May 15, 2022
In May 2022, I took a guided trip to Grand Staircase – Escalate National Monument. You might say “I left my heart in Escalante.” My commentary and photos won’t do justice to the sense of wonder and peace I felt while trekking here. I want to return again and again to explore more! The unspoiled beauty of the Escalante is mesmerizing, and I can’t recommend enough that you spend some time here. You won’t regret it!
During our drive from Torrey, Utah, after trekking in Capital Reef National Park, we stopped at the Kiva Koffeehouse. We found the Koffeehouse tucked off the west side of highway 12 about 10 minutes east of Escalante. The building blends seamlessly into the surroundings and provides incredible unobstructed views. One can enjoy flavorful food dishes (i.e., salads, sandwiches, pastries, etc.) and aromatic coffee while relaxing inside or outside on the deck. It seemed to be a popular spot. Just as we arrived, a caravan of motorcycle riders was just leaving!
In Escalante, my group lodged at the Ponderosa Inn which provided clean and comfortable accommodations. We checked out this delightful small town on foot before we enjoyed a picnic dinner on the deck of our guide’s rental home. After dinner, we witnessed a man walking five goats being about town. It’s not every day you see this!
May 16, 2022
On our first full day, we headed southeast of town for an eight-mile point-to-point through hike. We began our hike at one point with one guide. The other guide drove our van to our ending location and hiked in halfway to meet us. We thoroughly enjoyed traversing through various sets of long winding narrows. We enjoyed exquisite and colorful vistas and adventured through narrow slot canyons – a thrilling time!
May 17, 2022
During our final full day in Escalante, we trekked along the rim and then over the edge of the Escalante Monocline down into the Escalante River Canyon. We hiked along and, in the river, as we took in the views of a dramatic skyline arch, immense natural bridge, and an antient cliff dwelling! How refreshing it was to walk in the cool water amidst the warm sunny skies!
What was unique about our time in Escalante was the lack of crowds. The sights were as special as one would find in any national park, but it seemed we had the treks to ourselves – joy! I will always treasure my time in Escalante and look forward to returning some day!
I’d love to hear your thoughts about Escalante and its surroundings. Have you been or are you planning to visit?
