DAY 1: Hustle and Flow
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
It's not quite a national park, but hiking here is more memorable and its scenery more varied than nearby Capitol Reef. And due to its lesser status, you'll find lesser tourists, but most Utahns will tell you (or won't tell you) that Escalante is the real gem of Utah.
*Limited cell phone service; save directions before departure.
Inside the Park:
Lower Calf Creek Falls trail
A literal oasis from the surrounding desert, this hike takes you in and out of lush greenery along the flow of a creek. At six miles long, it will take you 3-4 hours, but you wouldn't notice on this leisurely adventure. The trail ends at a picturesque waterfall, where you can stop for a nice picnic lunch. If you don't mind freezing water, feel free to take a dip in the pool before heading back.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our UV blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
Peek a Boo Canyon, Escalante National Monument
peek-a-boo canyon
If you've never seen a slot canyon before, here's your chance to see three in a row - Peek-a-Boo Gulch, Spooky Gulch, and Brimstone Gulch - each increasingly difficult to pass. If you go for three, it's a five-mile loop, but it's pretty technical at certain places; it could take 4-6 hours to complete.
Note: Brimstone Gulch is very narrow. A hiker once got stuck here for eight days - and during certain seasons, parts of it can be impassible due to the deep water. Check the weather before hiking. If there is any chance of rain, skip it. Flash floods present deadly hiking conditions.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: ESCALANTE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 2: You call that a road?
Burr Trail Switchbacks, Utah
Burr-Trail Switchbacks
There are many switchbacks (roads that quickly switch back and forth) in Utah, but none as legendary as those found along the Burr Trail. You'll travel 1,000 miles up in less than one mile of driving. Just don't look down until you get to the top.
*Limited cell phone service; save directions before departure.
Hells Backbone Road, Utah
Hell's Backbone road
If Burr Trail wasn't enough adrenaline for you, try taking a ride across this century-old wooden bridge with a 1,500 drop off on both sides. Keep on driving for a view of the bridge from a distance before heading back the way you came.
*Limited cell phone service; save directions before departure.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: ESCALANTE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 3: neon and gold
Neon canyon - golden cathedral (egypt road, escalante)
At ten miles round trip, you won't have much time for anything else today, but when you arrive to the end of the hike, which involves crossing a river several times and walking across shadeless desert, you'll be treated to a naturally shaded sandstone amphitheater with a pool just deep enough for a dip. Spend some time here - it's a special place hidden from the average hiker.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our UV blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
*Limited cell phone service; save directions before departure.
If this is the end of your Utah adventure:
Depart: McCarran International Airport (LAS)
If continuing your journey to Part 5...
STAY THE NIGHT IN: ESCALANTE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.