You could spend a lifetime here and still have so much left to explore and discover. It is not only a geologist’s dream, but an adventurer’s playground and a photographer’s ideal— A place worth visiting over and over again, and undoubtedly a place worth protecting. 

Map of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument  

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE “STAIRCASE?” 

Causing much confusion, the eponymous “Staircase” is not an actual physical staircase. It is rather an incredibly unique geologic formation, a series of stepped plateaus identified by the main color of the rock. The sedimentary layers of rocks that are exposed by erosion are descending in age all the way from Bryce National Park to Grand Canyon National Park. For example, the oldest rocks (the most-bottom visible layer) in Bryce Canyon are the youngest rocks (top layer) in the Gray Cliffs, and the oldest rocks (bottom layer) in the Gray Cliffs are the youngest rocks (top layer) in the White Cliffs.  

For a more in-depth look at the geology of the Staircase, check out this blog article written by Alex Wood: The Fascinating Story of the Grand Staircase. 

Why visit the monument? 

Oh gosh, where to start!  This place is magical.  If you want to experience nature without the crowds, this is it. It is remote and quiet, and equally as epic as the surrounding National Parks.  Whether you are looking for a camping getaway, an incredible hike, or just to admire the roadside scenery, this place will blow your mind.

THE LANDSCAPE 

The landscape is the centerpiece attraction. With awe-inspiring views around every corner, you won’t get bored. The dramatic spires rising into the sky, colorful rocks forming buttes and mesas, and towering sandstone cliffs will surely mesmerize you. All of these formations were formed over millions of years and contain so many mysteries and opportunities for both adventure and contemplation. There are countless slot canyons, some narrow enough that hikers have to squeeze through the windswept walls, and others with huge drops that require ropes and canyoneering skills. 

If narrow slot canyons aren’t your thing, this landscape also has expansive open desert covered in impressive, hardy desert plants. If you’re lucky, you could even witness a desert bloom of gorgeous white primrose and orange globemallow. Think that the desert is all dry and hot? If you are in Escalante, you are actually not far from one of many desert oases. You can hike for days along a beautiful, flowing, spring fed creek, or hang a hammock beside the Escalante River for a relaxing afternoon among the cottonwoods.  

 THE HUMAN HISTORY 

The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument also has a rich human history, stretching back thousands of years. This region, even with its remote and rugged terrain, provided food, shelter, and water to many cultures for at least the past 10,000 years. Tribes that have called this region home include the Fremont, Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, multiple bands of Paiute, and Ute. To this day, you can find evidence of their dwellings, rock art, and granaries dotting the landscape. 

Let your imagination run wild while imagining how they used to live, surviving and thriving in tune with nature and this special land. Petroglyphs, pictographs, pottery, and stone tools are all over for those who pay attention. Please, remember to practice Leave No Trace and never remove any artifacts from where you found them.  They are sacred and should be left for future visitors to admire.  Human activity in these spiritually significant places can degrade them quickly and irreversibly. Travel lightly and only on durable, previously impacted surfaces. 

 OTHER ARCHAEOLOGY 

Some paleontologists believe that the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument holds the highest concentration of dinosaur fossils in the world! It is commonly referred to as the “Shangri La” of dinosaurs due to the discovery of at least 15 species of dinosaurs that have not been found anywhere else. The Kaiparowits Plateau is a 50-mile ridge that spans 1,650 square miles and is covered in artifacts. 

In addition to dinosaurs, fossils of ancient turtles, shellfish, and tons of perfectly preserved prehistoric plant life have been found— all of which give us a clearer window into the past than ever before. 

Imagine what else there is left for us to discover as long as we protect and learn from this land. 

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If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already decided to get some sand in your sleeping bag and mud on your tires staying by staying in Moab. Now you are wondering, where do I stay?

In recent years, camping near Moab has become more complicated as the city has closed sites that were “overloved” by visitors, in order to protect and preserve the fragile desert environment. Changes made by the city of Moab and the BLM have resulted in the closure or restructuring of many long-standing dispersed campsites. While it may inconvenience some, prioritizing natural resources in these decisions is commendable. It’s essential for us all to play a part in better preserving these areas for future generations to enjoy.

