyons are steep rock canyons that are so narrow where with outstretched arms you can touch both sides.
They are found in great abundance throughout the Grand-Staircase Monument. Some canyons can reach some 200 feet high
and other can be found with brilliant contrast in colors in lighting. They also provide a great backdrop for photoshoots.
Here are some prominent slot canyon areas:
- Willis Creek narros - 200 to 300 feet high and 4 feet wide.
- Lick Wash
- Hackberry Canyon
- Bull Valley
- Wolverine Canyon
- Antelope Canyon
- Lake Powell - Guided Tours to spectacular stone sculpture formations.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
710 N. Reservoir Rd, Escalante, UT 84726; (435) 826-4466;
Vast deposits of petrified wood and dinosaur bones. Open year
round for hiking, picniking, and boating on 30-acre Wide Hollow Reservoir.
Located on Utah SR-12, about 20 miles east of Bryce Canyon NP.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
PO Box 238, Cannonville, UT 84719; (435) 679-8562;
Giant sandstone monoliths were used as a backdrop in many major
motion pictures. Located just 10 miles east of Bryce Canyon NP.
Anasazi Indian Village State Park
Pueblo ruins from the Anasazi Indians dates back to 1050 AD.
Located about 28 miles northeast of Escalante on Utah SR-12.
Escalante State Park
Escalante State Park features colorful deposits of mineralized wood and dinosaur bones.
Visitors will enjoy the petrified forest, water recreation on Wide Hollow Reservoir,
and the small, but beautiful campground.
Moqui Cave - Kanab UT
Moqui Cave depicts the lives and architectural achievements of the Native Americans
of ths Southwest during the Pueblo Period (AD 700-1200). This Kane County landmark
is also home to the largest collection of dinosaur tracks. Indoor temperature never
exceeds 70 degrees.
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