Hiking Through Grand Staircase -Escalante National Monument

Escalante National Monument is located in southern Utah between the popular Capital Reef and Bryce Canyon National Park. This area is often skipped by national park goers and its such a shame as this area is just as beautiful, but without the crowds! In this travel guide you will find everything you need to know about day hiking through Escalante, camping sites, trail specs, and packing lists. Go check out this underrated area of Utah!

Disclaimer: This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers.

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Upper Creek Falls

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Travel

Airports

• Salt Lake City International Airport (4 1/2 hour drive)

• Las Vegas International Airport (4 1/2 hour drive)

Transportation

• The best way to get to Escalante is to rent a car, but I suggest renting a campervan so you can car camp!

  • Salt Lake City Campervan Rental

  • Las Vegas Campervan Rental

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Passes and Permits

• There is no entry fee for Escalante National Park, but some trailheads may require parking fees when you get there

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Packing List

Here is a specific packing list to day hike/camp Escalante, if you are looking for an all inclusive day hiking/camping gear guide click here!

• Car Camping

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Pillow

  • Stove/dishware and fuel

  • Lighter

  • Eating Utensil

  • Lantern

  • Headlamp

  • Camping Chair

  • Camping Table

  • Sleepwear

  • Toiletries

  • Camp Sandals

  • Water Bottle

  • Portable Shower

  • Quick Dry Towel

  • Portable Charger

• Day Hiking

  • Day Pack

  • Water Reservoir

  • Satellite Phone

  • Hiking Shorts

  • Hiking Tank

  • Sun Shirt

  • Hiking Boots

  • Hiking Socks

  • Trekking Poles (optional)

  • Sun Hat

  • Sunscreen

  • Bugspray

  • Snacks

  • First Aid Kit

Resources

Kendall’s Escalante Google Map

Kendall’s Escalante All Trails List

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Sample Itinerary

Each night has a camping or hotel option for you to choose from!

Day 1 (travel day)

• Fly into either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and spend the night

  • Hotel Options Salt Lake City

  • Hotel Options Las Vegas

Day 2

• Drive to Escalante (4 1/2 hour drive)

• Hike Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail (2 miles)

• Dispersed Campsite Coordinates : 37.79528354, -111.41338682

• Hotel Options

Day 3

• Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls (6 miles)

• Hike Escalante Natural Bridge (4 miles)

• Dispersed Campsite Coordinates: 37.72500034, -111.44300036

• Hotel Options

Day 4

• Hike Phipps Arch Trail (6.5 miles)

  • This trail is very hard to navigate, ensure you have your All Trails Map downloaded and follow the cairns!

• Hike Zebra Canyon (5.2 miles)

• Hike Devils Garden (0.5 miles)

• Dispersed Campsite Coordinates: 37.60500094, -111.422

• Hotel Options

Day 5

• Hike Bighorn Canyon Trail (9.5 miles)

• Dispersed Campsite Coordinates: 37.71879301, -111.52849155

• Hotel Options

Day 6 (Travel Day)

• Drive back to either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City to fly out (4 1/2 hour drive)

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