Overhead of mud cracks near Grosvenor Arch.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

Southwestern Utah

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This 2656-sq-mile monument, established in 1996, is tucked between Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Tourist infrastructure is minimal, leaving a vast, remote desert for adventurous travelers who have the time and necessary outdoor equipment to explore. In December 2017, President Trump used a controversial executive order to alter the borders of the park, reducing its size to 1568 sq miles.

At the time of writing, the presidential proclamation was being challenged in court. Check the BLM homepage for the latest details.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Anasazi State Park Museum

    Anasazi State Park Museum

    20.75 MILES

    This petite museum protects the Coomb's Site, excavated in the 1950s and inhabited from AD 1130 to 1175. The minimal ruins aren't as evocative as some in…

  • Box–Death Hollow Wilderness Area

    Box–Death Hollow Wilderness Area

    21.91 MILES

    This ruggedly beautiful wilderness area surrounds Hell's Backbone Rd. The 15.5-mile backpack Boulder Mail Trail follows the mule route the post used to…

  • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

    Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

    17.74 MILES

    Two miles west of town, the centerpiece of this state park is a 130-acre lake. Hike uphill about a mile on an interpretive route to see pieces of colorful…

  • Strike Valley Overlook

    Strike Valley Overlook

    26.84 MILES

    The Upper Muley Twist Canyon trail, just north of Burr Trail Rd, leads past arches and lofty walls to a seldom-visited overlook with expansive views of…

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Nearby Southwestern Utah attractions

2. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

17.74 MILES

Two miles west of town, the centerpiece of this state park is a 130-acre lake. Hike uphill about a mile on an interpretive route to see pieces of colorful…

3. Anasazi State Park Museum

20.75 MILES

This petite museum protects the Coomb's Site, excavated in the 1950s and inhabited from AD 1130 to 1175. The minimal ruins aren't as evocative as some in…

4. Box–Death Hollow Wilderness Area

21.91 MILES

This ruggedly beautiful wilderness area surrounds Hell's Backbone Rd. The 15.5-mile backpack Boulder Mail Trail follows the mule route the post used to…

5. Strike Valley Overlook

26.84 MILES

The Upper Muley Twist Canyon trail, just north of Burr Trail Rd, leads past arches and lofty walls to a seldom-visited overlook with expansive views of…