Grand Staircase/ Escalante National Monument

The GRAND STAIRCASE/ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, which was created by President Bill Clinton on September 18, 1996, is located in a high, rugged, and remote region of southwestern Utah. It contains 1.9 million acres of land. The amazing landscape that is embodied within the boundaries of the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument includes a spectacular array of scientific and historic resources. The powerful plateaus and red layered cliffs that exist are seemingly incomprehensible to the human mind. Being here one knows that they are a visitor and witness to natures greatness.

The Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument area has a long history. Within the fiery, orange and red canyons of the National Monument lie innumerable hidden treasures. The first evidence of human civilization is the thousands of Anasazi sites, including deep chasms adorned with hanging gardens, and systems for corralling the rain for inhabitants use. Anasazi is a term that refers to any of the prehistoric peoples who occupied parts of the northern Southwest. The term means Ancient Ones and it is believed that they are the ancestors of the Pueblos. The Anasazi lifestyle conformed to the rocky terrain found in the area. They were cliff-dwellers who built their homes and lives on the side of the steep, red cliffs. These dwellings, which attest to the Anasazi’s incredible sense of order and capacity for survival, alone make a trip to the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument a worthwhile vacation.

The cliff-dwellings are not the only reason to come to the Grand Staircase/ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT. Southern Utah is resplendent with sites found nowhere else in the world, let alone the continent. There are many ways to enjoy the unadulterated splendor of the stark majesty of the GRAND STAIRCASE/Escalante National Monument. Horseback riding a favorite activity, as well as hiking; both of these activities allow one to get the most of the Staircase experience. If you would like an in-depth educational experience you might drop the Bryce Canyon Wildlife Museum which is one of the finest museums in the Western United States. The BCWM boasts more than 400 animals, Indian artifacts, birds of prey, butterflies and bugs, ocean fish, and Western antiques.

To top off a Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument trip you’ll want to take advantage of the sublime experience of standing still on the top of one of the many plateaus at sunset. There is truly no event as quietly earth-shattering as letting your senses take in that scene. Perhaps using those senses is the only way to comprehend what you will find at the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument.

With so much to do and see in Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument you'll want to be sure that you book a hotel close to it all, check out some of these great accommodations: Coral Cliffs Townhomes, the Victorian Inn B&B, Rock Cottage and Vermilion Vacation Homes.

To make lodging reservations for the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument area call National Park Reservations toll free at 855.245.1295.

Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument Area Lodging Options