A vast and rugged landscape of sculpted canyons, towering plateaus, slot gorges, and vibrant desert scenery protected for its geological wonders, cultural heritage, and biological diversity. Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument (GSENM) is a premier monument in southern Utah, managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a vast, remote landscape of southwestern canyons, colorful cliffs, dinosaur fossils, ancient sites, rare plants, and desert wildlife. Designated in 1996, it protects more than 1.8 million acres of the Grand Staircase—a region of step-like geological terraces—and the Escalante River watershed. The monument offers world-class hiking, backcountry adventure, scientific research, and wilderness experiences【user-supplied】.

Overview & History

Designated by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument protects 1.87 million acres of remote, rugged terrain in southern Utah. The monument is named for two major geological and landscape regions it encompasses: the "Grand Staircase," a series of colorful sedimentary rock cliffs and plateaus stepping down from Bryce Canyon toward the Grand Canyon, and the "Escalante" region, centered on the Escalante River and its extensive canyon network.

The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is the first national monument to be managed by the BLM.
It protects a wealth of geological formations, including sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, natural arches, and expansive plateaus.
The area has been home to Native American peoples for thousands of years, including the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont culture, leaving behind rock art, dwellings, and artifacts.
Grand Staircase–Escalante is renowned for its rich paleontological resources, with numerous dinosaur fossils and other prehistoric discoveries embedded in its cliffs and canyons.
The monument is a hotspot for biodiversity, hosting unique plant and animal species adapted to its varied environments.
It offers countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, backpacking, camping, and exploring remote wilderness areas and slot canyons.
Over the years, the monument’s boundaries and management have been subjects of political discussion and adjustment, but it remains a vital protected area for scientific research and wild landscapes【user-supplied】.

Plan Your Visit

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a largely undeveloped wilderness area where visitors can explore remote canyons, hike scenic trails, and discover geological and archaeological wonders. Due to its size and terrain, planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Key Access Points and Scenic Drives

The monument has several visitor contact points and scenic drives that provide access to its vast interior.

Escalante Interagency Visitor Center: Located in the town of Escalante, this is the main visitor center for the monument, offering maps, permits, trip planning, and current conditions.
Monument Searchlight: A free web-based resource for current alerts, road conditions, and closures within the monument.
Scenic Byways and Backcountry Roads: Key routes include Hell's Backbone Scenic Byway, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, and Calf Creek Road. Many are unpaved and may require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, especially after rain.

Popular Hikes and Destinations

The monument is famous for slot canyons, arches, and remote hikes. Some well-known destinations include:

Zebra Slot Canyon: A narrow, colorful slot canyon known for its striking striped walls.
The Wave (Coyote Buttes North): A world-famous sandstone formation requiring a lottery permit to visit.
Calf Creek Falls: A scenic hike leading to a stunning 126-foot waterfall, with both upper and lower trail options.
Escalante River Trail: A multi-day backpacking route following the Escalante River through spectacular canyons.
Spooky Gulch and Peek-a-Boo Gulch: Short but adventurous slot canyon hikes in the Scenic Caves area.
Hole-in-the-Rock Road: Leads to famous sites like Cathedral Valley, Devils Garden, and the Escalante River crossing.

Permits, Safety, and Camping

Most areas do not require permits, but some sensitive areas like The Wave require a lottery permit.
Always check for weather and road conditions before venturing into remote areas.
Flash floods are a danger in slot canyons; avoid them during rain.
Camping is allowed in many places, but there are no developed campgrounds. Practice Leave No Trace and check for fire restrictions【user-supplied】.

Geology and Landscape

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a geologist’s paradise, showcasing more than 100 million years of Earth’s history through its varied rock formations, cliffs, and canyons. The monument is part of the larger Colorado Plateau, renowned for its striking geological features.

The Grand Staircase

The "Grand Staircase" is a series of enormous, step-like cliffs that descend from Bryce Canyon down toward the Grand Canyon. Each "step" represents a different geological era, with unique rock layers visible:

Pink Cliffs: Headlined by Bryce Canyon, these are composed mainly of sandstone and feature hoodoos and other erosional wonders.
Gray Cliffs: Made up of limestone and are less prominent but significant in the sequence.
White Cliffs: Composed largely of Navajo Sandstone, these cliffs are massive and form features like the Vermilion Cliffs.
Chocolate and Vermilion Cliffs: These lower steps exhibit rich red and brown hues and contain many hidden canyons and arches.

Escalante Region

The Escalante part of the monument centers around the Escalante River and its vast network of tributary canyons. This region is characterized by:

Deep slot canyons carved by water erosion.
Expansive plateaus and mesas with sandstone formations.
Unique features like natural arches, goblins, and sculpted rock formations.

Geological Attractions

The Wave: A swirling sandstone formation created by ancient sand dunes and erosion.
Cathedral Valley: Features isolated monoliths and expansive desert scenery shaped by erosion.
Zebra and Cottonwood Canyons: Known for their narrow, colorful slot canyons.

The monument’s geology tells the story of ancient seas, rivers, deserts, and volcanic activity that have shaped the region over millions of years【user-supplied】.

Flora and Fauna

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument hosts a diverse array of plant and animal species adapted to its varied environments, from high plateaus to deep canyons.

Key Flora

Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) and Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma): Dominant trees on higher plateaus and drier slopes, providing shelter and food for wildlife.
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): A bright yellow wildflower common in open desert areas.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): Adapted to arid conditions and found throughout the monument.
Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis): A drought-resistant shrub common in the monument’s grasslands and deserts.
Penstemon and Indian Paintbrush: Colorful wildflowers that bloom in spring and summer, adding vibrancy to the landscape.

Key Fauna

Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni): Often seen navigating the steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris): A striking reptile that basks on sunlit rocks and is commonly seen in canyon regions.
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus): This iconic bird of the Southwest is frequently spotted darting through the shrublands.
Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida): A threatened species that inhabits remote canyons and forests within the monument.
Various Bat Species: Play important roles in insect control and pollination, roosting in caves and rock crevices.
Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra americana): Occasionally seen in open basins and meadows within the monument.

The monument’s diverse habitats support many other mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, making it a vital area for southwestern biodiversity【user-supplied】.

Management and Research

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with a focus on preserving its wilderness character, geological and archaeological resources, and biodiversity.

The monument supports ongoing scientific research in geology, paleontology, ecology, and archaeology.
Management practices emphasize Leave No Trace ethics, visitor safety, and the protection of sensitive habitats and cultural sites.
Ranger programs and the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center provide education and trip planning assistance to visitors.
The monument’s boundaries and management strategies have evolved through public input, legal decisions, and presidential proclamations to ensure long-term protection of its resources【user-supplied】.

Additional Resources

Links

Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Monuments

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument