EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Layers of canyon-country wonder
Utah
Scenic header: Independence Monument as seen from Rim Rock Drive is an icon of the larger national monument. · NPS Photo · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

Layers of canyon-country wonder

Cliffs, plateaus and canyons reveal an immense landscape of geology, paleontology and human history. Begin with a visitor center and choose one district rather than trying to cover the whole monument.

BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01Escalante-area interpretation
  • 02Grand Staircase landscapes
  • 03Designated public trails

Before you go

Unpaved roads and slot canyons require specific condition checks. Do not assume a scenic backroad is suitable for a standard car or coach.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.