Escalante National Monument - What to see?
I am coming over next year to re visit your magnificent landscapes. On my route planning I wish to explore Escalante National Monument. As I will be renting a smallish C Class ( no toad ) what are the...
Forum Discussion
The GSENM (Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument) is a huge area, and you might want to think about locating in two different locations. Our fav was Page @ Wahweap RV Park - it was level and full hook-ups.
There are a number of outstanding slot canyons - ONLY if there is no rain. You should not even consider these if there is rain in the forecast and one hike through one and you'll see why. Here's a small gallery of our photos through some of them. One of the most spectacular hikes is The Wave, which you must obtain a permit to hike. You can either get one 6 months in advance or go to the drawing the day before.
If you can't get a pass to The Wave, check out Wire Pass which is in the same area. Also Buckskin Gultch (don't you just love these names!) and http://www.zionnational-park.com/grand-staircase-hiking.htm for some great slot canyons. You will have to drive on Skutumpah Road, which isn't always in the best condition - best to check first (you can call one of the ranger stations in Kanab, Cannonville or other ones). Here's some other ideas for places to see.
Also one of the most photographed slot canyons of all time is Antelope Canyon in the Navajo Reservation just east of GSENM and you must also receive a permit/guide. Don't be put off by the restrictions on the hikes, cause this just makes sure that they will be around for the next generations.
The Grand Staircase is a most fascinating geological formation and on the road 89A from Kanab to Page you ascend into the Kaibab National Forrest you can glimpse the 5 of the 6 steps of the Grand Staircase - you can't see all 6 cause Grand Canyon is the last/lowest step and because of the curvature of the Earth. Stop by the Kanab GSENM Ranger Station which has all the geological info for the area..
I know there's a lot here in the area of the GSENM, but personally I thought the GSENM was more fun and way more interesting than the national parks (except of course for Grand Canyon). And we plan to go back to do it all again, we loved the area so much
There are a number of outstanding slot canyons - ONLY if there is no rain. You should not even consider these if there is rain in the forecast and one hike through one and you'll see why. Here's a small gallery of our photos through some of them. One of the most spectacular hikes is The Wave, which you must obtain a permit to hike. You can either get one 6 months in advance or go to the drawing the day before.
If you can't get a pass to The Wave, check out Wire Pass which is in the same area. Also Buckskin Gultch (don't you just love these names!) and http://www.zionnational-park.com/grand-staircase-hiking.htm for some great slot canyons. You will have to drive on Skutumpah Road, which isn't always in the best condition - best to check first (you can call one of the ranger stations in Kanab, Cannonville or other ones). Here's some other ideas for places to see.
Also one of the most photographed slot canyons of all time is Antelope Canyon in the Navajo Reservation just east of GSENM and you must also receive a permit/guide. Don't be put off by the restrictions on the hikes, cause this just makes sure that they will be around for the next generations.
The Grand Staircase is a most fascinating geological formation and on the road 89A from Kanab to Page you ascend into the Kaibab National Forrest you can glimpse the 5 of the 6 steps of the Grand Staircase - you can't see all 6 cause Grand Canyon is the last/lowest step and because of the curvature of the Earth. Stop by the Kanab GSENM Ranger Station which has all the geological info for the area..
I know there's a lot here in the area of the GSENM, but personally I thought the GSENM was more fun and way more interesting than the national parks (except of course for Grand Canyon). And we plan to go back to do it all again, we loved the area so much
