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The size of Delaware, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the largest parks in Utah. With so much to see and do, it can be easy to get overwhelmed, particularly if you’re not spending very much time here. However, there are still ways to make the most of your trip, even if you’re only in this wonderful park for a day.
In the morning, hit up the visitor center for a map of the area and any last-minute advice, and then head off to Devil’s Garden. It’s accessible by a 12 mile drive along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, a washboard dirt road that will set your teeth to chattering with all the little bumps. Once you make it to the parking lot, however, you’re welcomed into a veritable playground.
This backcountry rock garden was one of my favorite spots in all of Grand Staircase, featuring unrestricted access to incredible hoodoos and arches.
Devil’s Garden has no running water, but does have pit toilets, tables, fire pits and grills. There were a few other people here when I visited, but the Garden was large enough that we never saw anyone close by, and the rock formations were dense enough that it was hard to tell someone was there until you were standing right next to them!
In the afternoon, head over to Kiva Koffeehouse, one of the most aesthetically-pleasing coffee houses in Utah, for a quick pre-hike snack. Then, drive down the road outside the coffee house to the Escalante Natural Bridge trail head. Be warned that there are no amenities, so go to the bathroom beforehand, and be sure to pack in/out everything you’ll need.
This is an easy, four-mile out-and-back hike which features a natural bridge, an arch, and numerous river crossings. Cliffs will spike out of the ground on either side of the trail you walk through, featuring stunning red sandstone.
Although there are so many incredible things to see in Grand Staircase, these two adventures will introduce you to the very best of this monument...and hopefully encourage you to stay for a longer visit!
PS. Thanks to Utah.com for general information on the size of the Monument, Kiva Koffeehouse for being a constant delight with delicious vegan cookies, and Road Trip Ryan and Visit Utah for additional information. None of these sites are affiliate links; I just found them all useful, and hope you will, too!
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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