Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

Utah

One of the most remote, rugged, and visually stunning regions in the American Southwest- a paradise for hikers, photographers, anyone looking to escape the crowds. A million acres! of sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, waterfalls, and fossil-rich terrain. It feels like you’ve stepped into an ancient world where nature still rules! The “staircase” refers to a series of massive plateaus that descend from Bryce Canyon down to the Grand Canyon, revealing layers of rock that span over 275 million years of Earth’s history. I would suggest a tour guide. It’s a living museum of marine beds, dinosaur fossils and colorful formations.

Top Hikes/Slot Canyons: Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch (narrow and twisty slot canyons, Lower Calf Creek Falls: 6 mi rt hike to 126ft waterfall tucked into a red rock alcove; Devils Garden: easy walk through wild hoodoo formations and natural arches. Scenic Drives: Hole-In-The-Rock Rd & Burr Trail Scenic Backway. Towns nearby: Escalante, Boulder, Kanab. We drove past a portion on the way from Zion to Bryce Canyons.