This article provides a brief yet thorough guide to camping near Moab, including general recommendations and personal favorite spots. Whether you’re pitching a tent by the Colorado River, parking your RV beneath towering cliffs, or simply sleeping under the open sky, camping in Moab promises an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. 

I’ll point out specific sites in and around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as areas north and south of Moab, providing clarity on camping options in this iconic destination.

Camping Considerations

While camping near Moab can be an adventure in and of itself, being prepared will help itinerant travelers keep these adventures out of the Type 3 Fun category. 

• Gearheads Outdoor Store has a water fill up station, as well as any outdoor gear you could need before venturing out. Be sure to have ample water capacity while camping here, as the desert isn’t known for having excess water.
• City Market offers the best grocery selection for resupplying in town, but Moonflower Community Cooperative has more organic and health focused options
• Firewood can be purchased at the City Market gas station, and it typically has the cheapest gas in town (avoid the Chevron north of town if you don’t want to pay $0.40 a gallon more).
• Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop offers the best burritos in town and Milt’s has the best milkshakes.
• Almost every BLM campsite near Moab has a 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period. Luckily, there are enough sites around that as long as you move at least every other week you won’t have a problem following this rule.

Leave No Trace

The desert environment is full of exceptionally fragile flora and fauna that can take hundreds of years to grow. It is paramount that visitors tread lightly, staying on established trails and roads to avoid damaging cryptobiotic living soil crusts. 

Cryptobiotic soil (crypto meaning “hidden” and “biota” meaning life) is a complex matrix of cyanobacteria, lichens, algae and fungus that help hold sand in place, preventing erosion and giving life a chance to grow. 

Leave No Trace principles are especially important in this delicate ecosystem. In the desert environment, human waste is a serious issue. Use toilet facilities whenever you can. When these are not available, all solid waste, including toilet paper, must be packed out in WAG bags. WAG bags are specially made solid waste disposal bags that are strongly encouraged and sometimes required while recreating in a desert environment. Visitors can find WAG bags at gear shops in town and Visitor Centers in the National Parks. It is our collective responsibility to keep these areas clean and to provide sustainable outdoor recreation  – do your part!

Appreciate wildlife and rock art from afar, and please refrain from touching either. Resist the urge to turn these delicate arches into your adult jungle gym, nature already undergoes significant transformation without our help. Consider future generations while camping near Moab, and help to preserve it. 

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Zion has a semi-arid climate, meaning extremely high day time temps in the summers, cooler nights, and cold winters. Despite the heat, summer is the park’s busiest season. October through March is considered off season and provides a less crowded, more peaceful experience. During all but a select couple of months in the winter (usually sometime Jan – Feb) Zion’s main canyon is closed to most passenger vehicles and a free shuttle system offers alternative transportation.

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Established on September 15, 1928, Bryce Canyon National Park spans 35,835 acres, making it the smallest National Park in Utah. Contrary to its name, Bryce Canyon is not technically a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Its unique geological formations, known as hoodoos, are sculpted by erosion over millions of years, creating mesmerizing landscapes.

While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit is from May through September. During these months, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather and a plethora of outdoor activities. However, even in the winter months, the park’s snow-covered hoodoos offer a breathtakingly beautiful sight. Travel during this time is more challenging however due to the harsh weather conditions.  

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My own time in Utah began while traveling cross country in my beat-up old Astrovan, headed to the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail from my home in Florida. Spending four months as a nomad, my voyage spanned from the sandy shores of the East Coast to the craggy expanse of the American West. Yet, it was Utah that captivated my soul, and where I spent well over half my time on that trip.  

Since then, I’ve returned every spring season. Including later hiking the Hayduke Trail, a 700+ mile trek spanning the entirety of Utah from Arches to Zion, passing through every National Park and even detouring through the Grand Canyon. Here, I share my highlights and must-sees scattered throughout this grand “flyover” state.  

Choosing your route 

This is my ultimate Utah National parks road trip, refined by multiple seasons of poking around in the sand, but remember, it’s your adventure. For the sake of this route, I recommend kicking off the trip near Grand Junction, Colorado, and traveling linearly from east to west, finishing up near Zion National Park.

