The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is situated in a vast and desolate region in the State of Utah, near the renowned Monument Valley. This living geology textbook provides a spectacular view of red rock cliffs where dinosaurs roamed millions of years ago, and where their remains continue to be discovered today.
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Table of Contents
Basic Facts about Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The term Grand Staircase refers to the Earth’s evolutionary process, in which rocks formed a staircase-like pattern through alluvial deposits. The term was coined in the 1870s by American geologist Clarence Dutton.
Grand Staircase-Escalante was declared a national monument in 1996 during Bill Clinton’s presidency. The area of the Kaiparowits Plateau is among the most remote in the USA. In fact, it was the last territory to be mapped in the continental United States.
The first known settlement in the area dates back to 1866, when Captain James Andrus led a party to the headwaters of the Escalante River.
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What to Do in Grand Staircase-Escalante
⚪ Grand Staircase-Escalante Scenic Route AKA Highway 12
Consider the Grand Staircase-Escalante tour as a detour from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon. The pure drive time is approximately two and a half hours along a single-lane road that offers views of the surrounding cliffs. At a few points, you can turn off the main road and follow a narrow path closer to the rocks.
The road is not well-suited for caravans due to its steep gradient.
⚪ Visitor Centers
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument operates visitor centers in Big Water, Cannonville, Escalante, Kanab, and Paria. Operating hours may vary seasonally, so check before planning your visit.
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Tips for Visitors of Grand Staircase-Escalante
🗺️ Where Is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is located in southern Utah in the quadrant 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 reach Grand Staircase-Escalante, you will need to rent a car as public transportation is very limited. The monument is crossed by Highway 12, which you can easily include in your itinerary for a road trip through USA national parks. Parking is available at visitor centers.
🕒 Opening Hours of Grand Staircase-Escalante
The Scenic Byway is open 24 hours a day, while the visitor centers operate from approximately 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. However, exact times may vary throughout the season.
🎟️ Admission to Grand Staircase-Escalante
There is no charge to view the landmark; you don’t need to register anywhere or purchase tickets.
🛏️ Hotels Near Grand Staircase-Escalante
In Escalante, several lodges offer accommodations that boast ratings surpassing those of regular motels. Some accommodations offer a 24/7 front desk, allowing for last-minute bookings. However, keep in mind that it can get crowded during the summer season.
💡 Good to Know
During the summer months, temperatures in the area can become very high, so ensure you carry an adequate supply of drinking water in your car. Options for obtaining water within the national monument area are very limited. Also, remember to protect yourself from the sun and use sunscreen.
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Photos of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
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