Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument - Utah

This monument, the largest in the United States, encompasses a breathtaking tapestry of geological wonders waiting to be explored. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Grand Staircase-Escalante offers a haven for adventurers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a connection with the natural world.

The monument's namesake, the Grand Staircase, aptly describes its defining geological feature. This colossal staircase, stretching from the monument's western edge to the east, traverses a distance larger than the state of Delaware. Imagine towering plateaus and colorful cliffs, each layer telling a story of millions of years of geological transformation. The Kaiparowits Plateau, also known as Fifty-Mile Mountain, rises majestically in the monument's center, while the Escalante Canyons mark the monument's eastern boundary, offering a dramatic descent into a labyrinth of sculpted sandstone.

For canyoneering enthusiasts, climbers, and backpackers, the Escalante Canyons offer a playground unlike any other. Slot canyons like Peek-A-Boo, the Devil's Garden, and Spooky Gulch entice exploration, while wider canyons like Bull Valley Gorge, Lick Wash, and Coyote Gulch provide breathtaking scenery and thrilling technical challenges. With a network of trails catering to various levels of experience, Grand Staircase-Escalante caters to both seasoned adventurers and those seeking a more leisurely exploration.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a treasure trove of ancient natural artifacts, whispering tales of both human and dinosaur inhabitants. Since 2002, significant fossil discoveries dating back over 75 million years have shed light on prehistoric life in this region. The 2006 discovery of a new dinosaur species is a testament to the ongoing exploration and scientific importance of the monument. If you find yourself in Salt Lake City, be sure to visit the Natural History Museum of Utah to see this fascinating new specimen firsthand.

The Bureau of Land Management, with visitor centers in Cannonville, Kanab, Big Water, and Escalante, provides valuable resources and information for planning your Grand Staircase-Escalante adventure. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a curious explorer, the monument offers something for everyone. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your sense of adventure, and prepare to be captivated by the grandeur of this hidden gem in southern Utah.