Adventuring: Terrific 10s
A WORD ABOUT THE MAPS AND ROUTES:
MAPS CAN BE CONFUSING SO WE'VE MADE OURS SIMPLER,
BUT ALSO HAVE OMITTED SOME MINOR STOPS.
HOWEVER, MOST STOPS ARE STILL LISTED IN THE DESCRIPTIONS BELOW.
AS WITH OUR fabulous fives, FEEL FREE TO CUSTOMIZE THESE!
PAY ATTENTION TO OUR OTHER STOPS LISTED AND SEEK OUT OTHERS NEARBY.
BESIDES OUR NATIONAL PARKS & MONUMENTS, DON'T FORGET TO CONSIDER
STATE PARKS, BOON-DOCKING IN NATIONAL FORESTS & BLM LANDS, FARMS, WINERIES & BREWERIES.
Escalante Steps
Enjoy this Epic Canyons Trip!
An exciting mix of places. Anchored by three of Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks, this trip also adds the higher and peaceful North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and some amazing State Parks - all revolving around the large, wild and remote Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument. Enjoy the variety, from breathtaking National Parks to the peace of boondocking in the quiet.
So Much to Explore
What Makes it Special
This loop encompasses 3 of the largest recreation areas in the desert Southwest - and an endless variety of fascinating rock features.
Fun fact
Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument was the last part of the lower 48 United States to get mapped.
Best time to visit
Take care with summer - temps can reach over 100 degrees. Winter can be pleasant and sunny, although the days are short and the nights can be cold. Shoulder seasons are usually a pleasant, mild alternative.
Time & Distance
- Suggested time for this trip - 2 to 3 weeks.
- Total distance of this loop - 1,140 miles.
- You can start and stop anywhere on the loop, or go either direction, but we suggest starting at Great Basin National Park and going counter-clockwise.
- To shorten the trip, you can skip Zion, Grand Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs (but be aware, Zion especially is Utah's most beautiful park, in our humble opinion). But of course, modify any trip to fit your needs.
10 Escalante Step Descriptions
GREAT BASIN
NATIONAL PARK
BRYCE CANYON
NATIONAL PARK
ZION
NATIONAL PARK
GRAND CANYON
NATIONAL PARK
(NORTH RIM)
Great Basin is a best-kept secret. Without the crowds of Zion and others, it's peaceful with an ancient vibe. Home to dynamic mountains, valleys and a cave system too.
On the way to
Bryce Canyon National Park
Cedar Breaks
National Monument
A smaller version of Bryce Canyon, although it's at higher altitude and has a more alpine feel to it. Beautiful!
A favorite for so many, Bryce is a whimsical hoodoo fairyland - row upon row of close-packed orange, cream and white spires.
Be sure to lose yourself in its magic by getting down into the canyon and walking the many paths.
On the way to
Zion National Park
Red Cave Canyons
Small, reddish-gray slot canyons on the upper and lower forks of Sand Wash, near the town of Mount Carmel Junction.
Some have compared Zion to glorious Yosemite - only with pastel sandstone instead of granite. We wholeheartedly agree!
This is a park to really get into. Please don't just drive in and out, instead take plenty of time to explore!
On the way to Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
State Park
Large pink to orange sand dunes cover the rolling, juniper and pinyon pine-covered land near the town of Kanab.
So many visitors come to peer over the edge of Grand Canyon at the South Rim, and for good reason. But the crowds (and the summertime heat) can be a problem.
The North Rim, by comparison is barely used, and the quiet allows for slow-down contemplation and rest for the weary soul.
On the way to Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
Condor Viewing Site
Gaze up to the Marble Canyon cliffs from House Rock Valley Road and watch giant condors glide on thermals.
VERMILLION CLIFFS
NATIONAL MONUMENT
KODACHROME
STATE PARK
hole-in-the-rock
road
CAPITOL REEF
NATIONAL PARK
Stateline Campground is the home base for visiting the internationally known rock formation, The Wave (try for a lottery ticket online at www. recreation.gov).
It's immensely popular and quite hard to get into, but there are alternative and fascinating rock forms within Vermillion Cliffs, like the amazing White Pocket and more accessible, but still cool Paw Hole (and others).
Just be aware when venturing into the Monument's interior - the many small side roads with spots of deep sand can make navigation challenging. We recommend using a guide service.
Stateline also has a nice slot canyon hike nearby - Wirepass Trail (3.4 miles round trip). It ends at a junction with the longest slot canyon in the world - the 16-mile Buckskin Gulch.
On the way to
Kodachrome State Park
Toadstool Hoodoos
A short 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Kanab is a whimsical mixture of balanced rock formations resembling toadstools or capped mushrooms.
Yellow Rock
From Hwy 89, turn north onto Cottonwood Canyon Road.
The trailhead is about 14 miles on the left.
