Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and rugged protected area in southern Utah, spanning nearly 1.87 million acres. Established in 1996, it encompasses three distinct regions: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante. The monument is renowned for its colorful cliffs, deep canyons, and unique geological formations that showcase over 275 million years of Earth’s history.

This remote wilderness is a treasure trove for scientists, containing an unparalleled fossil record, diverse ecosystems, and numerous archaeological sites. It’s home to a wide array of wildlife, including over 200 bird species and more than 660 bee species. The monument offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and scientific research, making it a vital outdoor laboratory for paleontologists, geologists, and biologists.

Visitor Center Hours

• Escalante Interagency Visitor Center:
  • Summer (Mid-March to mid-November): 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily
  • Winter (Mid-November to mid-March): 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday
• Kanab Visitor Center:
  • Summer (Mid-March to mid-November): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
  • Winter (Mid-November to mid-March): 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday
• Cannonville Visitor Center:
  • Open mid-March to mid-November: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily
  • Closed mid-November to mid-March
• Big Water Visitor Center:
  • Open mid-March to mid-November: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
  • Closed mid-November to mid-March