Location: Escalante
Top Things to do in Escalante
Top 10 Things to do in Escalante, United States
Escalante (/ɛskəˈlɑːnteɪ/, locally /ˈɛskɛlæni/ or /ˈɛskəlænt/) is a city in Garfield County, Utah, United States located along Utah Scenic Byway 12 (SR-12) in the south central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, there were 797 people residing in the city.
Restaurants in Escalante
1. Scenic Byway Route 12
Overall Ratings
5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By John G - Iowa City, Iowa
All kinds of scenery, from rugged desert to pine-forested mountains, were encountered when we drove this truly scenic route, which was the biggest part of our three-day journey from Page AZ to Moab UT.
Overnight along the way in the town of Escalante instead of Boulder — it has more to offer tourists.
Take a side trip down the unpaved Hole in the Rock Road for even more beauty.
2. Calf Creek Falls Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 533 reviews
It takes time to get to, but Calf Creek falls are a recommended site to visit.
Reviewed By John G - Iowa City, Iowa
A hike with a definitive attraction at the end is very satisfying, and the Lower Calf Creek trail offers that. It was recommended to us by several local experts as a great trail that’s not difficult for someone whether almost of retirement age as well as a college student. It is 90 minutes in, and mostly level, then the very pleasant falls at the end, and 90 minutes out. Nice scenery along the way — take a printed trail guide so you can read about the 17 numbered stops along the way.
3. Highway 12 Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 418 reviews
This 122-mile route, located in the southwestern region of the state, passes Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument.
Reviewed By Phillip R - Nashville, United States
We traveled from Bryce Canyon National Park to Arches National Park in March 2018. GPS recommended a different route, but locals recommended the Scenic 12 route. It was breath taking. It is slow and curvy but worth every minute. We were saying "WOW" every time we turned a corner. Our 16 year old grand daughter was with us and could not believe her eyes.
4. Peekaboo Gulch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
The gulch is most famous because of the last 100 meters, before the junction with Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch - here the ravine cuts deeper into the sandstone, with a series of interlinked potholes, extravagant swirls and fins of rock, and several arches; these different openings and the many corners and crevices account for the curious name of this canyon.
Reviewed By bayleigh12 - Ashburn, Virginia
Hello. My family and I visited the Spooky Gulch area this past week, and feel that critical changes are needed for safety.
This trail proved VERY difficult, as the trail is so POORLY marked (scattered cairns, no arrows, no signage, etc). There is NOTHING to indicate what canyon you are in, or where the cairns lead coming out of each one. In the heat of the summer, it is incredibly dangerous to wander around lost, especially for families expecting a fun hike off the beaten path, rather than the tragedy of getting lost, and possible death or injury, in a remote location.
It should not be characterized as a "family" hike when it is not maintained with the same care and attention as other national park areas.
5. Devil's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By David N - Honolulu, Hawaii
I actually went to this spooky place first at night in the dark. It is a short walk from the parking area. I took my flashlight and tripod and spent a couple of hours there, and went back the next morning for some daytime shots.
6. Spooky Gulch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Gleason L
We drove the 27 miles out on Hole in the Rock road to the Dry Wash turn off. This year we were prepared for the road with a beter vehicle. We drove all the way to the trailhead. The road is really rough after the alternate parking area and suitable for high clearance vehicles or 4WD. Small compact cars w/ less than 10" of clearance should use the alternate parking area, and walk on up to the trailhead. The trail down into Dry Wash is non-discript and steep, you have to wing it in some places. Once at the bottom you find Dry Wash Narrows on your left it too is a good, albeit short hike. Continue down the wash200 yards or so and you will find Peekaboo Canyon (it was still flooded during this visit). Keep going down canyon maybe a third of a mile to find Spooky Gulch. This an easy, but short hike. Like the title says it gets real tight, real quick. Consider leaving your backpack/fanny packs at the entrance (it will be safe). But it is BEAUTIFUL. This year the canyon had small pools of water 8-12 inches deep, and a muddy bottom. As always when hiking in deep, steep sided rock canyons know the local weather conditions before you enter. Flash flooding in these tributaries is a real danger. Take plenty of water, and a good pair of hiking shoes. The canyon floors can be muddy/slippery, with long stretches of deep sand, and large rocks. Have Fun!
7. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 247 reviews
This area was the home of the ancient Anazazi and Fremont Indians, and has a very dramatic and beautiful landscape.
Reviewed By Photoman2012
We went here on he recommendation of a park ranger. We were a bit disappointed. The hike up to the first good petrified wood was moderately steep and the overall hike was ok. In order to see more wood you need to do an extended trail , we found that one not so well marked and turned around the couple behind us did the same. While it was a nice hike the scenery is by no means breathtaking, it was just a walk in the woods so to speak. After hiking other petrified forests this one was a disappointment. Would skip this one.
8. Hole-In-The-Rock Escalante Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By jmjbrtw - Williamstown NJ
We saw this little museum while driving through area and decided to stop.
It was excellent, it gave us some history on the Pioneers and Mormon struggles and hardship settling the West in the area.. The displays were interesting.
The super nice older couple there(caretakers?) were full of information and the film was very educational on how area was settled by Mormons. Life was much harder then. The lady said her family were part of the original settlers to area.
History was brought alive for us. The Heritage Center is definitely worth a stop if you are interested in history.
9. Hole In The Rock Road
Overall Ratings
4 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Gleason L
The Hole in the Rock Road (HITR) is a long, rough, dusty dirt road that is about 60 miles long. It starts off Hwy 12 east of Escalante, UT., and ends at an overlook of Lake Powell. There are numerous sites to see, exciting hikes into beautiful canyons, and some pioneer history along the way. The road is maintained regularly, but due to high traffic volume it becomes quite rough. It is riddled with long sections of wash boarding. The road crosses many drainage ravines that are subject to flash flooding and wash outs, especially in the summer monsoon season. It is not advisable to attempt to cross the flooded areas. The best vehicle for this road is definitely a high clearance 2WD, or better yet 4WD. The speed limit is set at 35 mph. Most vehicles will ride better over the wash boarding sections at the speed limit. Always drive safely. Please keep to the right side of the road especially when approaching a hill, or a blind curve. This road will definitely test your vehicle suspension and tires. Be sure to take plenty of water, and food, even on day trips. Note: There are no services on this road, and cell phone reception may be spotty or non-existent. Keep an eye on the weather.
10. Zebra Slot Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By 1466martin
I have to say, we planned for water in the bottom of the slot but not how cold the water could be. I made it about 50' in thigh deep water before I had to turn around. The water was just to cold for me. The slot is very narrow but so beautiful. Be sure to read about the Moqui Marbles before you go; they are the craziest geological formation!
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