Yellow Rock is a high, smooth-sided dome of swirling, multicolored Navajo sandstone (mostly yellow), without any vegetation, and high enough for a 360˚ view.
It can be hiked in a couple hours, but a full day is better. And as always, bring your camera.
Grosvenor Arch
At 30 miles from US 89 on Cottonwood Canyon Road, this rugged double arch is the most interesting natural feature along the way.
The park was named after the Kodak film. You can see why as the sun sets on Kodachrome State Park's canyon walls.
The park one of our personal favorites. Awesome setting and very well run with a friendly visitor's center. It's also kid-friendly with easy hiking trails and many unique rock formations.
Traveling through
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Historic Highway 12
This dynamic and beautiful route with endless sandstone vistas will delight travelers all the way into Capitol Reef National Park. Drive slowly and enjoy!
Escalante Town
A small and historic farming town of 5,000, it's definitely worth the stop.
Petrified Forest State Park
This state park contains a great hiking loop that winds through lava flows and a juniper forest, with hundreds of pieces of petrified wood scattered around.
Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a fascinating 40-plus mile gravel out and back road - a remote stretch providing access to many hikes, washes, slot canyons, arches, and historic sites.
Camping here is only for the hardy and well prepared. Be advised, there are NO services.
On the way to
Capitol Reef National Park
Spooky & Peek-a-Boo Slots
Both picturesque slot canyons are near each other and provide an accessible and easy-going slot experience. Great for kids of all ages! You can do just one, or both by making it a loop.
Devil's Garden
A family-friendly stop with easy trails, featuring hoodoos, natural arches and other fascinating sandstone formations.
Coyote Gulch
This more extensive canyon loop hike has a rugged beauty with each bend of the canyon seemingly revealing more arches, waterfalls, cavernous alcoves, natural bridges or rock art. Hikers do it in a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip.
Dance Hall Rock
A sandstone amphitheater, this historic site was used by Mormon pioneers on their way to establishing a settlement. In 1879 they spent two months waiting for a road to be built nearby, down to the Colorado River.
Capitol Reef National Park surrounds a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth known as the Waterpocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and striking rock formations. Among the park's sights are the Chimney Rock Pillar, the Hickman Bridge Arch, and the white sandstone dome Capitol Reef Rock.
Fruita Campground is an oasis within the desert. Adjacent to the Fremont River, it was settled by Mormon pioneers who planted a large orchard of fruit trees (you are allowed to pick a small amount - in season).
This developed campground has 71 sites. Each has a picnic table and fire pit and/or above ground grill. But no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups. Restrooms feature running water and flush toilets, but no showers.
On the way to
Goblin Valley State Park
Factory Butte
OHV users travel from far and wide to enjoy the mancos-shale badlands of Factory Butte.
Don't miss the gorgeous wildflowers and blooming cactus in the spring. These fields provide a stunning foreground for the North Caineville Mesa and Factory Butte formations.
Beautiful but prickly desert cactus
Endless variations of sandstone
The wild and fascinating swirls of White Pocket
GOBLIN VALLEY
STATE PARK
SAN RAFAEL SWELL
(WEDGE OVERLOOK)
Goblin Valley State Park is a bizarre and colorful park that is likely much different than anything you've seen before - a fanciful garden of sandstone formations, and chest-high "goblins"! Kids of all ages love it! People say it's like Mars and we can't disagree. This is definitely a place to wander, and enjoy.
The campground has spots for tents and RVs. Plus 2 yurts can be rented.
On the way to San Rafael Swell (Wedge Overlook)
San Rafael Reef View Area
The San Rafael Swell is, well swell! (sorry). Right at the west entrance along Hwy 70 is a quick-stop viewpoint, with kiosks. The view of the dramatic jagged cliffs is pretty cool.
Buckhorn Wash Petroglyphs
The panel is located along a scenic sandstone canyon on the San Rafael river. It's one of the most spectacular examples of Barrier Canyon style rock art. The ghostly red figures stand watch over the river.
Facilities include a short hiking trail, interpretive panels, a pit toilet, and a shade structure with picnic tables.
From Hwy 70 it's 23 miles to the petroglyphs, and another
12 miles to the Wedge Overlook.
The road to the Wedge Overlook climbs through rolling pinyon and juniper woodland until it ends suddenly at the edge of the a cliff. It is impressive and sometimes called "Utah's Little Grand Canyon." Over 1,200 feet below, the San Rafael River winds its way between the canyon walls.
There are 4 primitive campgrounds at The Wedge.
Please be careful at the edge, but enjoy the view!
On the way back to
Great Basin National Park
Rochester Panel
A fantastic ancient art rock panel, off of Hwy 10 near the town of Emery.
Bryce Canyon - it's colors and textures
Sandstone on a rainy day
Hike Angels Landing, if you dare!
Ancient civilizations speak
The majestic domes of Zion
