Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
We didn’t really know much about this area before it made headlines as one of the places that lost acreage as a result of the changes pursued by the Trump Administration. It’s primarily known for its slot canyons along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, the beautiful views of Highway 12’s Scenic Byway, as well as the natural arches that are typical in southern Utah. Although our day here was the only one in which we had bad weather, as is was cloudy, rainy, and eventually even snowy, it was definitely worth the visit.
At the Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls
There is a great Visitor’s Center in the (surprisingly popping) town of Escalante. When we stopped by, they were helpful but also firm in telling us that because of the imminent rain (and therefore flash flood risk), we shouldn’t visit the famed slot canyons (which would also require a lengthy trip down the gravelly Hole-in-the-Rock Road).
Our back up plan, a 6 mile hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, was a good one. It was just really pleasant. It was relatively flat, had a fun (and, truly informative) little pamphlet that corresponded with 18 trail markers, and the falls themselves were impressive. We loved the colors of the wildflowers and sage against the cliffs and it made for great photographs.
Although it was the closed the day we were there, we’ve read great things about the views at Kiva Coffeehouse, and it really was pretty, built right into the cliffs, which would make for a relaxing stop before hiking to the falls.
On the trail to the Lower Calf Creek Falls
We enjoyed reading from the self guided nature walk pamphlet
On the trail to the Lower Calf Creek Falls
Burr Trail Road
We really enjoyed the scenic Burr Trail Road, off of Highway 12 in Boulder. Long Canyon was so striking and the stop at Singing Canyon, a slot canyon, helped alleviate our disappointment at missing the more famous ones earlier in the day. Though there were a few other cars and other families taking pictures, this area also felt like a hidden gem.
Inside the Burr Trail Road Slot Canyon
Photo op with the millennium pink dirt
The amazing drive to the slot canyon
A great dinner spot at the end of our day in Grand Staircase-Escalante
Hell’s Backbone Grill
Along Highway 12 in Boulder, Hell’s Backbone was delicious and adorable. It's this random fancy restaurant in between Grand Staircase Escalante and Capitol Reef National Park. Both the squash/goat cheese "jenchiladas" and the chicken ones were delicious, covered in a cheesy/corn sauce, though Molly’s trout was less memorable. We had great cocktails and sat in a cute spot right next to a window. They do book out in advance, so try to get a reservation if you can, although we showed up at 5:30 right when they opened and were able to get a table. There’s an attached hotel, which looked to be pretty popular, and we saw several people heading towards the hot tub in robes.
The “jenchiladas” were outstanding.