Things to Do in Escalante, Utah: Plan Your Lodging & Activities
Learn about the abundance of places to visit in Southern Utah near Escalante, from local diners to stunning country drives and hikes for all skill levels.
When you stay at Escalante Yurts as your home base, you’ll be near many state and national parks and other scenic attractions to make your trip unforgettable.
Parks & Scenic Attractions
Devil's Garden
Devil’s Garden is a short side trip from Hole in the Rock road and leads to a unique landscape of hoodoos and arches. This is one not to miss if you’re in the area!
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers hiking trails with stunning views of petrified wood and the Wide Hollow Reservoir. Not sure what petrified wood is? The educational info provided will teach you!
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in Southern Utah. Located about an hour’s drive from Escalante Yurts, Bryce Canyon offers a wealth of hiking trails, scenic drives, and visitor information.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Several hikes are available in Kodachrome Basin State Park, which exhibits extraordinary natural features. As the name suggests, Kodachrome has an impressive range of colors characteristic of the Utah Outdoors.
Hell’s Backbone
Driving Hell’s Backbone is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the splendor of Escalante, Utah. Travel through the Utah Outdoors on a 38-mile stretch of unpaved road. Not for the faint of heart, Hell’s Backbone features sheer drops as high as 500 feet, creating breathtaking views.
Grosvenor Arch
This stunning attraction features a towering cliff that stands over 150 feet high. Visible from your vehicle, Grosvenor Arch has a viewing area that is accessible to most and follows a sidewalk, making this an ideal destination for a family-friendly vacation.
Hiking in Southern Utah
No matter your skill level, there is an adventure waiting for you near Escalante. Explore popular scenic hiking trails and plan your perfect excursion.
Mossy Cave Trail
Mossy Cave Trail, located along Scenic Highway 12 in Bryce Canyon National Park, boasts spectacular views of the Utah Outdoors with a less-strenuous hike. This family-friendly hiking trail follows a stream and leads to a grotto or cave. This area presents beauty in all seasons and is one of many treasures found near Escalante, Utah.
Willis Creek
This mellow hike is in the Grand Staircase National Monument, one of the “can’t miss” places to visit in Utah. Enjoy the visual wonders of the Utah Outdoors in a slot canyon with easy access and a carefree stroll. This remote hike has relatively few visitors compared with nearby slot canyons and Southern Utah hiking trails.
Escalante Natural Bridge
This family-friendly hike follows the Escalante River, so prepare to get wet! This natural bridge is one of many beautiful geological features in Escalante, Utah.
Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons
A gem of the Southern Utah hiking adventures, these slot canyons can be as narrow as 10 inches, so climbing and squeezing is required. Be sure to bring a vehicle that can make it down Hole in the Rock Road to the trailhead! This road is not suitable for a sedan. An SUV is recommended.
Zebra Tunnel
Zebra Tunnel is situated in Escalante, Utah and offers stunning views of pink and white striped rock formations. This Southern Utah hike is under an open sky, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Zebra Tunnel is most popular in the spring and fall, allowing a unique experience of the Utah outdoors in cooler weather.
100 Hands Pictograph
An absolute “must” for your family-friendly vacation, this hiking trail overlooks the Escalante River, leading to a historical site. The 100 Hands Pictograph is a series of three Fremont-era pictographs displayed in the scenic Utah outdoors. This is a short hike of less than two miles round trip.
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Calf Creek Falls is a hidden oasis in the desert that is Southern Utah. The strenuous hike to Upper Calf Creek Falls is relatively short, allows for phenomenal views and compared with other hikes near Escalante, Utah. Although a relatively short hike, there is quite a bit of elevation change.
Golden Cathedral
The Golden Cathedral is a hallmark of Southern Utah hiking. Hike to beautiful rock formations that have a composition and color unique to the area surrounding Escalante, Utah. Water shoes are recommended, since this hiking trail runs through a stream.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Witness a 126-foot waterfall right outside Escalante, Utah. One of the most popular hikes in the area, Lower Calf Creek Falls is a sandy hike with a swimming hole and beautiful waterfall, the perfect place for a picnic in the Utah outdoors.
Escalante Lodging
When planning a visit to Escalante, you’ll find a variety of lodging options from campgrounds to motels to traditional inns and vacation rentals. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an outdoor experience or the comforts of home.
Escalante Yurts offers a unique lodging experience that blends comfort with nature. Unlike standard hotels or campsites, our luxury yurts provide the perfect balance of modern amenities and outdoor charm. Each yurt includes a private bathroom, climate control, and comfortable beds so you can rest well after long days of enjoying the local scenery & attractions.
If you’re looking for a memorable and relaxing experience that will give you a true taste of Southern Utah, staying at Escalante Yurts is a choice you won’t regret.
View our luxury yurts.
Local Food and Activities
Looking for more things to do in Escalante & Grand Staircase?
Discover local activities, outfitters, restaurants, guided tours, and shopping unique to Escalante Utah.
Epic Jeep Rentals
Rent a Jeep to explore Escalante, Utah
Bryce Canyon
Everything you need to plan your Bryce Canyon trip
Escalante Outfitters
Food, Gear, and Tours
Utah Slickrock Guides
Local hiking guides near Escalante, Utah
Escape Goats Tours
Guided hikes, backpack trips, and auto tours
Utah Canyon Outdoors
Gear, Guides, and Great Coffee
Excursions of Escalante
Locally-based Professional Guide Services in Escalante, Utah
Ruby's Horseback Adventures
Horseback Riding in Bryce Canyon
Sleeping Rainbow Adventures
Stargazing Tours and more in Bryce Canyon
Scenic drives and parks near Escalante, Utah
Enjoy the splendor of Southern Utah without having to leave your car. Drive to the historic Hell’s Backbone bridge, where the views of the canyon on either side of the bridge are sure to take your breath away. Enjoy the scenic Burr Trail Road in Boulder, Utah for some epic photos and be sure to visit Singing Canyon on your way!