Utah Mighty Five National Parks Tour

While we have extensive articles on each of Utah’s National Parks and why you should visit, this guide fills in the blank spots on the map and highlights destinations around the heavy hitters of southern Utah.  Whether you’re out for a week seeking highlights or a season stopping at every pullout for “just one more photo,” feel free to mix and match, add and subtract. After all, the best road trips are about embracing spontaneity and following your heart. 

When to go

When are we taking this trip? A very important question.  

Winter and summer can be extreme in these harsh environments, so the best times to visit Utah are either spring or fall. While most people visit these National Parks in the heat of summer, I’d recommend the cool and vibrant spring time. The best time of year to enjoy this Utah National Parks road trip is March through May, although October through November is quite pleasant as well. Any earlier and we’ll be shivering in our sleeping bags and feeling snow on our toes. Any later and we’ll be hiding in the shade as the canyons turn into an oven around us.  

Pro tip: Try to avoid Moab during Easter Weekend as this is when Easter Jeep Safari, a massive off-roading event, takes place. Every camp within an hour of town is usually mobbed as the air thrums with the growl of off-road rigs day and night. 

Following Leave No Trace Principles

The desert environment is full of exceptionally fragile flora and fauna that can take hundreds of years to grow. It is paramount that visitors tread lightly, staying on established trails and roads to avoid damaging cryptobiotic living soil crusts.  

Cryptobiotic soil (crypto meaning “hidden” and “biota” meaning life) is a complex matrix of cyanobacteria, lichens, algae and fungus that help hold sand in place, preventing erosion and giving life a chance to grow.  

Appreciate wildlife and rock art from afar, and please refrain from touching either. Resist the urge to turn these delicate arches into your adult jungle gym, nature already undergoes significant transformation without our help. Consider future generations while visiting Utah, and help to preserve it.  

Leave No Trace principles are especially important in this delicate ecosystem. In the desert environment, human waste is a serious issue. Use toilet facilities whenever you can. When these are not available, all solid waste, including toilet paper, must be packed out in WAG bags. WAG bags are specially made solid waste disposal bags that are strongly encouraged and sometimes required while recreating in a desert environment.  

Visitors can find WAG bags at gear shops in town and visitor centers in the National Parks. It is our collective responsibility to keep these parks clean and to provide sustainable outdoor recreation – do your part!

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History

The 119 square-mile parcel of land was initially designated as a National Monument by President Herbert Hoover in 1929, becoming a National Park in 1971. Prior to this transformation, the indigenous Fremont, Hopi, Navajo, Paiutes, and Utes were the original caretakers of the land. The park lies atop a salt bed that underwent extreme climate shifts millions of years ago, leading to flash floods and ocean waters compacting the rock, resulting in well-known arches and geological wonders like the Moab Fault. Arches has over 2,000 documented rock formations, including one so renowned it graces Utah’s license plate. With over 1.5 million annual visitors, explorers of this park are treated to endless towers, balanced rocks, massive stone bluffs, pinnacles, and petrified sand dunes.   

Location

Located in Southeastern Utah, Arches National Park is 4 miles North (five minutes drive) of the acclaimed outdoor adventure city of Moab and 30 miles east (30 minutes) of Canyonlands National Park. Travelers can access the park via I-70, which traverses the central part of Utah, or choose from the Scenic Byway 128  (exit 204), or Highway 191 (exit 182) for a faster route to Moab. Others choose to fly into Grand Junction airport and make the 1-and-a-half-hour drive to Arches. Moab does have a small airport with limited service, but it is expensive and offers few connecting points.

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Looking to test your mettle? We’ve compiled a list of the hardest hikes in the US and Canada. From altitude and elevation change, to unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and technical challenges, these hikes will test your strength and stamina as well as whether you’re scared of heights.

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Slot canyon travel ranges from casual hiking to truly technical canyoneering that requires ropes, harnesses, and rappelling gear. If you’re just getting started hiking in this environment, it is better to begin by exploring non-technical slot canyons on day hikes, as there’s a lot to think about even before the technical preparation.

