This is one of the wild places left in Utah that is still relatively undiscovered compared to places like Zion National Park. Few people come here in comparison and it's not as built up.
There is so much to see in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You won't find a more scenic, rugged and remote place to hike. In the south-western section, The Paria River and its tributaries have carved out buttes, mesas, and canyons including one of the world's longest slot canyons, Buckskin Gulch. The Canyons of the Escalante carved out by the Escalante River and its tributaries, offer some very popular hikes including Calf Creek Falls, the Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons and Coyote Gulch.
Escalante is a charming little town and not too expensive. I recommend the ever-popular Lower Calf Creek Falls hike and the Devil's Rock Garden area.
I wish they'd better maintain the hole-in-the-rock road but if you can get yourself a 4 wheel drive truck or SUV (high clearance!) you have a whole new area to explore: Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulches (you might be able to reach those in a standard vehicle), Coyote Gulch, Dance Hall Rock, and the Hole in the rock itself. It's a nasty climb down it to reach Lake Powell but the cool soak in the lake is worth it. There is lots of primitive camping in that area - we had a magical night camping at Dance Hall Rock. Go check it out before the crowds discover this wonderful area and ruin it.
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