The Bureau of Land Management established the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in 1996, and it covers a large section of southern Utah. It is named after striking features along Scenic Byway 12 region of southern Utah. “Grand Staircase” refers to a series of captivating cliffs and plateaus that rise from the Grand Canyon, beyond Bryce Canyon National Park to the Aquarius Plateau. “Escalante” stems from the extensive canyon system in the Escalante River Drainage which was named after an early Spanish explorer of the region. The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is one part of the most scenically diverse area in the world.
Rugged deep maze of canyons, plains, and plateaus attract hikers who enjoy the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Ultimately, this national monument provides both awe inspiring landscapes coupled with unique biology showcasing desert trees like the Juniper and the melodious songs of birds like the Pinion Jay.
 Despite its current desert landscape, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument has an interesting history. Fossils dating back 70 million years indicate that it was not always arid here. For instance, there is evidence that there was an ancient lake or ocean and animals like fish, turtles, sharks, and varied plant life. Many paleontological digs have occurred here as recently as 2001 looking for dinosaur remains, and many paleontologists claim that the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument area has one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur remains in the entire world. Fossil hunting is allowed, but fossils should not be taken out the national monument so that others can enjoy them as well.
Anasazi and Fremont Indian cultures flourished here for many centuries. Many archeological artifacts from these cultures are strewn throughout the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The Indians also left pictures on cave walls, and there are two different types of these pictures. When it is painted onto the wall, it’s called a pictograph. If it is pecked onto the wall, it’s a petroglyph. Every day life during ancient times is depicted in the pictographs and petroglyphs. For the curious traveler, the Anasazi State Park Museum near Boulder has information and many exhibits about these civilizations; it also serves as a visitors' center for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Those who are interested in natural history will especially enjoy the national monument.
In contrast to the usual pink and red hues, there is a section of the Grand Staircase appropriately named "The Blues." Powell Point (over 10,000 feet in elevation) and Table Cliffs Plateau are visible from this area of bluish rocks. Elk also migrate through here, and nearby Barker Reservoir offers great fishing opportunities. "The Blues" serves as a great stop along Scenic Byway 12.
 Many roads and back ways traverse the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. For instance, Smokey Mountain Road leads to Big Water in Lake Powell area. It is named after Smokey Mountain which is laden with coal that are continuously smoldering with subterranean fires. Views of Navajo Mountain – a sacred site for the Navajo Indians – and the locations where the classic movies "The Planet of the Apes" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told" were filmed are other highlights of this road. Hole-in-the-Rock Road provides more exploring opportunities as it meanders past Devils Garden – a little wonderland full of enchanting and stunning desert scenery. Devils  Garden is a must-see destination just off the main road. Dance Hall Rock which is also on this road and was a gathering location for early Mormon pioneers during the Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition. Please note that travel should only occur during dry weather and there are no services available along these and other unpaved roads in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Grosvenor Arch is another highlight of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It is located near the monument's border with Kodachrome Basin State Park on  the Cottonwood Canyon Road Scenic Backway. At a height of over 60 feet tall, Grosvenor Arch is truly a marvelous sight. Interestingly, it is a double arch with a smaller opening beside the main arch. For the geology buff, beautiful and translucent selenite crystals are strewn around the arch. Unlike the well-defined arches in Arches National Park, Grosvenor Arch has a rugged beauty, and even though it may not have a graceful shape, it is definitely worth the trek. As with all arches, it was carved by the wind and is different from a natural bridge which is carved by water. Regardless of how these
formations are created, they are all stunning. For those who wish to spend several hours in the area there is a shaded picnic table and outhouse.
Calf Creek Recreation Area is an oasis of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It is near Scenic Byway 12 and has a gorgeous 126 foot water fall and grotto. Of course, there are some creeks and swimming holes for swimming or cooling off on hot summer days.
Exploring the Escalante River will excite hikers because of its side canyons and many slot canyons. For instance, there are many swimming holes fed by waterfalls in the Navajo Gorges area that are great for a family hike. The Rincons is a green area where the Anasazi established storage facilities, homes, and gardens. Jacob Hamblin Arch in Coyote Gulch, near Escalante, presents various challenges such as a 100 foot inclined stretch of slick-rock. Hurricane Wash, Red Well, and Jacob Hamblin are some of the many trails that traverse Coyote Gulch. Egypt Canyon is a narrow passageway that requires some climbing and claustrophobes may not wish to venture through this canyon. The Escalante River region is beautiful and has many Indian and cowboy artifacts.
The Kaiparowitz Plateau deepens the beauty of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument area. This 50 mile mountain is near Escalante and parallels the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The plateau offers dramatic view of the surrounding region and is rarely accessed. Ancient Anasazi Indians used the cliffs of the plateau as granaries and for secluded dwelling areas.
 Hogsback adds excitement to the stunning scenery of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument along Scenic Byway 12. There are steep cliffs on both sides of the road that roll off to the canyon floors over 1,000 feet below. Panoramic views will captivate travelers who stop at any one of the many scenic viewpoints.
The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a great area for year-round recreational activities like camping, riding ATVs, wildlife viewing, biking, and hiking. Many enjoy cross country skiing and snowmobiling in nearby mountains during the winter. More information about recreational activities in this
area is available in the towns of Cannonville, Escalante, and Boulder.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is southeast of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Glen Canyon spans the area between Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs in Utah. Lake Powell is the centerpiece of Glen Canyon, and the lake is where many people go each year to fish, boat, and swim in its warm waters. It began forming in 1957 when Glen Canyon Dam construction began near Lee’s Ferry on the Colorado River. The Glen Canyon Dam is over 500 in height and has caused the Colorado, San Juan, and other rivers to back up into many side canyons, creating over 2,000 miles of shoreline for the lake. Vvisitors also enjoy riding ATVs, camping, and hiking. They also use Lake Powell to explore arches, bridges, canyons, and Indian remnants such as pictographs and petroglyhs.
Maps and information of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument are available at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center and Anasazi State Park Museum. The BLM maintains picnic areas for public use and campgrounds in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument area. Services and lodging are located along Scenic Byway 12 in Cannonville, Escalante, and Boulder. Please note that there are no services in the national monument area. Visitors need to make sure that they have plenty of gasoline, food, water, and emergency supplies in stock when they leave Scenic Byway 12, towns, camping grounds, or visitors' centers. Please remember that most of theunpaved roads here are only suitable for travel during dry weather.
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