Grand Staircase Escalante UT-12 Self-Driving Tour
What your day looks like
Explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on a self-guided tour. Follow the app's directions and learn about the area's history, geology, flora, fauna, and tribal legends. Download the app and start your adventure into the stunning Utah landscape near the Red Canyon Visitor Center, perched high up on the rocky cliffs of Flaming Gorge. Admire the views of the vast Red Canyon, carved by the Green River many eons ago. Next, pass by Bryce Canyon National Park and get a crash course in geology. Then, reach the staircase itself, and get an insight into the ancient Fremont, Puebloans, and the Paiute who once called this land home. Leap back in time another 75 million years and learn why the staircase is so rich in dinosaur fossils. Drive to the next stop at the breathtaking Powell Point vista, where you can see the land unfurl for miles and miles in front of you. Continue into the Escalante Petrified Forest, another geological time machine, before heading to Spooky Gulch, a particularly narrow and winding crevasse that is ideal for hiking. Then, make your way to Upper Calf Creek Falls before following the famous Hogback, a dramatic, winding roadway with stunning views off to both sides. Sail through the tiny town of Boulder to Dixie National Forest. Take in the unique Heritage Overlook and Homestead Overlook. Marvel at the panoramic views of the whole landscape of Dixie Forest and the Grand Staircase. End your tour at Capitol Reef, where you will learn about wildfires.
The experience, in brief
- Drive atop the summit of one of the natural wonders of the world
- Visit a petrified forest and learn what created this fascinating landmark
- See sparkling waterfalls and colourful cliffs from numerous astonishing overlooks
- Learn the history of the land and unearth is buried secrets, including dinosaur bones and more
- Follow your app guide through stunning Utah landscapes on a tour developed by local guides
The journey, in full
Points of Interest along the Grand Staircase Escalante: Red Canyon Visitor Center Red Canyon Arch Bryce Canyon National Park Powell Point Vista Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Escalante Interagency Visitor Center Kiva Koffeehouse Lower Calf Creek Falls The Hogback Upper Calf Creek Falls Boulder Burr Trail Road Dixie National Forest Heritage Overlook Homestead Overlook Larb Hollow Overlook
Your day, step by step
Grand Canyon Village
Driving at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Grand Canyon Village
Sightseeing.
What to know before booking
Included
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey! Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews! Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories. Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned! Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi. Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use! Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely! Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours! Easy-to-use app: download the Action Tour Guide App onto your phone Unique password: access your tour on the Action Tour Guide App
Not Included
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
What to Bring
Your own vehicle Charged Smartphone Downloaded app Power bank Headphones Hiking Shoes
Restrictions
Device Compatibility: Devices without GPS, offline-only tablets, or older OS versions may not function properly. The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
Meeting & Pickup
The self-guided route begins at the following entry point. Grand Staircase-Escalante - Eastbound (Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef) self-guided tour route begins at 2938 UT-12, Panguitch, UT 84759. (The tour begins on Route 12 near the Bryce Canyon Trading Post at 2938 UT-12, Panguitch. You’ll see the Trading Post on your right. Please note this is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Trading Post, so there’s no need to go inside — their staff will not have any information about this tour.) Tour Duration: 2 - 3 Hours Tour Length: 123 miles End Point: 44 UT-12, Torrey, UT 84775. The Grand Staircase Escalante Westbound (Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon) self-guided tour route begins at 12 UT-24, Torrey, UT 84775. (The tour begins on Route 12 near the Wayne County Tourism Center at 12 UT-24, Torrey. You’ll see the Tourism Center on your left. Please note this is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Tourism Center, so there’s no need to go inside — their staff will not have any information about this tour.) Tour Duration: 2 - 3 Hours Tour Length: 121.5 miles End Point: UT-12, Panguitch, UT 84759.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic