Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: You can choose between two starting points: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef (2938 UT-12, Panguitch, UT 84759) and Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon (12 UT-24, Torrey, UT 84775).
Know in advance:This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you, and entrance tickets are not included. The app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
After booking, you will receive an email with instructions to download the app. You'll need to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Once you've downloaded the tour, you can use it offline
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
Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualise what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms
Please arrange for a vehicle before you take the tour. You only need to book one tour per vehicle, not per person
The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
You can take the tour anytime, as many times as you want. There is no expiration date
Absolutely, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers an unparalleled experience for self-driving explorers. Its vast, rugged landscapes, incredible geological formations, and diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities for adventure, photography, and discovery at your own pace. The monument's remote beauty and unique natural wonders make it a truly rewarding destination.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is primarily explored by driving, offering extensive accessibility. Major paved roads like Scenic Byway 12 provide stunning views and access to many areas. Additionally, numerous unpaved backcountry roads and trails crisscross the monument, allowing deeper exploration. However, conditions on unpaved roads can vary greatly and may require high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles.
A self-driving trip to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument typically involves costs such as fuel for your vehicle, potential vehicle rental expenses, and provisions like food and water. For overnight stays, accommodation fees in nearby towns would apply. Investing in a self-driving audio tour can enhance your experience by providing guided insights without additional entrance fees for the monument itself.
Visitors to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument can expect to discover a remarkable array of unique geological features. These include dramatic slot canyons, towering plateaus, colorful rock formations, and ancient fossils. The monument also boasts diverse ecosystems, from arid deserts to riparian areas, offering opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and stargazing in pristine natural settings.
Given the immense size and diverse attractions of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a thorough exploration with a self-driving audio tour typically benefits from at least two to three full days. This allows ample time to drive scenic routes, hike into slot canyons, visit various viewpoints, and absorb the geological and historical context provided by the audio tour at a comfortable pace.
The primary driving route through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is Utah Scenic Byway 12, which traverses parts of its northern boundary. Key entry points and access towns include Escalante, Cannonville, and Tropic, located along Byway 12. From these points, visitors can access various paved and unpaved roads leading into the monument's interior, such as Hole-in-the-Rock Road or Cottonwood Canyon Road.
A self-driving audio tour significantly enhances the experience of exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by providing insightful narration and context as you drive. It offers detailed information about the geological history, natural features, and cultural significance of the landscapes you pass, turning a scenic drive into an educational adventure. This allows you to learn at your own pace and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
For navigating the main paved roads within and around Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a standard passenger vehicle is generally sufficient. However, for exploring the monument's extensive network of unpaved backcountry roads, a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and a 4x4 vehicle is often essential, especially after rain or in sandy areas. Always check current road conditions before venturing onto unpaved routes.