Top 15 Hikes near Escalante, Utah to Enjoy Remarkable Formation, Canyons, Slot Canyons, and Fun Hikes

In this articles you’ll find out-of-this-world, incredible hikes in and around Escalante, Utah. Most of the hikes are within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument but I’ve included some from neighboring Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, Bryce Canyon NP, and southern border with Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. At the end we have included 6 day-trips around Escalante and Southern Utah

This a one of the remotest and wildest areas in the US. While hiking in this regions, be sure to follow all the safety tips and return home.

Read all about creating home base in Escalante to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Check the maps of best the hikes around Escalante.

Wondrous Formation Hikes in Southern Utah

For millions of years, air, water, and the sun have chiseled sculptures in Utah’s mountains creating wondrous formations – arches, slot canyons, waves, stairs, gorges, hoodoos, cathedrals, and so much more. We start the series of hikes with 3 distinct structures carved by mother nature and must-visit for every visitor.

1. Grosvenor Arch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
2. Wahweap Hoodoos which used to be in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument until 2017.
3. The most incredible Wave in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

Grosvenor Arch Hike

Grosvenor Arch is a must-see attraction in Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The imposing landmark towers over sage-speckled desert, like a delicate palace with gold-framed windows.

Despite the fact that stone arches are a common sight in southern Utah, Grosvenor Arch remains aesthetically unique. Its twin crescents soar 150 ft. The larger of the two measures nearly 100 ft in diameter.

While the iconic arch can be easily viewed from the parking lot, an easy 0.2 mile paved walkway leads up to the stone span. From the base of the arch, a few other short trails showcase the area’s desert scenery.

Grosvenor Arch is located 10 miles south of Kodachrome Basin State Park and one hour east of Bryce Canyon. Its turnoff lies along Cottonwood Canyon Road, between Highway 12 and the US 89. The unpaved gravel access road is in fair condition and does not require a 4×4 vehicle.

There are no fees associated with visiting Grosvenor Arch, and the attraction remains open year-round. Spring and Fall are the best times of year to visit. In summer months, the scorching sun and relentless heat can be oppressive. In winter, high elevation means chilly days and frigid nights.

by Erika of Erika’s Travels

Basics about Grosvenor Arch

• Length: 0.2 mile
• Elevation gain: 22 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trail: Can be viewed from the parking lot by the highway.
• Trailhead: Paved trail from the parking lot.
• Best time to hike: Spring and Fall
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

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Wahweap Hoodoos Hike

The Wahweap Hoodoos are a great destination for visitors to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument looking for interesting places off the beaten path. Located near the town of Bad Water, the Wahweap Hoodoos are comprised of tall ethereal spires topped with distinctive brown caps and surrounded by eerie white sandstone mounds. A 4.5-mile moderately difficult hike up a dry creek bed is required to view the hoodoos – for a roundtrip total of 9.1 miles. The route is fairly flat but it is not marked. A map and basic route-finding skills are required. 

The Wahweap Hoodoos also serve as an important reminder of public policy and preservation. These magnificent hoodoos used to be a part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A presidential proclamation issued in 2017, however, reduced the size of the monument by half. Now the Wahweap Hoodoos technically fall just outside of the National Monument’s southern boundary. 

The best time to hike the trail is in spring or fall as temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and sun protection as well as layers in case the weather changes. This area is prone to flash floods, so visitors should pay attention to the weather forecast and exercise caution if it rains.

The trailhead for Wahweap Hoodoos hike is located about a one-hour’s drive from Kanab or a half-hour’s drive from Page on Fish Hatchery Road. The road to the trailhead is unimproved, so hikers should be prepared to drive on gravel roads for 2-3 miles. The road crosses a creek bed near the trailhead so many visitors choose to park on the other side. This adds .7 miles to the hike each way for a total of 1.4 additional miles.

The Wave Hike

The Wave hike is one of the most amazing treks on the Utah and Arizona border that only a few can enjoy. This unusual and delicate wave-shaped rock formation requires a special hiking permit. Each day only 64 people are granted the permit to get on the Wake trails. How to get a permit to the Wave hike and tips on how to win the Wave lottery can be found in the ultimate guide to the Wave.

The Wave is a fragile sandstone formation on the Coyote Buttes North’s slopes of the Colorado Plateau. The starting point is located between Kanab and Page at Wire Pass Trailhead in the Coyote Buttes North parking lot.

