Summary
It covers over 1.9 million acres of land and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The monument is famous for its stunning landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations.
One of the best reasons to visit the monument is to explore its natural beauty. There are many hiking trails and scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular points of interest include the Escalante River Canyon, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and the Grosvenor Arch.
Another reason to visit the monument is to learn about its rich history and cultural heritage. The area is home to many ancient ruins and rock art sites that date back thousands of years. Visitors can also learn about the region's cowboy and pioneer heritage at the various museums and interpretive centers located throughout the monument.
Interesting facts about the monument include that it was the last place in the continental United States to be mapped and explored. The area was also the site of the last major Indian war in the United States, the Black Hawk War, which took place in the late 1800s.
The best time of year to visit the monument is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and snowy, making some areas inaccessible. Overall, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature, history, and adventure.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
State Line - House Rock Valley
Buckskin Gulch - House Rock Valley
White House Trailhead - Paria Canyon - Grand Staircase Nat Mon
White House Campground
free camp spot, even possible
Kitchen Corral Wash - Grand Staircase Nat Mon