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Grand Staircase Escalante

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GRAND STAIRCASE ESCALANTE HIKING TOURS

blacklocationpin UTAH, USA

Rumored to become the sixth National Park in Utah, it doesn’t take much time in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument to understand why.

2022 TripAdvisor AwardEstablished in 1996, the Monument spans over 1.87 million acres to protect geologic wonders, Native American heritage sites, and some of the most important fossil excavations ever found. With its extremely remote location, the Monument is treasured for its peacefulness and quiet character.

We have several options for visiting Grand Staircase Escalante, with both camping and lodging based itineraries available. These tours will also have you exploring iconic landscapes such as the nearby Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.


ALL GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE HIKING TOURS

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Why book a guided hiking tour to Grand Staircase Escalante?

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Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a breathtaking vast landscape in Southern Utah that is best explored with the help of an expert guide. At MountainBased, our guides are knowledgeable about the local history, culture, and wildlife of the region, and are eager to share their insights with you as you hike through the National Monument. In addition to providing a deeper understanding of the park, our guides can also make your visit more hassle-free by recommending the best times and routes to see particular attractions such as Lower Calf Creek Falls and Calf Creek Canyon near the town of Escalante, UT. As a permit holder at the National Monument, we are also familiar with any trail closures, parking areas, visitor centers, and other important details, so you can simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Grand Staircase Escalante without worrying about logistics!

Each tour is great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike

Escalante Hiking Trail

More Information about Grand Staircase Escalante

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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a protected area located in Southern Utah, United States. It was established in 1996 by President Bill Clinton as the first National Monument to be designated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). At 1.9 million acres, it is one of the largest National Monuments in the country and is known for its stunning geological features and rich cultural history.

The area that is now Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has a long and fascinating history. It was once home to the Anasazi, a Native American culture that lived in the region from approximately AD 500 to 1300. The Anasazi are known for their sophisticated architecture, including the famous cliff dwellings found in Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

Escalante Guide Award

Geologically, the area is a treasure trove of history. The monument is home to a series of sedimentary rock layers that record the history of the Earth over the past 200 million years. These layers include the Grand Staircase, a series of cliffs that rise from the bottom of the Grand Canyon and stretch north through the monument. The Grand Staircase is made up of five distinct rock layers, each representing a different time period in Earth’s history. The geology of the area is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The monument is home to over 1,000 species of plants, including cacti, yucca, and agave. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. In addition to its rich cultural and geological history, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is also known for its rugged beauty. The area is home to a variety of landscapes, from red rock canyons and towering sandstone cliffs to lush forests and alpine meadows. It is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts.

Overall, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a unique and fascinating place that is rich in history, geology, and natural beauty. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural world and the history of the American Southwest.


CASUAL LODGING

This tour is classified as a CASUAL LODGING experience which means it focuses more on proximity over luxurious amenities. Each selected property includes double queen rooms, wi-fi, TV and are both centrally located in town. Both rustic properties are known for their mountainous views, great staff, and close proximity to wildlife exploration. Want to learn more? Chat with an expert by calling 1-800-206-7909 or email us here.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 2

This is an Easy to Moderate tour for fit hikers, and will be do-able with some effort by less fit hikers. This tour has a heavy emphasis on wildlife viewing and sightseeing. The trails on this trip feature flat boardwalks and gently rolling terrain with some rocky areas. Perhaps some short, relatively steep climbs and descents, but nothing longer than 20 minutes. Average hiking distance per day is 3-5 miles per day. All activities are optional, and our guides will brief all guests on the activity level of each prior to hiking. You should be in good physical shape and able to hike on uneven terrain for this tour. Trip members should be capable of hiking and carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds. Want to learn more? Chat with an expert by calling 1-800-206-7909 or email us here.

 

HOW OUR 1-5 ACTIVITY LEVELS WORK

1 - Easy: These tours will be Easy for anyone who can walk for up to 90 minutes without stopping. Flat to gently rolling terrain with some rocky areas and maybe some steps but no sustained or steep ascents or descents. Max hiking distance per day is 2-3 miles.

2 – Easy to Moderate: These tours are Easy - Moderate for fit hikers, and will be do-able with some effort by less fit hikers. Flat to gently rolling terrain with some rocky areas. Perhaps some short, relatively steep climbs and descents, but nothing longer than 20 minutes. Max hiking distance per day is 3-5 miles.

3 - Moderate: These tours are Moderate for fit and active hikers, and will be a little challenging but do-able for less fit hikers. Rolling to hilly terrain with frequent climbs and descents often over rocky terrain. May have some short, relatively steep climbs and descents. Max hiking distance per day is 5-7 miles.

4 – Moderate to Strenuous: These tours are classified as Moderate to Strenuous for fit hikers who will find them a satisfying and challenging workout; they are not appropriate for unfit hikers. Rolling and often steep terrain with frequent challenging ascents and descents, often over rugged and uneven terrain. Max hiking distance per day is 10 miles.

5 – Strenuous: These tours are for strong hikers in excellent physical condition, this tour is classified as Strenuous, pushes themselves daily, distance and elevation are not an issue. First one to the top! Rolling and often steep terrain. Challenging sustained climbs and descents of up to 4,000 ft. Has no issue with changing altitudes during physical exertion. Max hiking distance per day is 10-15 miles.

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