The Wave hike is sometimes rated as ‘high’ difficulty because there are no marked trails. Starting at the Wire Pass Trailhead, The Wave is a 6.4-mile round-trip hike. Plan for at least 3-4 hours for hikes. You’ll want to allocate ample time to explore and photograph.

The best time to visit the Wave is in Fall and Spring. Summer is sweltering hot. It’s over 100 degrees in July and August. It would be best if you started your hike early in the morning to have the best lighting conditions. It’s a challenging hike, so the most important thing is to bring plenty of water. Also, wear comfortable hiking shoes with a good grip. Protect yourself from the sun by going early in the morning. Use sunscreen and a sun hat.

If you’re staying in the area, Coyote Buttes South hike (25 miles) or the Buckskin Gulch hike (11 miles) are excellent options.

by Agnes of The Van Escape

Basics about The Wave Hike

• Length: 6.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,174 ft
• Difficulty Level: Moderate/Challenging.
• Time needed: 3-4 hours.
• Trail: Unmarked and challenging to track.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Fall.
• Parking: Large parking across the trailhead.
• Facilities: Restrooms in the parking lot.
• Park: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
• Link to All Trails page

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Slot Canyon Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The wilderness of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is famous for some of the most incredible slot canyon hikes in world! Many of the slot canyon hikes in this collection are off of a dirt road called Hole-in-the-Rock road.

So, what are Slot Canyons?

Slot Canyons are narrow canyons formed by water erosion. The large wilderness spaces in Utah – around Escalante, Glen Canyon, Zion NP, Bryce NP, Canyon Land, Capitol Reef NP etc, is made of orange, gray, red and black sand compacted over millions of years.

As rain water flows on the mountains it forms streams and rivers that carve arches, canyons, and horseshoe bends through this adventure wonderland. The gushing water and flash floods, carve deep and narrow slots through the rocks. Over millions of years, they’ve made high walls with an artistic flair. The slot canyon walls expose colorful layers of the earth protected from direct light and vegetation. As light dances on these curves, the slot canyons reveal the art and magic of the earth.

Water continues to carve these rocks to this day, so don’t get stuck in a flash flood to become a statistic. Be sure to check the precipitation forecast for miles before heading into a slot canyon.

Peekaboo and Spooky Clot Canyon Hike

Southern Utah is home to quite a few slot canyons. One of the most popular slot canyons along a southern Utah road trip is the hiking trail to Dry Fork, Peekaboo, and Spooky slot canyons.

The trail takes you through 3 slot canyons and is perfect for adventurous hikers, but not so much for those with claustrophobia. You’ll climb, squeeze, and scramble your way through tight spaces and smooth canyon walls.

This trail starts at the Peekaboo Gulch Parking Area off Hole-in-the-Rock Road, about 30 miles south of Escalante. There’s no charge to get to this part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

The slot canyons can be best hiked spring and winter when temperatures are milder and thunderstorms are less common. Summer is hot and more prone to rainfall. To avoid warm temperatures, start your hike in the morning.

The loop to all 3 slot canyons is a strenuous 6 miles and takes about 3 hours. Be sure to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to climb and squeeze through tight spaces in the canyons.

by Julia of Well Planned Journey

Basics about Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyon Hike

• Length: 6.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 662 ft
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Time needed: 6-8 hours including the drive and no other stops.
• Best time to hike: Spring and Fall.
• Trail: Beautiful and hard trail because of some steep climbs, drops and scrambling. Trecherous if it rains.
• Parking: There are two small parking lots for upper and lower trailheads.
• Trailhead: The trail starts from the parking lot. However, the slot canyon trail starts a couple of miles later from the gulch.
• Facilities: Restrooms in the parking lot and no other facilities.
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

Experience the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyon hike with this video –

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Zebra Slot Canyon is not to far from the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyon hike. But we decided not to go there because Zebra Slot Canyon is known to be flooded most of the time. When we visited over Christmas, it would have been frigid cold. I’m grateful to Daria for sharing her experience from a warmer day.

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Zebra Slot Canyon Hike

Located within Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Zebra Slot Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the American Southwest. This narrow slot canyon is one of the easiest hikes (at 5.3 miles) in Grand Staircase and it also offers remarkable scenery, so don’t forget to bring your camera.

To access Zebra Slot Canyon, you should take Hole-in-the-Rock Road near Escalante, the gateway town to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

After driving for about 8 miles, you will come across a trail toward the canyon. Cross the road and get on a trail that will take 45-50 minutes to the entrance of the Zebra Slot Canyon. When you enter the canyon, it’s going to become more narrow. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities or stores in the area.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is located less than 2 hours away from the Bryce Canyon National Park and within the west coast national park systems. However, it is nowhere near as busy as Bryce. It’s actually one of the best places in the American Southwest to escape the tourist crowds thanks to its remote location.

