Grand Staircase-Escalante and its history with the Grand Circle of Parks

About Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and its history

Even avid travelers who are aware of Zion National Park in Utah may not recognize this name, but they will surely appreciate the challenge. We're talking about the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Those concerned about heights may want to think twice as these steps rise 5,500 feet from the base of the Grand Canyon to the perimeter of a jagged plateau called Paunsaugunt in Bryce Canyon, Utah. This monolithic chunk of public land pretty much takes up the bulk of the Southwestern Utah desert and certainly provides some of the most remarkable scenery in the country.

Encompassed in what is known as The Grand Circle of National Parks, TheGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a natural stop along this magnificent tour of America's most glorious preserved lands. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, and Grand Canyon are all within a hundred-mile range, making this region an ideal home base. The Grand Circle of National Parks is a once in a lifetime experience that very few get to enjoy.

In the year 1870, a geologist named Clarence Dutton described the Grand Staircase as the largest "stairway he had ever come across that ascended out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon north with the cliff edge of each rock layer forming giant steps". What is so unique about the "steps" are the sheer vastness and magical essence of the White Cliffs, Gray Cliffs, Pink Cliffs, and Vermilion Cliffs.

There are three main regions of the monument: the Grand Staircase, the Canyons of the Escalante, and Kaiparowits Plateau. The ancient Kaiparowits Plateau extends for over 50 miles. Along with the Grand Staircase and the Canyons of the Escalante, the Kaiporowits Plateau encompasses up a significant portion of the Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Actually, the sandstone layers of the Kaiparowits Plateau are a distinctive resource of fossilized remains, which provides interesting and vital information to archaeology experts interested in the evolution of dinosaur and early mammalian species.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument earned its status back in 1996, and covers roughly 1.9 million acres and pretty much dominates any map of the southern section of the state of Utah. In essence, it serves as a centerpiece for the Grand Circle of National Parks. Prepare to see everything from Navajo sandstone cliffs to glorious narrow slot canyons, arches, monoliths to winding rivers, high desert, dinosaur tracks, and fossils…you'll find it all at the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

Activities and Attractions at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Don't get intimidated by the size and the enormous challenges of the GSE, as it is called by locals. The beautiful Willis Creek Slot Canyon and a few others offer easy and fun hikes that are safe and fun for explorers of all ages, and some trails are moderately rated. However, the rock climbing and hiking available at the Grand Staircase Escalante is also not to be underestimated, and it offers solid treks for the most dedicated enthusiasts. Canyons of the Escalate is a premier example of world-class competition for outdoor gearheads. The entire canyons area is like a "maze" of sandstone cliffs, canyons, and plateaus, surrounded by higher areas of the Colorado Plateau making the exploration possibilities limitless.

Driving Scenic Byway 12 is a great way to get started before heading to Upper and Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail. Another great driving tour just off the byway follows the Mormon pioneer's route and is called Hole-in-the-Rock. Along Hole-in-the-Rock Road the views of Straight Cliffs and the Kaiparowits Plateau are simply stunning. This route allows access to many other popular overlooks and sites including Chimney Rock, Dance Hall Rock, and Devil's Garden. This journey is about eight hours roundtrip and requires a 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. Spooky Slot Canyon and Peekaboo Gulch are other notable side trips to consider while visiting the GSE.

The overall beauty of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on this earth, but it can quickly become one of the most dangerous when warnings and park regulations aren't followed, so keep ranger advice and signs in mind at all times.

Lodging at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument lodging is available as private townhouse rentals or through traditional hotel style accommodations. Visitors seeking to see many surrounding parks and national treasures opt for Kanab, Utah lodging in quarters like the Coral Cliffs Townhomes, central to all the parks and their best activities and attractions. Others opt for more intimate spaces like the Victorian Inn B & B, just minutes from the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument entrance. Those seeking solitude and even more exclusivity than a townhome rental property near Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument may opt for Rock Cottage, a lovely hand-laid, 1300-square foot cottage crafted from natural elements that will sleep six.