The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is located in a vast, desolate region in southern Utah, within driving distance from the famous Monument Valley. This living textbook of geology offers stunning views of red rock formations where, millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed, and whose fossils continue to be discovered here.
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Table of Contents
Facts About the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The name “Grand Staircase” refers to the Earth’s geological development, where sedimentary layers gradually formed rock formations resembling a staircase. The exploration of the area in the 1870s was significantly contributed to by American geologist Clarence Edward Dutton.
Grand Staircase-Escalante was designated a national monument in 1996 during the presidency of President Bill Clinton. The total area of the monument is 2,923 mi², and its monument status aims to protect especially the Grand Staircase region, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Escalante River canyons.
The Kaiparowits Plateau is among the most remote areas in the country. In fact, it was mapped as recently as the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, making it the last area in the continental United States to be mapped only then.
The first mention of human settlement in the area dates back to 1866 when James Andrus led a group to the springs of the Escalante River.
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What to See in Grand Staircase-Escalante
National monuments, as opposed to national parks, typically offer fewer infrastructure amenities, fewer viewpoints, and fewer programs for visitors.
⚪ Scenic Drive on Scenic Byway 12
Exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante can be a great addition to your journey from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park. The driving time between the two places is about two and a quarter hours, and the entire route follows a one-lane road with views of the surrounding rocks.
At several points, you can exit the main road and follow narrow paths closer to the rocks. The road is not very suitable for RVs due to steep inclines.
⚪ Fossil Discoveries in Grand Staircase-Escalante
Since 2000, intensive paleontological research has been conducted in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area, uncovering dinosaur fossils over 75 million years old. One of the greatest discoveries was the remains of the dinosaur Gryposaurus monumentensis, found near the Arizona border in 2002.
The dinosaur was at least 30 ft long, at least 10 ft tall, and had over 800 teeth in its massive jaw. The name Gryposaurus monumentensis refers specifically to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
⚪ Visitor Centers
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument operates visitor centers in Big Water, Cannonville, Escalante, Kanab, and Paria. Hours of operation may vary during the season, so check them before planning your visit.
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Tips for Visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante
🗺️ Where is the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument?
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is located in southern Utah in a quadrangle formed by the towns of Escalante, Cannonville, Kanab, and Big Water. Las Vegas is about a three-hour drive away.
🚗 How to Get to Grand Staircase-Escalante
To visit Grand Staircase-Escalante, you need to rent a car, as public transportation is very limited. The monument is crossed by Scenic Byway 12, which can easily be included in a road trip through the national parks of the USA. Parking is available at the visitor centers.
🕒 Grand Staircase-Escalante Opening Hours
Scenic Byway 12 is accessible 24/7, while visitor centers are typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Exact hours may vary throughout the season.
🎟️ Entrance Fees for Grand Staircase-Escalante
There is no fee to visit Grand Staircase-Escalante, and you do not need to register or secure tickets in advance.
🛏️ Hotels Near Grand Staircase-Escalante
The town of Escalante offers several cabins for accommodation, most of which have excellent ratings that surpass typical motels. Some accommodations have 24/7 reception, so you can book at the last minute. Keep in mind that during the summer season, last-minute reservations may find all rooms fully booked.
💡 Good to Know
During the summer months, temperatures in the area can be very high, so bring plenty of drinking water in your car. There are limited places to purchase water near the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument. Also, protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen.
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Photos of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
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