Sunset Arch

Escalante

Sunset Arch   |  Alex Mironyuk
  • Weather: Mostly Clear, 61F
Between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks and perched on the edge of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the town of Escalante offers access to some of the most beautiful parts of Southern Utah.

A handful of down-home cafes and diners, along with a number of cozy inns and motels, serve the visitors who come through or use the town as a base camp for extended exploration. We may be biased, but extended exploration is exactly what this place deserves. The desert is a wild (and at times, rough) place, but fortunately there are a few superb outdoor guiding services in town who will show newbies around and share the tales hidden amongst the red rocks.

Weather

While much of Southern Utah gets piping hot in the summer, Escalante’s higher elevation keeps temperatures moderate — most of the time. In the summer, temperatures can get above 100 degrees, and in the winter it usually drops below freezing at night. Sudden and heavy rainstorms can pop up quickly, so have a plan for that possibility wherever you go.

Spring, summer, and fall are all perfect times to descend into mysterious slot canyons, dipping your toes in cool riverbeds, hiking miles of soft-sand trails, and gazing at the inscriptions of humans who stood in the same spot thousands of years ago. Exploring the sun-drenched Utah backcountry around Escalante is an unforgettable experience. 

Getting There

Escalante is located along Utah's All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12 in the south-central part of the state. It’s about a three-hour drive from the town of St. George (173 miles), or 90 minutes south of Capitol Reef National Park (67 miles).

Local Highlights

Previous Image Next Image