GRAND STAIRCASE - ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) covers a vast 1.9 million acres of canyons, cliffs and rugged backcountry, nearly double the combined land of Utah’s five national parks. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the monument is bordered by Bryce Canyon to the northwest, Glen Canyon National Recreation area to the east, and Capitol Reef National Park to the northeast.
RECREATION
The recreation possibilities within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument’s boundaries are limitless, from camping, hiking, biking, bird watching and scenic drives to overnight backcountry treks (permits required by the BLM), extreme canyoneering, off-roading and more. Two major rivers run through the monument’s boundaries, the Paria and the Escalante. The topography varies from verdant to desert, and is home to wildlife that is as varied as the landscape. The area is also so rich in dinosaur fossils that some paleontologists say the monument holds the highest concentrations of fossils in the world. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a photographer’s paradise.
ACCESS POINTS
The north side of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument can be reached via Highways 12 and 24 from Bicknell, Caineville and Torrey, which make excellent home bases for exploring the region. From Caineville, head west on Highway 24. Turn southwest onto Capitol Reef Road, which merges into 1670/Notom Road. Continue south to 1668/Burr Trail Road and head west. This loop takes you through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, past majestic sights such as Peek-A-Boo Rock, Studhorse Peaks, Durffey Mesa and Sugarloaf. Turn north on Scenic Highway 12 toward Boulder. At the intersection of Highways 12 and 24, you can complete the loop by traveling east back to Caineville, or head west to Torrey, Bicknell, or Loa. If you are beginning in Loa or Bicknell, take Highway 24 east toward Torrey, then turn south on Scenic Highway 12. Just south of Boulder, turn east onto 1668/Burr Trail Road and continue through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. At 1670/Notom Road, head north back up to Highway 24, and turn west to Torrey.
REMOTE LOCATIONS
Most of the monument landscape is remote and untamed, the result of billions of years of changing landscape and climate. The uplift of the Colorado Plateau exposed a four billion-year geologic timeline, revealing layers of history from the Chocolate Cliffs in the south to the younger Pink Cliffs at the north. The monument has three geographically-distinct regions: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Escalante Canyons.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CAPITOL REEF COUNTRY
Capitol Reef Country is filled with comfortable accommodations for every interest and budget.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument History
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was established in 1996 by President Bill Clinton. It encompasses a vast area of land that was previously managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with the goal of preserving and protecting its natural and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy.
During its establishment, the monument faced some controversy as it was seen as an overreach by the federal government into state and private lands. However, supporters argued that the monument designation would protect important archaeological sites and rare plant and animal species.
Today, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument continues to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is open to visitors for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, off-roading, bird watching, and more. The monument also serves as a living laboratory for scientific research and discovery.
Conservation Efforts
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals, including several species that are considered threatened or endangered. Conservation efforts within the monument focus on preserving these species and their habitats, as well as protecting the unique geologic formations found within its boundaries.
In addition to its natural resources, GSENM is also rich in cultural history. Ancient Native American artifacts and structures can be found throughout the monument, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who lived here thousands of years ago.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in visiting the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, feel free to contact us today for more information. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in planning your trip and making the most out of your visit to this beautiful and diverse landscape. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has something for everyone to enjoy.
