Discover the Wonders of the Grand Staircase: Your Ultimate Adventure Itinerary

It is undeniable that the US has a lot of natural wonders to offer, with over 60 national parks and hundreds of other protected areas to explore. You'll never run out of places to visit and activities to do in this vast country. But among all these, there is one specific area that stands out - the Grand Staircase.

Located in southern Utah, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers over 1.9 million acres of land, making it one of the largest protected areas in the United States. It has three distinct regions - the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Escalante Canyons. These regions showcase a diverse landscape of rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and beautiful plateaus that are just waiting to be explored.

Because of its remote and rugged location, the Grand Staircase is considered a lesser-known gem of the US national park system. But don't let its obscurity fool you - this area offers an unmatched experience for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

So if you're planning your next adventure, here's a suggested itinerary to help you discover the wonders of the Grand Staircase:

Preparing for Your Journey

Before embarking on your Grand Staircase adventure, it is essential to prepare yourself and your equipment. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of researching and planning your trip thoroughly. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Plan when to go

Since the Grand Staircase sits atop a high plateau, it is generally cooler during the day and colder at night. The best time to visit would be from April to June or September to October when the temperatures are mild, and there are fewer crowds.

Know your route

With over 2,000 miles of roads and trails within the monument, it's crucial to have a predetermined route in mind. Make sure to research and familiarize yourself with the roads and trails you'll be taking.

Bring the right gear

The Grand Staircase is a remote area, so make sure to bring all necessary camping and hiking equipment. It's also advisable to have a good map, GPS device or app, and plenty of water.

Day 1: Escalante Canyons

Your first day will be spent exploring the Escalante Canyons region, known for its stunning slot canyons and breathtaking views. Here are some must-visit spots:

Hole-in-the-Rock Road

This 62-mile dirt road leads to several beautiful destinations, including Dry Fork Narrows, Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch Slot Canyons, and Devil's Garden. The road can be rough at times, so make sure to have a high-clearance vehicle.

Calf Creek Falls

After exploring the slot canyons, take a break and cool off at Calf Creek Falls. This 126-foot waterfall is an oasis in the desert, perfect for swimming or relaxing by the water. The trail to the falls is a 6-mile round trip, but the views are worth it.

Day 2: The Grand Staircase Region

The second day will be spent exploring the Grand Staircase region, known for its rugged and remote landscape. Here are some must-visit spots:

Grosvenor Arch

Start your day off with a stunning view of the Grosvenor Arch, a unique double arch formation that stands 152 feet tall. There is a short trail that leads to the base of the arch where you can get an up-close look.

Cottonwood Canyon Road

This 47-mile dirt road takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Grand Staircase. Make sure to stop at Kodachrome Basin State Park, a beautiful park filled with colorful sandstone spires.

Day 3: Kaiparowits Plateau

On your last day, explore the rugged and remote Kaiparowits Plateau region. Here are some must-visit spots:

White Pocket

Located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, White Pocket is a unique and otherworldly landscape of swirling sandstone formations. This area requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to access.

Paria Canyon

End your trip with a hike through the stunning Paria Canyon. This 38-mile hike will take you through towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and colorful rock formations, making it a perfect end to your Grand Staircase adventure.

While you can extend and customize this itinerary to fit your preferences, these are just some of the highlights and must-visit spots in the Grand Staircase. It's difficult not to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of this region, and we guarantee that this adventure will be one for the books.