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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most ruggedly beautiful regions in the American Southwest. Covering nearly two million acres of cliffs, slot canyons, mesas, and desert rivers, it rewards those willing to explore. Unlike the crowded national parks nearby, this monument offers solitude, sweeping vistas, and adventures that feel truly wild. Whether you’re hiking narrow sandstone passages, discovering hidden waterfalls, or driving along remote backroads, you’ll find endless ways to connect with the land.
1. Hike Through Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch Slot Canyons
Few experiences capture the magic of Escalante like squeezing through the twisting sandstone walls of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. These slot canyons, located off Hole-in-the-Rock Road, deliver adventure from the start. Peek-a-Boo greets you with a short climb into sculpted curves before winding through narrow passages that glow in reflected light. Just a short distance away, Spooky lives up to its name with sections barely wide enough to shuffle sideways. The pair can be hiked as a loop, making it one of the monument’s most memorable half-day adventures. You’ll need sturdy shoes, water, and a willingness to get a little dusty, but the reward is an otherworldly landscape carved by water over millions of years.
2. Explore Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most photographed spots in the monument for good reason. The 126-foot waterfall plunges into a clear pool framed by streaked sandstone cliffs and lush greenery. The hike is about six miles round-trip on a well-marked trail that traces the creek through a desert oasis. Along the way, you’ll pass beaver ponds, ancient Fremont rock art, and hanging gardens that seem to defy the arid surroundings. The trail is popular, but the scenery makes every step worthwhile. Pack lunch and plan to spend time at the base of the falls, where you can cool off in the water and take in the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon.
3. Drive the Burr Trail Scenic Backway
The Burr Trail connects Boulder to the Glen Canyon region and offers some of the most dramatic driving in southern Utah. This route snakes through red rock canyons, open desert, and eventually drops into the rugged Waterpocket Fold via a set of switchbacks that will test your nerves. You don’t need four-wheel drive for most of the road, though conditions can change after storms. Stop at viewpoints to take in sweeping panoramas of Capitol Reef and the Henry Mountains. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll want to pull over often just to let the scenery sink in. For many visitors, the Burr Trail is as memorable as any hike in the area.
4. Discover the Devil’s Garden
Despite its intimidating name, Devil’s Garden is one of the most family-friendly stops in the monument. Located along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, it’s a compact area filled with whimsical hoodoos, natural arches, and balanced rocks. A short walk from the parking area leads into a playground of stone formations that invite exploration. Kids can scramble over rocks while photographers chase changing light on the sandstone. The area doesn’t require a long hike or technical gear, making it perfect for a quick stop or a sunset visit. Bring snacks, wander slowly, and you’ll see why this spot is a favorite for anyone who wants a taste of Escalante’s geology without a strenuous trek.
5. Backpack into Coyote Gulch
If you want a true backcountry experience, Coyote Gulch delivers. This tributary of the Escalante River winds through soaring canyon walls, natural arches, and perennial streams that create lush campsites. Backpackers often spend two or three days exploring highlights like Jacob Hamblin Arch, Cliff Arch, and Coyote Natural Bridge. The route involves scrambling, creek crossings, and route-finding, but the payoff is sleeping beneath towering sandstone cliffs with the sound of flowing water nearby. Permits are required for overnight trips, and preparation is key. This isn’t a casual outing, but for those ready to carry a pack and commit to the miles, Coyote Gulch is one of the crown jewels of the monument.
6. Visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Just outside the town of Escalante sits a small but fascinating park that often gets overlooked. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park protects hillsides scattered with colorful petrified wood, some pieces massive enough to rival small logs. Trails climb to viewpoints where you can look down on Wide Hollow Reservoir, a peaceful spot for fishing or paddling. The park also has a campground, making it a convenient base for exploring the monument. While it may not have the grandeur of the larger canyons, the chance to see ancient trees turned to stone adds another layer to your visit. It’s a reminder of just how deep the region’s geologic history runs.
7. Wander the Hole-in-the-Rock Road
Hole-in-the-Rock Road is more than just a dirt track across the desert. Stretching nearly 60 miles, it serves as the jumping-off point for many of the monument’s most famous hikes and features. Along this road you’ll find access to Peek-a-Boo, Spooky, Zebra Canyon, Devil’s Garden, and eventually the trailhead for Coyote Gulch. Driving it feels like stepping into a frontier past, as this was once a route used by Mormon pioneers. The road can be rough, so high clearance is recommended, and conditions vary after rain. Even if you don’t hike every side trail, the drive itself reveals endless expanses of slickrock and desert horizon that showcase the monument’s scale.
8. Photograph Grosvenor Arch
Tucked away in the northern section of the monument, Grosvenor Arch is one of the most striking natural arches in Utah. Rising more than 150 feet, its twin spans frame the sky in a way that feels almost sculptural. The arch is accessible via a short paved spur road off Cottonwood Canyon Road, followed by a brief walk on a paved path. This makes it one of the most accessible landmarks in the monument for all visitors. Photographers love the way the arch glows at sunrise and sunset, but it’s impressive at any hour. Standing beneath it, you get a sense of the immense forces that shaped the Escalante landscape.