Grand Staircase National Monument
The Grand Staircase National Monument lies between Dixie National Forest and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It was established and placed under the management of the Bureau of Land Management in 1996. The monument spans 1.87 million acres and is a series of plateaus that begin at Bryce Canyon and end at the Grand Canyon. Bryce Canyon, Pink Cliffs, Gray Cliffs, Zion Canyon, White Cliffs, Vermillion Cliffs, and Chocolate Cliffs make up the “steps” that lead toward the Grand Canyon.
Discoveries at Grand Staircase National Monument
On October 8, 2021, the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante were restored when the Presidential Proclamation 10286 was issued. Archaeologists, anthropologists, paleontologists, and geologists have discovered more information that helps us understand the changing ecosystem at the end of the dinosaur era than in any other place in the world. In 1998, paleontologists discovered the only known specimen of a new Triceratops ancestor, and in 2013, a new species closely related to the Tyrannosaurus Rex was discovered. More than two dozen new dinosaurs have been discovered from the site, along with a variety of other small animals, such as turtles, mammals, birds, and plants. Experts believe there are many more fossils beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
Indigenous History
Beyond the discovery of dinosaur fossils and other life during the late Cretaceous period, the Grand Staircase-Escalante hosts a long line of human history dating back to the Puebloan people. The Ancestral Puebloan people are believed to have existed from 100 AD to 1600 AD. Also referred to as the Anasazi, they were known to have evolved from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle into an agricultural society. Evidence of their accomplishments can be found in their housing, which evolved from living in caves or shallow pit houses to large communities, some with up to 100 adjoining rooms. In the latter part of their history, villages were built into recesses in the faces of cliffs, in addition to massive apartment-like structures. These dwellings could be as high as four stories and could have as many as 1,000 rooms. It is believed a great drought led to crop failure and drove the Anasazi away from what is known as the Grand Staircase today and into the White Mountains in present-day Arizona. The Anasazi continued to innovate, leaving behind evidence of gravity-based irrigation, pottery, and basket weaving.
The Fremont people, named after the Fremont River, were more sedentary and lived between Eastern Nevada, Central Utah, and Western Colorado. Artifacts exclusive to the Fremont people include moccasins, triangular figures made both of clay and carved into rock faces, and gray pottery. While they existed north of what is now known as the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, their influence within the area is present today. Gemstones and tools discovered during excavations allude to trade that happened between the two tribal societies. Descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans and Fremont people include Hopi, Paiute, Zuni, Ute, and Navajo tribes.
Geography of the Area
Images carved into large rock faces date between 1 AD and 1300 AD and can be viewed from several hiking trails within the monument. The Escalante River Trailhead will guide you along a trail of historical images left behind by these early societies. The Bighorn Panel, 100 Hands Panel, and Shaman and The Hunter Panel can be seen within half a mile from the trailhead. Hiking Within Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument Discerning where to spend your time hiking might be a challenge given the acreage of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument. Geography changes from coniferous forest to low-lying desert and covers much of southern Utah. Hiking trails lead you through slot canyons and gulches to waterfalls and arches, providing a diverse selection of trails to choose from.
Hiking Trails
Hiking into Coyote Gulch will bring you to several arches, including the most popular Jacob Hamblin Arch and one of the largest natural rock arches in the world, Steven’s Arch. You’ll also pass a swimming hole, Coyote Natural Bridge, and Cliff Arch and Falls. The Trail can be accessed from 4 different trailheads: Water Tank Trailhead, Crack in the Wall Trailhead, Hurricane Wash Trailhead, and Red Well Trailhead.
If you have more of a wandering spirit and don’t want to follow an established trail, the Cosmic Ashtray might be the trail for you. Expect to spend 5 to 6 hours on this 8-mile trail that leads you to a giant sandbox you can climb into. It is advised you bring rope as the footholds have been worn down and become slippery, making exiting a bit more of a challenge. Access this trailhead from Spencer Flat Road. Long backpacking trips and overnight camps will require permits. Permits are free and can be found at the Escalante National Monument Visitor’s Center.
ATV Trails
Aside from hiking trails, exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante can be done on guided off-roading trails by ATV. One of the closest companies to WillowWind RV Park that offers guided tours is off Washington Dam Road in Washington, Utah. Tours will begin with a climb to Sand Mountain and into dunes to view beautiful rock formations. Then follow along Sand Hollow Reservoir, Zion, and Kolob. Coming down the mountain will be an exciting experience with twists and turns mirroring roller coasters along Chicken Trail, followed then by a drop to Fingers Trail. A selection of tours is available at UTV Adventure Tours, and reservations are recommended.
We’ve only touched the surface of what there is to do and see at the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument. Stretching from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon, you’ll find a plethora of activities and sights to choose from that complement your stay at WillowWind RV Park.
Additional Resources
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ancestral-Pueblo-culture
https://www.gjhikes.com/2014/08/100-hands-pictograph.html
https://www.conservationlands.org/grand_staircase_escalante_national_monument
https://twooutliers.com/best-grand-staircase-escalante-hikes/