Places To See

Below are some of the highlights of the amazing landscape that is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. For more information, please view the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Travel Map and Brochure and visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante NM Photo Gallery.

Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden is a haven of fantastical hoodoos, goblins and arches, tucked away in a small drainage beneath the Straight Cliffs. Take a walk along the ¼ mile self-guided nature trail to learn about the geology, plants and animals of this unique area. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch in the picnic area while you contemplate the immense landscape of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Toadstools

Goblins and hoodoos abound at the end of this moderately easy 1.6 mile round trip hike along a wash and through candy cane striped hills. Although the elevation gain is only about 100’, there is very little shade along this route and it can get quite warm on summer afternoons, so be sure to bring plenty of water along.

Grosvenor Arch

This rare triple arch stands 152’ high and spans 70 million years of geologic history. A short walk along a paved path leads you to a viewpoint beneath the arch. Just don’t get a crook in your neck craning to see up through the three separate openings that compose this grand masterpiece of erosion!

Lower Calf Creek Falls

The hike begins in the Calf Creek campground located on Hwy 12, 15 miles east of Escalante. Hikers are charged a day use fee of $2.00 per vehicle. The 6.0 mile round trip hike to the 126 foot lower falls is on a developed trail adjacent to Calf Creek. This is a good introductory hike to the Escalante Canyons.

Hackberry Canyon

A moderately difficult hike is one of the more scenic and popular canyon routes in the western half of the Monument. Most day hikers venture 1-2 miles upstream from the southern end of the canyon, enjoying the cool canyon environment with its shallow flowing water and steep canyon walls.

Lick Wash

A half day hike in a narrow canyon lined with Ponderosa pines and Douglas fir. The upper section is narrow then opens into a broad Navajo Sandstone canyon. This route can be used to access Park Wash and No Man’s Mesa.

Sheep Creek

The route begins as a broad shallow canyon and after 0.5 miles the route enters the Navajo Sandstone where it becomes a narrow, sculpted rock passage. The canyon becomes deeper and broader as it continues. Hiking is mostly level in the sandy/gravelly wash bottom. North-facing slopes feature Ponderosa pin and Douglas fir.

Willis Creek

An inviting stroll through sandstone narrows and a creek to dabble your toes in; what more could one want on a warm spring afternoon. Wildflowers blooming along the banks and tall Ponderosa pine trees offer a delightful diversions along this 2.2 mile walk in Willis Creek to it’s junction with Sheep Creek. For more information, detailed maps, and current conditions contact the nearest GSENM visitor center.

For more information, detailed maps, and current conditions contact the nearest GSENM visitor center.