The best walks and hikes in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

This moderate 5.5-mile (8.8 km) hike takes you through the unique Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons, involving a total elevation gain of 548 feet (167 metres) over approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes. You will navigate through stunning red rock and sandstone formations, experiencing the tight squeezes of Spooky Gulch, which can be as narrow as 10 inches. Peekaboo Gulch offers a different experience with its beautiful ripple walls and natural arches, including a distinctive heart-shaped rock passage.

Reaching the trailhead requires driving 26 miles down the unpaved Hole-in-the-Rock Road, so plan for extra travel time and check road conditions. Always check the weather forecast before you go; flash floods are a serious risk in slot canyons, even if rain is far away. Due to the extremely narrow sections, this route is not suitable if you are claustrophobic.

These slot canyons are a geological marvel within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, carved by water over millennia into striking red rock and sandstone. Peekaboo Gulch showcases beautiful ripple walls and natural arches, while Spooky Gulch offers a more thrilling, extremely narrow passage. The wider Dry Fork Narrows section provides a scenic contrast with its pink-colored sand and towering walls, making this route a memorable desert adventure.

Imagine a vibrant ribbon of green cutting through a vast, arid landscape; that's the essence of the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail. This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hike guides you along Calf Creek, where cottonwoods and lush vegetation thrive against a backdrop of towering, multi-hued Navajo sandstone cliffs. The path itself is often sandy, making some sections feel like a beach walk, but the constant presence of the creek and the dramatic canyon walls keep things interesting. The ultimate reward is the stunning 126-foot Lower Calf Creek Falls, plunging into a cool, deep pool. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 14 minutes on this route, gaining a gentle 111 feet (34 metres) in elevation. It's a fantastic choice for families or anyone looking for a high-reward, relatively short hike in a unique desert setting.

This popular trail is easily accessed off Highway 12, but its fame means the parking lot can fill up very quickly, especially during spring and fall. Your best bet is to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot and beat the heat, which can be intense in the desert. While no permit is required, always carry plenty of water, particularly if you're hiking in warmer conditions. The trail is well-maintained, making it suitable for most ability levels, but the sandy terrain can add a bit of extra effort to your steps.

What truly sets this trail apart is its striking contrast: a lush, flowing oasis nestled within the stark beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Beyond the impressive waterfall, you'll discover ancient pictographs from the Fremont people tucked into the canyon walls, offering a fascinating glimpse into thousands of years of human history. The cool, green plunge pool at the base of the falls is a popular spot for a refreshing dip, making it a memorable experience that combines natural beauty with cultural significance.

The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail offers a unique journey through a desert canyon, where towering Navajo sandstone walls give way to a surprisingly lush riparian corridor. You'll follow Calf Creek, often spotting cottonwoods and desert vegetation, before reaching the stunning 126-foot Lower Calf Creek Falls, which plunges into a cool, emerald pool. The trail itself is a moderate 10.8-mile (17.4 km) hike with 768 feet (234 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 43 minutes, but be prepared for tiring sandy sections that add to the effort.

When planning your visit, remember that the trail can be particularly challenging due to heat, especially during summer months, so bringing adequate water is crucial. The trailhead provides an interpretive brochure highlighting various points of interest, including ancient rock art and granaries. Parking is available, but as this is one of the more popular trails, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

Beyond the impressive waterfall, the trail is rich with historical and natural features. You might discover ancient pictographs created by the Fremont people between 700 and 1300 AD, tucked into cliff ledges, or even spot beaver dams along the creek. This combination of natural beauty, historical elements, and the refreshing oasis at the end makes Lower Calf Creek Falls a truly iconic and rewarding experience in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Embark on an easy hike to The 100 Hands Pictographs, a short 0.6 miles (1.0 km) route that takes about 18 minutes to complete. You will gain 161 feet (49 metres) in elevation as you explore the red-rock cliffs and expansive desert views of Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The trail leads you through sections of soft sand and slickrock, where you might encounter minor scrambling. Keep an eye out for cairns guiding your way to the ancient rock art, including the prominent 100 Hands Panel and the intriguing Shaman and the Hunter Panel. Along the way, you can enjoy viewpoints offering glimpses into the Escalante River canyon.

The trailhead for The 100 Hands Pictographs is conveniently located directly off Scenic Byway 12, making it an easy stop during your travels. Be aware that the route is exposed to direct sun, so it can become very hot, especially during midday. If you are hiking with small children, adults should supervise them closely due to some steep drops along the path. Remember to respect the ancient rock art; please do not touch or deface the pictographs, as oils from hands can cause permanent damage to these historical treasures.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich cultural history of the region, showcasing ancient rock art within a stunning natural landscape. The 100 Hands Panel, with its numerous handprints, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of past inhabitants. You will also discover the Shaman and the Hunter Panel, adding another layer of intrigue to your visit. This site stands out as a significant archaeological feature within the vast and rugged beauty of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.