Let’s just say it—Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is criminally underrated.
Everyone’s talking about Zion. Bryce. Arches. And don’t get us wrong—they’re gorgeous. But Grand Staircase? It’s on another level. Literally. This place is massive, wild, and way less crowded. If you’re craving off-the-grid vibes, slot canyons, epic views, and that deep, quiet kind of beauty—this is your spot.
And the best part? It’s just a scenic drive from Cougar Ridge.
So, what is Grand Staircase-Escalante, exactly?
Picture 1.9 million acres of wide-open space. That’s bigger than the state of Delaware. No joke.
It’s called a “staircase” because the landscape kind of steps down from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon—like a giant geological staircase made of cliffs, plateaus, canyons, and deserts. It’s also one of the most remote areas in the lower 48, which means you won’t be fighting for trail space.
It’s the kind of place where you can hike for hours, not see a soul, and feel like the main character in some stunning, slow-burn adventure film.
Slot canyons. Petroglyphs. Dino bones.
Yeah, this place has range.
- Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch: These slot canyons are Instagram famous for a reason. Super narrow, super twisty, and just enough of a challenge to make you feel like a desert explorer.
- Coyote Gulch: This one’s a full-on adventure. Think natural arches, waterfalls, red rock walls, and winding streams. It’s remote, but totally worth it if you’ve got the time (and solid hiking shoes).
- Devil’s Garden: Not to be dramatic, but it kind of feels like Mars. Hoodoos, arches, and rock formations that look like they were sculpted by giants.
- Calf Creek Falls: A real-life oasis in the desert. The hike is chill, the views are insane, and the 126-foot waterfall at the end? Chef’s kiss.
- Petrified Forests + Dino Tracks: If you’re into prehistoric stuff, this monument is a goldmine. Tons of fossils, dinosaur tracks, and ancient remains have been found out here. You might literally step where a dino once walked.
Oh—and keep an eye out for petroglyphs and pictographs. The ancestral Puebloans and Fremont people were here long before us, and their stories are still etched into the stone.
Best time to visit?
Spring and fall are where it’s at. Temps are cooler, the desert’s alive, and the light is unreal.
Summer can be hot-hot (like, bring-extra-water hot), but if you head out early in the morning or hit shaded canyons, you’ll be good. Winter? Cold but peaceful. And the red rocks dusted with snow? Total winter dreamscape.
Just make sure you check road conditions before heading out—some of the back roads turn into soup after rain.
A few things to know before you go
It’s remote: Cell service is spotty at best. Download maps, save directions, and tell someone where you’re going.
Gas up: Don’t wait ‘til your tank is on E. Stations are few and far between out there.
Pack smart: Layers, water, snacks, a headlamp, and good shoes are non-negotiable.
Leave no trace: Grand Staircase is raw and wild—let’s keep it that way.
This isn’t a monument with paved paths and shuttle stops. It’s choose-your-own-adventure territory. And honestly? That’s the whole point.
Why it hits different
There’s something about being out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by rocks older than your entire family tree, that just makes you slow down. It’s quiet. It’s humbling. And it reminds you that the best places aren’t always the most obvious ones.
You’re not just sightseeing here. You’re connecting. With the land. With yourself. With a part of Utah most people drive right past without ever realizing what they missed.
And if you’re the kind of person who prefers wild beauty over bucket list crowds, Grand Staircase is going to blow your mind.
Stay close, stay cozy at Cougar Ridge
After a day of crawling through canyons, dodging tumbleweeds, and pretending you’re in a National Geographic spread, you’re gonna want somewhere comfortable to land. That’s where Cougar Ridge comes in.
We’re based in Torrey, Utah—right in the sweet spot between Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase. Our lodge and villas give you the best of both worlds: rustic charm with all the modern comforts. Think cozy fireplaces, wide-open views, soft beds, and maybe even a hot soak under the stars if you play your cards right.
Whether you’re road-tripping with friends, planning a romantic getaway, or just need a break from everything, Cougar Ridge is the kind of place you’ll actually want to come back to at the end of the day.
Ready to see a side of Utah most people never do?
Book your stay at Cougar Ridge and make Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument your next great escape.