I recommend visiting Zebra Slot Canyon from September through late October and from April through May. Summer is a good time, however, it might be not ideal for hiking due to high temperatures.

As a bonus, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument boasts some of the darkest skies in the country. If you like stargazing, it’s one of the best places to visit.

by Daria from The Discovery Nut

Basics about Zebra Slot Canyon Hike

• Length: 5.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 377 ft
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trail: Zebra slot canyon trail usually has water or is flooded.
• Best time to hike: September – November, April – May
• Facilities: None
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

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Willis Creek Narrows Slot Canyon Hike

Southern Utah is home to more than 1,000 incredible slot canyons. And a large portion of those narrow passageways are found in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Willis Creek Canyon is perhaps one of the most popular slot canyons you can hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Particularly great for those with limited hiking experience or families hiking with kids, Willis Creek Canyon is an easy trek on mostly flat terrain. While getting to the trailhead near the small town of Cannonville requires enduring a bumpy drive down a precarious dirt road. Once at the trail, it doesn’t take long before you are walking between the walls of the unique rock formation carved over many centuries by the water of Willis Creek that runs through it.

The slot canyon is an in-and-out hike, so you can journey as deep into the canyon as you wish before turning around. Hiking Willis Creek Slot Canyon requires either walking in the shallow water at times or hopping back and forth over the small creek to avoid getting wet. The game of hopscotch adds to the fun of the hike, and makes it one of the most memorable adventures on any southwest USA itinerary.

by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Basics about Willis Creek Narrows

• Length: 4.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 816 ft
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trail: Do NOT go on this hike if rain is predicted for miles around. Along a creek, it features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips and bird watching.
• Best time to hike: April to November.
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

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Round Valley Draw Hike

Round Valley Draw is a relatively quite slot canyon near Kanab, Utah. Like the other slot canyon hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this too gets quite narrow. Also, if you go to the slot canyon, it has two drops. The second one is quite high, many hikers return at this point. If you make it down, you do need to make it back up the scramble section. The alternate route involves a difficult climb up the mountain.

The hike offers the chances to see wildlife. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running. Depending on the route you take, it could be challenging or easy.

Basics about Round Valley Draw Hike

• Length: 7.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 731 ft
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trail: The trail offers wildlife viewing opportunities and great for all skill levels.
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

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Fun Hikes near Escalante in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Escalante River Trail

Escalante River trail parking area is right next to Highway 12, before Lower Calf Creek falls when driving from Escalante. Its a great stop to see the river and chill in the summer heat but it may be too cold in winter. You can walk along the trail for miles or just hang out near the starting point. The path under the highway takes you to the trailhead.

Depending on how far you’re going, you may have to cross the river which can get quite full and fast in the spring runoff. You can choose the ladder to climb up to a higher elevation and avoid walking the river. The path goes through the canyon country along the river, with beautiful views of the cottonwood trees (depending on the season) and the red rocks.

Basics about Escalante River Trail Hike

• Length: 6.1 mile out and back
• Elevation Gain: 275 ft
• Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
• Trail and Trailhead: The parking lot is right off of Highway 12. When driving from Escalante its a short drive before Lower Calf Creek parking lot.
• Best time to hike: May – October
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

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100 Hands Pictograph Hike

The 100 Hand Pictograph hike is a 1.2-mile out & back hike right next to the Escalante River. The trailhead is in the same spot as the Escalante River Trailhead. It’s the perfect short hike for anyone passing through that wants to stretch their legs, try an off-the-beaten-path hike, or loves history and archaeology.

The 100 Hands Pictograph is a rock art panel above the Escalante River with two other petroglyph panels as well, the Bighorn Panel and the Haman and Hunter Panel. On the Bighorn Panel, you’ll be able to see where people tried to carve them out of the rock to take. (Please don’t do this!)

It’s a mostly easy hike but can be a little difficult to navigate and will feel a lot harder than it is in the summer heat. Spring, fall, and winter will be the best time to do this hike, but early morning in the summer will be best if that’s when you’re there. This would be a great addition to the Escalante River Trail.

The trail can be easy to lose path on. But once you find the trail and 100 hands petroglyph, you can find some even more amazing petroglyphs round the area.

