Embark on a self-guided audio driving tour of the Grand Staircase-Escalante and uncover the hidden wonders of this epic geological formation. Discover the secrets of the Fremont and Puebloans while driving along the Hogback ridge. Purchase one tour per car for maximum flexibility and value!
Embark on a self-guided audio driving tour of the Grand Staircase-Escalante and uncover the hidden wonders of this epic geological formation. Discover the secrets of the Fremont and Puebloans while driving along the Hogback ridge. Purchase one tour per car for maximum flexibility and value!
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Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument - The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a U.S. national monument initially designated in 1996, encompassing 1,880,461 acres of protected land in southern Utah. In 2017, a subsequent presidential proclamation reduced the monument’s size by half.
NOTE: This 125-mile-long tour highlights the…
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument - The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a U.S. national monument initially designated in 1996, encompassing 1,880,461 acres of protected land in southern Utah. In 2017, a subsequent presidential proclamation reduced the monument’s size by half.
NOTE: This 125-mile-long tour highlights the essentials of Grand Staircase in just 3 hours.
Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Red Canyon Visitor Center - Begin your tour of Grand Staircase-Escalante just west of the national monument, right off Route 89. From here, proceed towards the monument itself, where you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas, incredible rock formations, and a wealth of hidden geological history.
- Red Canyon Arch - The Red Canyon’s Arches greet you to the staircase with style. These arches derive their unique color from the high iron content in the sandstone and volcanic rock that formed them. Although they may appear natural, they are not, but their striking appearance remains undeniable!
- Bryce Canyon National Park - Before fully entering the Grand Staircase National Monument, you have the chance to detour to Bryce Canyon National Park. The two are adjacent, so rest assured you won’t miss out on either. You’ll likely have time to explore both!
- Powell Point Vista - At Powell Point Vista, enjoy your first magnificent view of this incredible landscape. Learn about explorer John Powell and his expedition into this region. Despite being fraught with challenges, this journey was crucial in mapping the American West.
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - The Escalante Petrified Forest is a truly extraordinary phenomenon. Once an ordinary forest, the trees have long since petrified and turned entirely to stone. Today, these ancient, multi-colored remnants offer insights into the distant past.
- Escalante Interagency Visitor Center - The Escalante Interagency Visitor Center provides a wealth of information for enjoying and exploring the Monument and surrounding areas. It’s also a great spot to grab a snack or refill your water bottle before continuing your journey.
- Spooky Gulch - Spooky Gulch is particularly narrow and winding, and if you can make the squeeze, hiking through the gulch can be quite an adventure. No special hiking gear or experience is needed—just an extra hour to drive there and another hour or two to explore.
- Kiva Koffeehouse - Kiva Koffeehouse is not only a great place to grab caffeine to keep your journey going, but it also features a patio with phenomenal views of the Escalante River. If you’re looking for a place to take a break, this is an excellent choice.
- Lower Calf Creek Falls - Calf Creek Vista offers more panoramic views of the harsh, beautiful desert landscape that defines the Staircase. Don’t forget to capture a few photos while you’re here!
- The Hogback - Your route will take you along the famous Hogback, likely the most unforgettable part of the entire monument. This winding stretch of road is full of sharp curves, steep drops, and spectacular views on either side. Drive carefully, and be sure to admire the sights along the way!
- Upper Calf Creek Falls - If you’re interested in hiking to a perennial waterfall, take a quick detour to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail. This moderate, 2-mile trek concludes with a stunning 88-foot waterfall cascading down a dramatic cliff. It’s a bit sandy and rocky at points, so wear sturdy boots if you plan to make the trip.
- Boulder - The town of Boulder is one of the most isolated communities you’ll likely encounter. With a population of just over 200, this town isn’t exactly bustling. In fact, it didn’t even have electricity until 1947! Many residents here are descendants of the first pioneers to settle in the area.
- Burr Trail Road - Burr Trail Road dates back to the pioneer days, specifically those of pioneer John Burr. Burr created this road to lead his cattle from his ranch to the market about 70 miles away. The road remains rugged and wild—perfect for modern adventurers.
- Dixie National Forest - As you drive, you’ll pass through Dixie National Forest, home to some of the oldest evidence of human activity in the entire region. Anthropologists believe humans lived here as far back as the Ice Age! Besides the history, it also offers a beautiful change of scenery.
- Heritage Overlook - Heritage Overlook provides keen-eyed observers a view of Glen Canyon, far to the southeast. At over 9,000 feet above sea level, you’ll be able to see much farther than usual from up here!
- Homestead Overlook - Homestead Overlook offers a panoramic view of the entire landscape of Dixie Forest and the Grand Staircase stretching out beneath you. Continuing beyond it, you’ll also learn about forest fires in the area and their role in the lifecycle of the earth’s oldest trees.
- Larb Hollow Overlook - Larb Hollow Overlook is the final viewpoint on your tour, so make it count! The land stretches on for miles beneath this overlook, making it perfect for photos or simply taking in the majesty of this unique place. You’ll also discover facts about how wind, rain, and erosion created such a striking landscape.
- Capitol Reef National Park - At the end of your Grand Staircase-Escalante tour, you’ll find yourself near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. One of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, Capitol Reef is a must-see if you’re in the area. With rich history, dramatic desert scenery, and even a seemingly impossible orchard, this park truly offers something for everyone.
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Recommendation: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden marvels of the magnificent Grand Staircase Escalante drive with a self-guided audio tour. Travel along the Hogback (the ridgeline), delve into the concealed mysteries of this vast geological staircase, and unearth…
Recommendation: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden marvels of the magnificent Grand Staircase Escalante drive with a self-guided audio tour. Travel along the Hogback (the ridgeline), delve into the concealed mysteries of this vast geological staircase, and unearth the long-hidden secrets of the Fremont and Puebloan peoples. This self-guided tour offers the ultimate flexibility and value as you explore UT-12.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.
Purchase once and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.