Best Things to Do Around Escalante

Escalante, Utah, is one of those destinations that, with each visit, your bucket list only grows. There’s so much to do, see, and explore that it’s impossible to check everything off your list. 

I’ve been three times now, and each time has been magical in its own way. From driving long, isolated desert roads, endless slot canyons, and epic hikes, Escalante has quickly become my favorite destination in Southern Utah. 

It’s one of those places that feels wild, untouched, and just adventurous enough to make you feel like you’ve discovered something special. And now that I’ve visited a handful of times, I feel confident in writing a guide with the best drives, stops, and hikes in the area. 

Here are my absolute favorite things to do around Escalante - straight from my own trips! 

Best Hikes Around Escalante

1. Jacob Hamblin Arch

If you’ve researched Escalante at all, you’ve likely seen photos of the Jacob Hamblin Arch. It’s unarguably one of the most iconic landmarks of Southern Utah. 

To get here is a trek. First, one must conquer roughly 30-miles of dirt and washboarded road. It’s passable in a 2WD vehicle, but unpleasant. But getting to the trailhead is only the beginning. There are two approaches to Jacob Hamblin Arch: 

1. Hurricane Wash Trailhead is the longer approach to Jacob Hamlin Arch, requiring a nearly 14-mile hike. The first portion of the hike is along a dusty & dry wash, before it dips down into the canyon to follow the river and canyon until you come to the arch. It’s a long day, but it’s stunning! Once you’re in the canyon, it’ll feel as if you have the entire place to yourself. We did this approach in mid-October, and passed only one other couple the entire day. Parking here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Hu2MppByV1uyqGi6
2. The Water Tanks Approach is the most direct approach to the arch. You cut off nearly 10 miles with this trail, but it’ll require some exposed scrambling. Sometimes there are fixed ropes down the canyon, but it isn’t always guaranteed. Some parties bring their own rope, while others manage the scramble without any equipment. But if scrambling and exposure aren’t your thing, Hurricane Wash is your best bet. Parking here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QRD8Lo2c4abjVFcE8

2. Cosmic Ashtray

This one feels like stepping onto another planet.

The Cosmic Ashtray is a surreal sandstone formation in the middle of nowhere. Getting here requires navigation skills and a high-clearance vehicle, but that’s part of the fun! Most trails and hiking guides will tell you to park at Harris Wash Trailhead. However, if you have a 4x4 vehicle, you can continue across the dry riverbed and continue to cut off some major mileage on the trail. We ended up camping here for the night, which was about two miles from the Cosmic Ashtray. 

If you do park at Harris Wash trailhead, expect a long, hot, and exposed trek through the desert to get to the viewpoint. You will also need downloaded maps. Once you are off the road, there is no trail. So come prepared! Water, good maps, and good navigation skills are needed.

3. Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Slot Canyons

Peek-a-Boo starts with a bit of a climb (there’s a small rock scramble), and then you drop into winding sandstone walls. Spooky, on the other hand, is incredibly narrow…like squeeze-your-shoulders narrow.

The slot canyons are right next to each other and are accessed on the same trailhead via the Hole-in-the-Rock road. They aren’t too far from the Jacob Hamlin Arch, so it’s easy to pair these together. 

I will say that these slot canyons are no longer a secret. Anyone visiting Escalante for the first time is likely going to visit them. So don’t expect to have the place to yourself! 

4. Zebra & Tunnel Slot Canyon

On my most recent visit, we skipped Peek-a-Boo & Spooky slot canyons and decided to visit Zebra & Tunnel Slot Canyon instead. They are located only a few miles down Hole-in-the-Rock road, and are much easier to access than the other canyons. 

The loop hike to see both is about six miles. They aren’t as well-known as the other canyons, and we only encountered a few other parties during our time out there. 

Tunnel Slot Canyon is short, but incredibly cool! It can be filled with water (knee deep), so pack gear accordingly. 

Zebra Slot Canyon is a true gem in the desert…and even narrower than Spooky! 

Best Things to Do Around Escalante (Beyond Hiking)

1. Drive Burr Trail Road

If you only have time for one scenic drive, make it Burr Trail Road. I never knew this road existed until our most recent visit, and surprisingly, it’s paved and accessible for any vehicle. 

The entire drive takes you through towering canyon walls, wide-open desert, and constantly changing scenery. It also has many options for free camping. If you keep going, it eventually enters Capital Reef National Park from the South. A great off-the-beaten-path destination that is away from many of the National Park crowds. 

2. Kiva Coffee House

Kiva Coffee House is a must-stop. It might be my favorite coffee shop in the United States! 

If you’re driving Scenic Byway 12, don’t skip this. Perched on a hill with massive windows overlooking the desert, it’s one of the most peaceful coffee spots I’ve ever been to. It has no service and offers no wifi, and that’s intentional. The coffee prices are quite reasonable, and the views you get make it all that much better.

3. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

The petrified wood here is incredibly colorful, and the hike up to the ridge gives you beautiful views over the reservoir. It’s a great, easy option if you want something a little more relaxed between bigger adventures.

4. Singing Canyon

This quick stop completely surprised me! 

Singing Canyon is a tiny slot canyon right off Burr Trail Road, but the acoustics are what make it special. Even just speaking softly creates an echo that fills the space. We stopped around 10:00 am one morning and were the only ones there. It’s a short and easy stop if you are driving Burr Trail that shouldn’t be missed! 

5. Escalante Outfitters

After a long day of hiking, this is where I always end up.

Escalante Outfitters has amazing pizza, cold drinks, and a laid-back vibe that just hits right after being out in the desert all day. They also have cabins, camping, and showers, which makes it a super convenient base. 

There is very little indoor seating, but the patio is perfect in the evening. I’ve been here twice and can recommend the coffee, pizza, and cheesecake! 

Photo by Escalante Outfitters

6. Drive Hole-in-the-Rock Road

If you’ve looked up ‘things to do in Escalante,’ this is probably #1 on a lot of lists! And yes, I’ve already mentioned it a few times in this blog. 

Hole-in-the-Rock Road is long, dusty, and full of access points to some of Escalante’s best hikes (including several on this list). Driving it feels like stepping into true backcountry Utah. The road is very washboarded and can be a bit annoying, but they have been working recently on improving the conditions. The first 10ish miles have improved significantly, and I think a majority of the road up to Peek-A-Boo slot canyon will be in much better shape in the near future. 

Here are just a few attractions down Hole-in-the-Rock road:

• Jacob Hamblin Arch
• Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Slot Canyons
• Zebra & Tunnel Slot Canyons
• Cedar Wash Arch
• Dance Hall Rock

It is important to note that the road can become impassable after rain…so check the weather before coming to Escalante! Rain often makes many hikes & sights cut off or incredibly difficult to access.