By Megan from Red Around the World

Basics about 100 Hands Pictograph Hike

• Length: 1.2 miles out & back
• Elevation Gain: 295 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate due to a boulder scramble
• Trailhead: starts at Escalante River Trailhead
• Best time to hike: spring, fall and winter.
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

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Escalante Petrified Forest Hike

The Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is just outside of the town of Escalante. It’s a small state park with a couple of trails to see some stunning petrified wood and views of the town. There is a $10 park entrance fee but it’s worth it, especially if you love petrified wood or have never seen it before.

The Sleeping Rainbow Trail is the best trail to see the the most interesting petrified wood. Petrified Forest Trail is about 1.75-mile and the Sleeping Rainbow Trail is a 0.75-mile loop off of the main trail. It’s a moderate trail, a short loop, but it’s kind of steep and the dirt can be very loose and easy to slip on. But it’s worth it. If you walk the entire Petrified Forest Trail plus the Sleeping Rainbow it will be a little over 2 miles.

All along the trail, you’ll find pieces of rainbow-colored petrified wood. There are huge pieces with red, yellow, white, and purple and some even have crystals in them. Along the way, you’ll have views of the town of Escalante in the distance. This would be a great park to visit with Kodachrome Basin State Park or Willis Creek Slot Canyon.

By Megan from Red Around the World

Basics about Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbow Trail

• Length: 2 mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 492 ft
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best time to hike: March to November
• Fee: There is a state park fee (~$10)
• Park: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
• More on All Trails
• More hikes in Kodachrome Basin State Park

Canyon Country Hikes in Southern Utan

Besides the many slot canyons, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has hundreds or thousands of hiking possibilities in the wide canyons. One of the most popular hikes is the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail. During our visit it was a lovely cool day in December. Some sections had snow deposit from the early snowfall in the canyons, but most sections were warm and dry. The temperate in the canyon fluctuates tremendously based on the location, amount of direct sunlight and water. We were dressed in layers which we constantly removed and added back on when it got chilly in the shadows of the canyon walls.

The hike is said to be crowded in summer but in winter it was quite empty. We came across 4 families during the entire day. One time, we lost the trail and headed towards the river through dense foliage. After that we followed the trail very closely using the All Trails app, the cairns and branches marking the trail.

Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike

Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the best and most popular hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.  This is a perfect trail to spend a morning and a great stop if you are on a Utah National Park road trip.  Since it is a popular hike, start early to avoid the crowds and to find parking.

The trailhead is located in the Calf Creek Campground which is 16 miles east of Escalante on Highway 12.  It cost $2 to park for the day.  The hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls is very accessible and usually a highlight of many peoples time spent in the Escalante area.

The easy to moderate hike is 5.5 miles round trip and usually takes about 4 hours to complete.  The trail winds through high cliffs of Navajo sandstone and ends at the beautiful 126 foot tall Lower Calf Creek Falls. Along the hike watch out for ancient petroglyphs made by the native people that lived here for centuries.

Summer temperatures can be very hot so make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. The Lower Calf Creek Fall is a great spot to have lunch. Its also perfect to get some rest and soak up the beauty.

Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, put on sunscreen and bring a camera, you’ll want proof of this magical hike.

By Jess from I’m Jess Traveling

Basics about Lower Calf Creek Falls

• Length: 6.7 miles out & back
• Elevation Gain: 521 ft
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Time needed: 4 hours
• Trailhead: Is located near the parking lot.
• Parking: Located off of Hyw 12.
• Best time to hike: Year round.
• Fee: There is a parking fee to be paid at the booth.
• Facilities: Restrooms are located by the camping area. In winter the restroom in the parking lot is closed.
• Park: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• More on All Trails

Following is a short video of the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike –

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Golden Cathedral Trail

The Golden Cathedral Trai hike leads to the Golden Cathedral which his located at the bottom of Neon Canyon. It is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the canyon country, especially when you reach the cathedral. There are three holes in the rock, that offer a look down at the crystal clear water. Some people use a rope to scale their path to the pool.

The hike is just over 9 miles long but it can be very difficult because the loose arid desert sits over the sandstone making each step challenging. Plus the wind can pick the soil and blow it into the eyes. The trail is wide and open to the elements, making it especially difficult in the mid-day heat. Take a lot more water than you can imagine needing. Plus take two filters for clearing the river water. Dehydration is a real issue on this trail.

