That’s not a metaphor; it’s geology in motion. Welcome to Grand Staircase–Escalante, where rock tells stories in layers, fossils outnumber people, and every canyon holds something ancient.
Driving Scenic Byway 12 here is like flipping through Earth’s scrapbook, one breathtaking chapter at a time.
This self-guided audio tour takes you deep into Utah’s most dramatic (and least crowded) landscapes. Think petrified forests, slot canyons, sweeping overlooks, and forgotten homesteads. GPS-triggered stories play automatically, even offline, so you can stay present with the road, the silence, and the awe.
Stops along the way include:
Bryce Canyon’s neighbor, with equally surreal terrain formed over millions of years
Powell Point, where the horizon stretches further than your lens can capture
Spooky Gulch, a slot canyon as tight as a whisper and as wild as it sounds
Upper Calf Creek Falls, a hidden oasis tucked in desert stillness
The Hogback, a narrow ridge road with thrilling views on both sides
You’ll also explore the region’s cultural roots, including Paiute legends, Fremont etchings, and Puebloan ruins, and hear tales of modern-day off-grinders living deep in the wilderness.
A Little Heads-Up: Some hikes are tight squeezes, and the sun doesn’t pull punches. Bring water, good shoes, and a curious spirit. This isn’t just a drive, it’s a journey through time.
Download the Grand Staircase Escalante Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Nearby Tours
Driving
30+
1 - 2 Hours
Driving
35+
1 - 2 Hours
Driving
15+
1 - 2 Hours
Walking
10
1 - 2 Hours
Driving
30+
1 - 2 Hours
Grand Staircase Escalante Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Address:
(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.)
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome
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Red Canyon's Arches
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Bryce Canyon National Park
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Powell Point Vista
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Upper Valley Granaries Vista
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Detour: Escalante Petrified Forest
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Escalante Visitor Center
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Spooky Gulch
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Kiva Koffeehouse
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Lower Calf Creek Falls
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The Hogback
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Detour: Upper Creek Falls Trail
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Boulder
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Burr Trail Road
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Dixie National Forest
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Heritage Overlook
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Homestead Overlook
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Larb Hollow Overlook
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Capitol Reef National Park
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Grand Staircase is a set of huge stone “steps” spanning around 100 miles. Each “stair” is a cliff composed of a different geological layer. Viewed from afar, it looks like a staircase for giants!
One hundred percent! Grand Staircase-Escalante may not receive the same attention as its neighboring parks, but that’s part of the appeal. In addition to the amazing landscapes you’ll find here, you’ll also encounter smaller crowds. Read about the worthiness here.
Thanks to its unique structure, Grand Staircase-Escalante reveals long-buried secrets of Planet Earth. Everything from geological marvels to dinosaur fossils and remains of ancient human civilizations have been exposed by this picturesque formation. Learn more by checking out our blog posts on the speciality of Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Driving is the best way to see the Grand Staircase, in part because it’s so large and in part because it also gives you access to the adjacent parks.
You should be able to satisfactorily explore Grand Staircase-Escalante within the space of a single day. That’ll give you enough time to take in the sweeping vistas, embark on a short hike or two, and learn about the area.
There’s actually no entrance fee to access the Grand Staircase-Escalante! That’s because it’s a national monument, not a national park.
The Staircase partly gets its name from the nearby Escalante River. That river, in turn, gets its name from the 18th century missionary Silvestre Velez de Escalante. Read our blog for more information.
Highway 12, also known as Scenic Byway 12, starts in Panguitch. From there, it travels over 120 miles northeast to Torrey.
Expect a typical high desert climate when visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante. That means hot days and cold nights for most of the year, so make sure to bring layers just in case!
While there are some brown bears and black bears in the Grand Staircase, you’re not likely to see them. They are vastly outnumbered by the other wildlife in the area.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
