Swelter Shelter overview
Swelter Shelter
Swelter Shelter is a natural alcove located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is a popular destination for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and geology enthusiasts alike. The name "Swelter" is a nod to the hot temperatures you can expect to experience in this part of the park, especially during the summer months.
One of the main draws of Swelter Shelter is its unique geology. The alcove is made up of Navajo sandstone, which has been eroded over time by wind and water to create intricate patterns, shapes, and hues. You'll find swirls, waves, and scalloped edges all around you, creating a truly stunning natural display.
Aside from the geology, Swelter Shelter is also home to a variety of plants and animals. Visitors can spot lizards, snakes, and birds, as well as wildflowers and cacti. If you're lucky, you might even come across a desert bighorn sheep or a mountain lion!
Hiking is the primary activity at Swelter Shelter, but there are many different trails to choose from depending on your level of experience and the amount of time you have available. The Swelter Shelter Trail is the most popular, taking you on a 2.7-mile round-trip journey through the desert landscape and up to the alcove itself. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, as the trail can be strenuous and the temperatures can be high.
In summary, Swelter Shelter is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. With its unique geology, diverse wildlife, and stunning hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Parks
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Stewart Lake State Wildlife Area
- Red Fleet State Park
- Utah Field House Of Natural Historic State Park Museum
- Vernal City Park
- Steinaker State Park
Campgrounds
- Split Mountain - Dinosaur National Monument
- Split Mountain Campground
- Split Mountain Gorge Campground
- Green River - Dinosaur National Monument
- Green River Campground
- Rainbow Park Campground
Fishing spots
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Swelter Shelter as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Swelter Shelter
What is Swelter Shelter?
A point of interest in Utah tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Swelter Shelter.