Attractions and Places To See around Escalante - Top 7

Escalante is renowned for its diverse geological formations. You can explore vast collections of petrified wood at Escalante Petrified Forest, where ancient trees have turned to stone. The region also features numerous slot canyons, natural arches, and hoodoos, particularly within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area, for example, offers unique rock formations like Metate Arch and Mano Arch.

Yes, Escalante is famous for its slot canyons. Popular options include Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch, known for their tight squeezes, and Zebra Slot Canyon with its distinctive striped walls. For a more beginner-friendly experience, consider Dry Fork Narrows or Willis Creek Narrows, which is also ideal for families.

The primary place to see petrified wood is at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Here, you can hike trails like the Petrified Forest Trail and the more challenging Sleeping Rainbow Trail to view stunning fossilized trees, some over 135 million years old, displaying a range of colors.

The area offers several breathtaking scenic drives. Scenic Byway 12 is an 'All-American Road' offering diverse landscapes. Other notable routes include Hole-in-the-Rock Road, providing access to many slot canyons, Cottonwood Canyon Road known for its pastel cliffs, and Burr Trail Road with its red rock scenery and switchbacks.

Absolutely! Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is considered family-friendly, offering relaxed hiking and opportunities for stream fishing in Wide Hollow Reservoir. Willis Creek Narrows is a gentle and accessible slot canyon, perfect for families. Lower Calf Creek Falls is also a popular hike leading to a waterfall where swimming is permitted, and the trail features petroglyphs.

The Escalante area offers extensive hiking opportunities. You can explore trails within Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, including the Petrified Forest Trail and the Sleeping Rainbow Trail. For more options, check out the Hiking around Escalante guide, which includes routes like the Petrified Forest Trail and Sleeping Rainbow Trail loop, and the Escalante Overlook.

For experienced hikers, the Sleeping Rainbow Trail within the Petrified Forest offers steep terrain and rewarding views of large fossilized tree trunks. The Boulder Mail Trail is another famous route through rocky terrain. Multi-day backpacking trips like Coyote Gulch also offer significant challenges with natural bridges and waterfalls.

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are generally considered the best times to visit Escalante. The weather is milder, making it ideal for hiking and exploring. Summers can be very hot, and flash floods are a risk in slot canyons during monsoon season (July-September). Winters bring colder temperatures and potential snow, which can limit access to some areas.

Yes, permits may be required for certain activities or overnight stays within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, especially for popular slot canyons or backpacking trips like Coyote Gulch. It's advisable to check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center for the most current permit requirements before your visit.

There is no general entrance fee for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument itself, as it is largely open land. However, specific developed areas or state parks within or adjacent to the monument, such as Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, do have entrance fees (e.g., a per-car fee).

The Escalante region has a rich history. You can find ancient Native American rock art (pictographs and petroglyphs) along trails like Lower Calf Creek Falls and the Escalante River drainage. The Escalante Heritage Center offers insights into pioneer history. While a bit further afield, the Anasazi State Park Museum provides a deeper look into Ancestral Puebloan life.

The entire region offers numerous scenic viewpoints due to its dramatic landscapes. Scenic Byway 12 provides continuous open views of valleys and diverse terrain. Within Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, you'll find panoramic views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. Hell's Backbone Bridge on the Aquarius Plateau also offers breathtaking vistas of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness.