Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Practicalities
Camping & Lodging
There are limited lodging and developed camping opportunities are available within the boundaries of the Monument. The only developed campground is located at Calf Creek. Deer Creek has a primitive campground. However, you can find lodging, camping and other services at these surrounding communities.
Kanab—medical, lodging, restaurants, gas, auto repair/towing, groceries, campgrounds, guides, BLM office
Big Water— lodging, restaurant
Page, AZ— medical, lodging, restaurants, gas, auto repair/towing, groceries, campgrounds
Boulder— lodging, restaurants, gas, auto repair, guides, groceries
Escalante— limited medical, lodging, restaurants gas, auto repair/towing, groceries, campgrounds, guides, BLM/interagency office
Tropic— lodging, restaurants, gas, groceries, campgrounds
Cannonville— lodging gas groceries
Bryce Canyon— lodging restaurants, gas, auto repair/towing, groceries, campgrounds, guides
Weather
Late spring (April-June depending on elevation) and early fall (September-October) are probably the best times to visit. However, gnats and deerflies can be troublesome in May and June. Sudden changes in weather can occur at any time, particularly at higher elevations.
July and August are the months for thunderstorms, although the rainy season can last well into September. Many of the Monument's dirt roads become impassable when wet. Summer temperatures may reach 1000F or more at lower elevations but will be cooler in the higher drainages.
During the winter months snow and sub-zero temperatures can occur throughout the Monument. Always inquire locally about the weather forecast before beginning your trip.
Surviving
Emergency Numbers
Garfield County Sheriff— 911 or (435) 676-2678
Kane County Sheriff— 911 or (435) 644-2349
Bureau of Land Management, Escalante— (435) 826-5499
Bureau of Land Management, Kanab— (435) 644-2672
Water: Carry plenty of water, at least one gallon per person per day, whether you are hiking or driving. Don't ration your water. It will do you good only if you drink it.
Heat: Protect against heat exhaustion. Do not overexert yourself Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid extreme midday temperatures in the summer. Wear a hat and lots of sun screen. (GORP has an excellent article on preventing heat stroke and dehydration).
Abandoned Mines: Abandoned mines pose several dangers: explosives, concentrations of toxic materials, mine shafts, etc. Stay out and stay alive. (Mineshafts are a major danger in Death Valley National Park, too.)
Flash Floods: Don't camp or park your vehicle in a wash or stream bed, and avoid hiking in narrow slot canyons when rain is a possibility A dry wash can flash flood in minutes, even if you do not see a cloud in the sky.
Gasoline: Make sure you start with a full tank of fuel; gasoline is available in the communities surrounding the Monument.
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