Escalante, UT

Travel Guide

A rustic storefront with signs for produce, dairy, deli, meats, and grocery.
A row of colorful buildings with a green and blue facade, a closed sign, and a flower garden in front.
A colorful building with a bench in front.
A sign for the Cowboy Country Inn, a rustic building with a red roof, and a stone monument with an American flag.
A scarecrow with a cowboy hat, a plaid shirt, and a red bandana in front of a wooden building.

Use this humble town as a peaceful base for exploring the forest and lake in this immense region of canyons.

Escalante is a charming city in the midst of a picturesque forest and the otherworldly rock formations of Utah’s canyons. Its iconic red cliffs and valleys fill the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which has the largest land area of any U.S. monument. Bring the whole family to explore the scenic area via a series of postcard-pretty treks.

Get to know the local culture in this peaceful town and enjoy the views of sprawling fields and mountains. Stay at one of the roadside motels or hotels just off the main street. Admire the works of art on display in the Serenidad Gallery.

Take the Hole-in-the-Rock Road to access the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is composed of the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau and the Canyons of the Escalante. The staircase is known for its colorful cliffs, while the Escalante is made up of caves and jagged rocks.

Snap photos of some of the unusual rock formations, including the lined walls of Willis Creek, the Devil’s Garden and the various cliffs and arches. Go camping in Kodachrome Basin State Park and climb Canaan Peak for spectacular views of the surrounding forest and canyons.

Just northwest of Escalante is the Wide Hollow Reservoir in the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Rent a canoe or standup paddleboard to take out on the water. Chat with locals to hear about the haunting legends surrounding the park.

Note that the city takes its name from Franciscan missionary Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, who was part of the first European trip to Southern Utah. Find Escalante in Southern Utah’s Garfield County. It is 28 miles (45 kilometers) southwest of Boulder and 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Henrieville. Fly to Salt Lake City International Airport and drive south for 285 miles (459 kilometers) to get here in about 5 hours.

Have a great outdoor vacation in and around Escalante, a tranquil town enclosed by mesmerizing peaks and canyon troughs.

Ofland Escalante

Ofland Escalante

3 out of 5
2020 West UT-12 Escalante UT
Stay at this holiday park in Escalante. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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Ofland Escalante
Prospector Inn

Prospector Inn

380 W Main St Escalante UT
$92 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$106 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Escalante. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Escalante Library and Escalante City Park are located ...
Prospector Inn
Canyon Country Lodge

Canyon Country Lodge

2.5 out of 5
760 E Highway 12 Escalante UT
$159 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$183 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Escalante. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff was friendly. Not a lot of places to stay in Escalante."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2026

Canyon Country Lodge
See all 98 properties in Escalante
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Escalante Grand Resort

Escalante Grand Resort

2 out of 5
680 W Main Street Escalante UT
Stay at this cabin in Escalante. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Escalante ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (316 reviews)
"Our reservations were for 3 nights, but we only stayed for 2 due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Our cabin was comfortable, clean with a good location. We received a lot of communication from the Resort before our arrival. We had to fill out the check in prior to arrival. Reviews indicated the worlds ..."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Escalante Grand Resort
Canyons of Escalante RV Park

Canyons of Escalante RV Park

3 out of 5
495 W Main St Escalante UT
Stay at this cabin in Escalante. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Such a cute lil spot, very clean, the host was accommodating and even gave advice on places to see. If I’m ever back in Escalante, I will stay there for sure!"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Canyons of Escalante RV Park
Escalante Yurts

Escalante Yurts

2 out of 5
1605 North Pine Creek Rd. Escalante UT
Stay at this campground in Escalante. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Escalante City Park and Escalante Library are ...
Escalante Yurts
See all properties in Escalante
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Escalante attractions

A rugged canyon landscape with layered rock formations and a distant view of the horizon.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

9.8/10 (579 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a lovely green space in Escalante. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.
See properties

Things to do

Peekaboo Slot Canyon

Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour

$139
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour
From Escalante: Zebra Slot Canyon Guided Tour and Hike

From Escalante: Zebra Slot Canyon Guided Tour and Hike

$185
per adult
From Escalante: Zebra Slot Canyon Guided Tour and Hike
Escalante: Grand Staircase and Egypt 1 Canyoneering Trip

Escalante: Grand Staircase and Egypt 1 Canyoneering Trip

$185
per adult
Escalante: Grand Staircase and Egypt 1 Canyoneering Trip
See all activities in Escalante

Frequently asked questions

Is Escalante worth visiting?
Escalante is worth visiting for its natural wonders and outdoor exploration. Travelers can discover the expansive Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the unique Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. For those who prefer to cook, local grocers are also available for self-catering needs.
When is the best time to visit Escalante?
The best time to visit Escalante is from March through May, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the cooler months of November through January are a good option, offering a more tranquil experience with fewer travelers.
What is Escalante known for?
Escalante is known for being home to the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering travelers incredible natural landscapes. It also features the unique Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, where you can explore ancient trees. The city itself is named after the historic Dominguez-Escalante Expedition, and travelers can visit the Escalante Library.
What is a good itinerary length for Escalante?
A good itinerary length for Escalante is two to three days to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, and enjoy a Half Day Canyoneering Tour in Egypt Slot Canyon. For an extended trip of four to five days, travelers can also take the Scenic Byway 12 Driving Tour of Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. See Escalante Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Escalante?
Escalante offers incredible natural landscapes and outdoor adventures for travelers to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Escalante?
To plan your trip to Escalante, book flights, hotels, and rental cars early. Secure activities like a Half Day Canyoneering Tour in Egypt Slot Canyon or the Scenic Byway 12 Driving Tour. For weather flexibility, pair outdoor plans, such as exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with indoor backups.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Escalante?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Escalante by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Escalante with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Escalante trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Escalante?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Escalante can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Escalante trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Escalante trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Escalante trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Escalante trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Escalante?
If it's your first trip to Escalante, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Escalante hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Escalante hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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