The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is the nation's newest monument. Established in 1996, it is the first national monument in history to be administered by the Bureau of Land Management. This recently designated 1.7-million acre national monument contains fossils of dinosaurs and Anasazi ruins as well as the Upper and lower Calf Creek Falls, among the most scenic waterfalls in Utah.
Essentially encompassing all of the open land between Bryce Canyon and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area west to east, and from Capitol Reef and Boulder Mountain on the north to near the Arizona border on the south, this is the largest monument in the United States. This is a wide open area, with few established roads and excellent backcountry hiking. Some sites of interest include Grosvenor Arch, Devil's Garden, Hole in the Rock, Calf Creek Falls, the Burr Trail, and the Canyons of the Escalante. This is a wild, uncharted area and should be entered with caution. Speak with local officials to determine current road conditions.
Heading southeast from the town of Boulder, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway crosses some of the most stunning wilderness in the southwest. The 66-mile-long road starts in Boulder and ends at Bullfrog Marina on the shores of Lake Powell, passing through the Waterpocket Fold of Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The road is improved on both ends with the exception of 22 miles inside Capitol Reef National Park. This route is recommended for dry weather conditions only.
The trail travels through some striking scenery, including the bottom of Long Canyon, a colorful gorge that resembles Zion Canyon. Views of the Circle Cliffs, the Waterpocket Fold, and the Henry Mountains-the location of the only free roaming herd of buffalo in the country-are visible from the trail. |
| Visitor Center: |
- Big Water Visitor Center:
100 Upper Revolution Way, Big Water, Utah 84741; phone: 435-675-3200.
- Cannonville Visitor Center: 10 Center Street, Cannonville, Utah 84718; phone: 435-826-5640.
- Escalante Interagency Office: 755 West Main Street, Escalante, Utah 84726; phone: 435-826-5499.
- Kanab Visitor Center: 745 East Highway 89, Kanab, Utah 84741; phone: 435-644-4680.
- Paria Contact Station:
Highway 89, MM 21, New Paria, Utah 84741.
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| Facilities: |
Four Visitor's Centers:
Big Water Visitor Center
100 Upper Revolution Way, Big Water, Utah 84741; 435-675-3200.
Cannonville Visitor Center
10 Center Street, Cannonville, Utah 84718; phone: 435-679-8981.
Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
755 W. Main Street (Highway 12), Escalante, Utah 84726; phone: 435-826-5499.
Kanab Visitor Center
745 E. Highway 89, Kanab, Utah 84741; phone: 435-644-4680.
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| Directions: |
The West Entrance is approximately 40 miles east of Panguitch on Highway 12. |
| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 37 25.414N; 111 25.943W. |
| Weather: |
- March through May: The
days are warming up. Weather is unpredictable, and rain
or snow is possible. Nights can be cold. Dirt roads
may be muddy and passable only with a 4-wheel drive
vehicle. Some drainages may flood due to snow melt.
- June through August: Temperatures
can exceed 100 degrees F. The thunderstorm season, generally
July through September, often causes flash floods. Night
time temperatures are pleasant. Deer flies and gnats
can be bothersome. Many dirt roads become heavily washboarded,
and can be slick or impassable after heavy rains.
- September through November: Daytime
temperatures start to cool down by late September. Expect
cool nights. Thunderstorms and flash floods are possible
through September. Barring recent rains, many dirt roads
are usually passable without 4-wheel drive.
- December through February: Desert
areas are occasionally covered by a light blanket of
snow. High country areas may be covered by deep snow
until spring. Dirt roads may be slick and impassable
or require high clearance 4-wheel drive. Paved roads
may be snow covered and icy. Be prepared for winter
driving conditions from November through March.
- BLM Weather Conditions.
- Weather and Climate.
- See area weather chart.
- See Canyon Country Weather for more information.
- Sunrise/Sunset
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| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
- The Cottonwood,
Skutumpah, Hole-in-the-Rock, Smoky Mountain, and Glendale
Bench roads are mostly clay and dirt surfaces. Four
wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Dirt roads may
be impassable when wet. All vehicles and bicycles
must stay on roads. Driving off road is prohibited.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
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