Escalante, Utah, is where the pavement ends and the real adventure begins. Nestled along Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, this quiet desert town is a gateway to some of the most surreal landscapes in the American Southwest. From twisting slot canyons and wild backroads to towering arches and dark-sky stargazing, Escalante invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience a desert landscape that reveals more the deeper you go.This guide will help you plan the perfect adventure—be it a quick weekend escape or a weeklong journey through canyon country.
Explore Slot Canyons
Slot canyons are what make Escalante legendary. Carved by flash floods over thousands of years, these narrow stone corridors shimmer with reflected light, twist like a maze, and offer an immersive way to connect with the landscape.
Top Slot Canyons Near Escalante:
- Peek-A-Boo Gulch & Spooky Gulch: The most iconic pair. Tight squeezes, short climbs, and jaw-dropping turns—often done as a loop.
- Zebra Slot Canyon: Famous for its candy-striped walls. Best explored during dry spells.
- Dry Fork Narrows: A wider, more beginner-friendly canyon still packed with scenic payoff.
- Willis Creek Narrows: Gentle, shallow, and accessible—ideal for first-timers or families with kids.
Know Before You Go: Flash floods are a serious risk—always check weather conditions for the entire region. Download offline maps, bring more water than you think you need, and don’t count on cell service.
Visit State and National Parks Nearby
Escalante is perfectly positioned between some of Utah’s most stunning public lands. That means you can start your morning in a canyon, have lunch near a petrified forest, and finish the day under a hoodoo-studded sky.
Easy Day Trips from Escalante:
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Endless hiking, no entrance fee.
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Short trails, scenic views, ancient fossils.
- Bryce Canyon National Park (1.5 hrs west): Famous hoodoos and stunning overlooks.
- Capitol Reef National Park (1.5 hrs northeast): Red rock cliffs, petroglyphs, and fruit orchards.
Tip: Stop by the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center for updated trail maps, permits, and route suggestions.
Go Hiking
Escalante’s hiking trails range from quick and scenic to long and otherworldly. Many start just outside town—others make you feel like you’ve stepped off the map.
Top Escalante Hikes:
- Cayote Gulch: A multi-day backpacking trip through natural bridges, waterfalls, and towering canyon walls—arguably one of the most scenic canyons in the Southwest.
- Lower Calf Creek Falls: 6 miles round-trip to a 126-foot waterfall in a desert oasis.
- Peek-A-Boo & Spooky Gulch Loop: Slot canyon classics—tight, twisty, unforgettable.
- Zebra & Tunnel Slot Canyons: Best for confident hikers chasing unique photo ops.
- Devils Garden: Quick and easy loop through arches and hoodoos—great for kids.
- Cosmic Ashtray: Long, tough, and worth it. A GPS is required for this off-trail adventure.
Need a trailhead basecamp? Circle of Destination Inn is minutes from most hikes and offers free Wi-Fi, hot showers, and strong coffee for the road.
Drive Scenic Backroads
Not every adventure requires a hike. Escalante’s scenic drives offer some of the most dramatic and photogenic views in the West.
Top Backroad Routes:
- Hole-in-the-Rock Road: A rugged route to Devils Garden, Zebra Slot, and more.
- Cottonwood Canyon Road: Pastel cliffs and colorful badlands. Great for photographers.
- Burr Trail Road: Switchbacks, red rock, and views for miles.
- Big Horn Canyon: A lesser-known route with jaw-dropping views, towering cliffs, and remote solitude—perfect for adventurous drivers seeking solitude and scenery.
Many of these roads are unpaved and weather-sensitive. A high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is often required, especially after rain.
Discover Arches & Rock Formations
Escalante’s landscapes look like something from another planet—especially if you explore its lesser-known arches and rock formations.
Top Formations to Visit:
- Metate Arch (Devils Garden): Photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
- Cosmic Ashtray: A bowl-shaped mystery in the middle of nowhere.
- Grosvenor Arch: A towering double arch in the remote backcountry.
- Broken Bow Arch & Phipps Arch: Massive sandstone spans off Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
- Toadstools (just off Hwy 89): Mushroom-like formations in a compact area.
Photography Tip: Visit early or late for golden light and cooler temps.
Stargaze Under Utah’s Darkest Skies
Escalante is a designated International Dark Sky Community, which means your night sky here isn’t just dark—it’s unforgettable.
Top Stargazing Spots:
- Pullouts along Hole-in-the-Rock Road
- Wide open areas near Devils Garden
- Right outside your room at Circle of Destination Inn
Tip: Time your visit for a new moon. Use an app like Sky Guide or Star Walk to identify constellations and planets.
Refuel in Town
Wondering where to eat in Escalante? The town may be small, but it’s full of character and flavor—especially after a long day on the trail.
Local Favorites:
- The Desert Café at Circle of Destination: Strong espresso and legendary breakfast burritos.
- Escalante Mercantile: Organic groceries, baked goods, and grab-and-go snacks.
- Escalante Outfitters: Pizza, coffee, and hiking beta.
- Nemo’s Drive Thru: Burgers, fries, and ice cream with patio seating.
What to Know Before You Go
When to Visit:
Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Summer brings heat and longer daylight. Winter offers peace and quiet, but many roads become impassable.
Getting Here:
Escalante is about halfway between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef on Scenic Byway 12. Drive times:
- Salt Lake City: ~4.5 hours
- Page, AZ: ~2.5 hours
What to Pack:
Sun protection, extra water, offline maps, snacks, and layers for chilly mornings and hot afternoons.
Is It Safe to Hike Alone?
Yes—with prep. Let someone know your plan, check the weather, and download GPS-enabled trail maps.
Why Escalante Belongs on Your Map
Escalante isn’t just another desert stop. It’s a high-desert haven carved by water and time—home to some of the most otherworldly terrain in the American Southwest.
- It’s remote.
- It’s rugged.
- And it’s absolutely worth the journey.
Stay Where the Roads Meet the Red Rock
Circle of Destination Inn is your trailhead basecamp, scenic drive stopover, and dark-sky stargazing retreat—all in one. Located right on Scenic Byway 12, it’s pet-friendly, walkable to the visitor center, and features an on-site café where breakfast burritos are a local legend.
- ✔ Pet-friendly rooms
- ✔ Strong Wi-Fi (yes, even out here)
- ✔ Coffee shop & café on-site
- ✔ In the heart of downtown Escalante