The sandstone deserts around Utah, Arizona, and their neighboring Southwestern states, are known among canyon enthusiasts for the plethora of canyons carved into the rock layers of the Colorado Plateau. 

Slot canyons are hard to spot when scanning the landscape. They hide in the rocky, barren-looking desert. But like much in the desert, there is great beauty to be discovered when you take the time to explore beyond what you can spot at first glance. Slot canyons are a secret hiding in plain sight, but they take effort to truly experience and explore safely. 

Interested in slot canyons? Read on to learn about slot canyon formation, recreation, and essential preparation.

What are slot canyons?

Slot canyons are narrow canyons carved into the rock — primarily sandstone and other soft rock. Slot canyons can be found around the world but in the US they’re found primarily in the Southwest, where flash floods combined with dry, soft sandstone, create the perfect conditions for these deep gorges to form. 

The name “slot canyon” comes from how tight these canyons can get. Some canyons are barely wide enough for a body to fit through, while others require specific techniques to navigate walls pinching narrowly together. Slot canyons can be hundreds of feet deep and only measure a few feet or inches in width. 

Although slot canyons are formed by running water, they don’t all have year-round rivers running through them. However, even if they don’t always have running water, many have sections of standing water that require navigating while descending the canyon. Some canyons even involve swimming/hiking through water for entire sections. For this reason, it’s good to be prepared to encounter water, especially during wet seasons, and to take time to think about waterproofing and insulating layers. Sun cannot always penetrate deep, narrow canyons, and there may be long sections of cool dark to endure before one can again get dry.

How are slot canyons formed?

The formation of slot canyons is a long and complex process that begins with the deposition of sedimentary rock. Over millions of years, these sedimentary rock layers are exposed to weathering and erosion, creating canyons of various shapes and sizes. 

Slot canyons are typically formed by water rushing through rock, over millions of years. The Colorado Plateau is one of the most common places for slot canyons to occur. The Colorado Plateau is made up of layers and layers of sedimentary rock. As a semi-arid region, it receives sporadic rainfall, but when it does storm it rains hard, causing flash floods. These torrents of water, often full of abrasive materials like wood and gravel, run through washes and carve deep, winding paths through the soft sedimentary rock – creating slot canyons. 

You can see the paths that the water takes reflected in the winding, swirling shape of sandstone slot canyons. Slot canyons made out of other types of rock look different, as the type of rock affects the shape of the canyon. 

Why experience slot canyons?

Slot canyons turn a desert hike into something truly magical. Venturing into one of these narrow, descending canyons can be like entering another world, one you didn’t know existed until you rounded the corner.

If you love hiking but want to experience something that feels more off the beaten path than your average trail, slot canyons could be a great opportunity for you. If you’re already familiar with technical pursuits like anchor building, rappelling, and gear retrieval, then you may already have some of the skills needed to tackle more technical canyons. If you don’t, going on a guided trip can help you prepare to experience slot canyons on your own in the future.  

Where do you find slot canyons?

Slot Canyons can be found all over the American Southwest, as well as in many other places around the world (including Australia!). But for this blog post, we’re focusing on the slot canyons of the American Southwest. 

Utah and Arizona slot canyons are some of the most famous in the world, including popular destinations like the Narrows in Zion, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, and Buckskin Gulch in Utah. Some of these can be incredibly busy during peak season, and many require permits purchased ahead of time.

But if you’re looking for solitude, there are also plenty of slot canyons where you can find no one for miles. These often have barriers to entry, such as being miles and miles off of paved roads or requiring technical skills and gear to safely navigate. But if you’re motivated, these canyons can be explored with the proper training, gear, and safety considerations.

Slot canyons are beautiful but their risks are also real. Flash flooding has deadly consequences in this part of the country. If planning a slot canyon adventure feels overwhelming due to a lack of knowledge and experience, a guided trip is a great option. Wildland Trekking offers backpacking and inn-based slot canyon adventures perfect for the explorer who wants to experience the beauty of the landscape without the responsibility of preparation and planning. There’s even a trip that stays at the Slot Canyons Inn!

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