Its extremely easy to get lost in these parts. There is barely any trail to follow during much of the hike. Be sure to keep offline maps on All Trails (or your favorite offline navigation app) downloaded and lots of battery on the phone.

You have to cross the river a few times. At times is waist high. In winter the water is frigid cold. Temperature fluctuates often, so be sure to dress in layers.

To get to the trailhead you need to drive on dirt road that requires a vehicle with high clearance and good tires. The trailhead is about a mile further from the location marked in All Trails and google maps. Follow the signs on the road.

Basics about Golden Cathedral Hike

• Length: 9 to 10+ miles depending on the trail
• Elevation Gain: 1,581 feet
• Difficulty Level: Moderate or Hard based on conditions.
• Time needed: 6-7 hours and more for stops.
• Trail: It’s a difficult sandy trail to walk. Plus its very easy to get lost in the 1 million+ acres of empty land.
• Trailhead: Go about one mile further from the location marked on maps. Follow the road signs.
• Best time to hike: March until November.
• Park: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• More on All Trails

Fortymile Gulch and Willow Gulch Alternate

Fortymile Gulch is technically in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Lake Powell in Utah. It is located further along the Hole-in-the-Rock road from Peekaboo and Spooky Canyons.

The hike goes through a narrow canyon which can be filled with water, generally reported at chest hight. You may even need to swim with the fish in some sections. That would be great in summer but frigid cold in winter.

Fortymile hike is a moderate to difficult 10-15 mile hike. Miles will add up because its easy to get lost and then backtrack. It’s main features are –

• Exciting narrow canyons (with no escape if there is a flash flood)
• A waterfall
• Pictographs and ancient ruins
• Beautiful views of the Broken Bow Arch rock.

Tip 1: Take a right for the loop when you reach the 15 ft drop into the canyon. It’ll be a lot harder on the left.

Tip 2: Park close to the Broken Bow Arch Trailhead and save the 2.5 mile hike from the road, especially in summer heat.

Like most hikes in and around Escalante, there are no trail signs. Be sure to follow the all the precautions needed in Utah’s wilderness

Basics about Fortymile Gulch Hike

• Length: 10 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,778 ft
• Difficulty Level: Moderate/Hard
• Time needed: A day
• Trailhead: Start at Broken Bow Arch Trailhead
• Best time to hike: April to November
• Fees: There is a fee to enter the recreation area.
• Park: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• More on All Trails

Coyote Gulch – Crack-in-the-Wall to Jacob Hamblin Arch

Coyote Gulch is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, next to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It can be reached by continuing to drive along the Hole-in-the-Rock road, beyond Peekaboo and Spooky canyon. Its about 40 miles from highway 12 near Escalante. Many vehicles get stuck on the road so be sure to have a high clearance SUV.

This is a difficult 16+ mile hike from Crack-in-the-Wall to Jacob Hamblin Arch, with river along the hike. There is a section with a very narrow slot canyon. Be sure to check the dimensions. 120 feet long rope is needed to exit Jacob Hamblin Arch and climb the very steep canyon wall.

Do not bring young kids and dogs are not allowed. If you have a big SUV, you can park at the second parking lot otherwise you’ll have additional 8 miles to the hike.

Little Death Hollow and Wolverine Canyon Loop

Little Death Hollow is classic canyon country hike through canyons. Its gives an excellent perspective of the canyon mazes of Escalante area. Most people combine it with the Wolverine Canyon to make a loop.

The canyons get narrow for miles but not as narrow as the slot canyons. If you’re going in summer be sure to start early in the morning so you can drop to the canyon before the sun gets too hot. Carry lots of water (~6-12 liters for each person) because there are few drinkable and filterable sources on the way. You may be able to filter water from Escalante river. The hike also has several drops and boulders to scramble over or under. Follow the trail since its easy to lose the path and add miles.

Needless to say, the hike is quite deserted and challenging. I would only do it in a group or with a guide. Do not take dogs.

6 Hiking Day-Trips in Southern Utah

Considering that Southern Utah has hundreds of hikes, it’s best to base yourself in Escalante and take day trips in all directions. Once you’ve covered your top choices, you can move on to another town or park and enjoy that region. Either way, the region is enormous and will involve a good amount of driving. Luckily the amazing drives themselves are destination in their own right.

These are the top hikes we visited, got personal experiences from avid hikers, or researched for our preparation. If you’ve enjoyed a hike in the area, please leave a note in the comments section below or contact me on Facebook, Instagram, or email so we can add it for others enjoyment.

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Top Hikes near Escalante in Utah

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