Escalante Wilderness Area

Judy Nelson Crane

One weekend we stumbled onto what we now consider to be one of our favorite places to visit.  You have to be looking for the Escalante Wilderness area between Big Water and Escalante, Utah.  It doesn’t look like much when you’re passing by on your way to Antelope Canyon or Lake Powell but believe me, it’s an adventure waiting to be explored!  Make sure you’re prepared for, not only extreme temperatures- some freezing nights in the winter and the summer heat can soar to over 100*- but, also you can find yourself in a precarious situation if you get caught in one of the slot canyons when a spontaneous downpour emerges from seemingly nowhere. 

But, if you bring some basics including lots of water, a warm sleeping bag, and keep an eye on the clouds, there is plenty to do in this wonderland of outdoor treasures.  It seems to be an endless escape from modern comforts and people.  We rarely see anyone else when we go.  But, what we do see is the vast sky that turns into twinkling stars at night and beauty as far as the eye can see.

Start your trip at one of the visitor centers to get up-to-date information on where to go or not to go.  You can obtain a permit, free of charge, and get maps, hikes, or recommended day trips.  I particularly like the Big Water Visitor Center because the theme is dinosaur species that have been identified in the area you are about to traverse.  14 new species of dinosaurs have been discovered in the area since the early 2000s!  When we were there, we got to meet one of the Paleontologists.  If you have any interest in the geology or paleontology of the region, the Big Water Visitor Center is a must.  Plus, it’s the last flush toilets you’ll see on your way to the outland. 

We have camped in the Escalante area several times and always find new places where we intend to pitch our tent next time.   The canyons beckon to be inspected- be it hiking, biking, or on your 4x4.  One truly glorious morning after camping, we hiked down into a picturesque canyon just to check it out.  There was a mesmerizing creek, beautiful sandstone canyon walls, and rocks- not to mention fresh paw prints of a mountain lion, we presumed.  Before we knew it, a few hours had passed without even realizing it.  That is until I came upon a friendly tarantula.  Well, my husband said he was friendly.  I chose to take his word for it. 

One of our trips brought us down a canyon that had a coal seam that was smoldering.  That was a highlight for me, as I’d never seen anything like that before.  We always find something new to marvel at in this area. 

Streams, waterfalls, canyons, sandstone, and rock formations- the list goes on for the things you can see and immerse yourself into in this special place.  It’s truly a spectacular one-of-a-kind area.

If you’re looking for a great place to explore with plenty of solitude and wide open spaces to yourself, be sure to check out the Escalante Wilderness Area.  You won’t be disappointed. 

Photos by Robert Crane