• Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument - The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a United States national monument originally designated in 1996 as 1,880,461 acres of protected land in southern Utah. In 2017, the monument’s size was reduced by half in a succeeding presidential proclamation.

NOTE: This 125-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Grand Staircase in 3 hours.

• Red Canyon Visitor Center - Your tour through Grand Staircase-Escalante begins just west of the national monument, right off Route 89. From here, you’ll head toward the monument itself, where you’ll find stunning vistas, unbelievable rock formations, and a whole bunch of hidden geologic history.
• Red Canyon Arch - The Red Canyon’s Arches welcome you to the staircase in style. These arches get their distinctive color from the high iron content in the combination of sandstone and volcanic rock that formed them. They aren’t natural, although they may look it, but that doesn’t take away from how striking they are!
• Bryce Canyon National Park - Before you fully enter the Grand Staircase National Monument, you’ll have an opportunity to detour to Bryce Canyon National Park. The two are right next to one another, so don’t worry about missing out on one or the other. You’ll almost certainly have time to see both!
• Powell Point Vista - At Powell Point Vista, you’ll get your first great vista of this incredible landscape. You’ll also get familiar with explorer John Powell and his expedition into this region. That journey, fraught with disaster, proved crucial in mapping the American west.
• Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - The Escalante Petrified Forest is a truly remarkable phenomenon. Long ago, this was an ordinary forest. But the trees have long since been petrified and turned completely to stone. Today, these ancient, multi-colored remnants of the forest offer clues to the distant past.
• Escalante Interagency Visitor Center - The Escalante Interagency Visitor Center offers all sorts of information for enjoying and exploring the Monument and surrounding areas. It’s also a great place to grab a snack or refill your water bottle before continuing your trip.
• Spooky Gulch - Spooky Gulch is particularly narrow and winding, and if you’re able to make the squeeze, hiking through the gulch can be quite the experience. You won’t need any special hiking gear or experience– just an extra hour to drive there and another hour or two to explore.
• Kiva Koffeehouse - Kiva Koffeehouse isn’t just a great place to grab caffeine to keep your journey going. It also boasts a patio featuring phenomenal views of the Escalante River. If you’re looking for a place to take a break, this is an excellent option.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls - Calf Creek Vista offers more panoramic views of the harsh, beautiful desert landscape which defines the Staircase. Don’t forget to snap a few photos while you’re here!
• The Hogback - Your route will take you along the famous Hogback, probably 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 make sure to admire the sights along the way!
• Upper Calf Creek Falls - If you’d like to hike to a perennial waterfall, you’ll have the chance to take a quick detour to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail. This moderate, 2-mile trek ends with a beautiful 88-foot waterfall tumbling down a dramatic cliff. It’s a little sandy and rocky at points, so make sure to wear good boots if you plan to make the trip.
• Boulder - The town of Boulder is one of the most isolated communities you’re ever likely to see. With a population of just over 200, this town isn’t exactly a bustling hub. In fact, it didn’t even have electricity until 1947! Many of the 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. More specifically, the days 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 have reason to believe humans lived here as far back as the Ice Age! Besides the history, of course, it also makes for a beautiful change of scenery.
• Heritage Overlook - Heritage Overlook offers keen-eyed observers a look at Glen Canyon, far to the southeast. At over 9,000 feet above sea level, you’ll be able to see much farther than you’re used to up here!
• Homestead Overlook - Homestead Overlook affords a panoramic view of the whole landscape of Dixie Forest and the Grand Staircase stretching out beneath you. Continuing beyond it, you’ll also hear about forest fires in the area and how they factor into the lifecycle of the earth’s oldest trees.
• Larb Hollow Overlook - Larb Hollow Overlook is the last viewpoint on you tour, so be sure to make it count! The land stretches on for miles beneath this overlook, making it perfect for photos or simply for taking in the majesty of this one-of-a-kind place. You’ll also pick up some 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 right near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. One of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, Capitol Reef is something you can’t miss if you’re in the area. Boasting rich history, dramatic desert scenery, and even a seemingly impossible orchard, this park really has something for everyone.

• 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

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Explore the hidden wonders of the epic Grand Staircase Escalante drive with a self-guided audio tour. Drive along the Hogback (the ridgeline), learn about the hidden mysteries of this giant geologic staircase, and discover the long-buried secrets of the Fremont and Puebloans. This self-guided tour allows you to explore UT-12 with maximum flexibility and value.

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 good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
• How to start the tour: 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. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
• Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.