Utah Week: Best hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante

Excerpts from Deb Stanley's recent article in the Denver Hiking Examiner:

One of the best places to explore in Utah is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It's one of the country's newest National Monuments. It was created by President Bill Clinton in 1996. Grand Staircase-Escalante is a rugged frontier. The National Monument's Web site says this was the last place in the continental United States to be mapped. The Monument includes 1.9 million acres of canyons, streams, mesas, cliffs, etc. It's a vast place, most of which is only reachable on foot, horse, raft, mountain bike and ATV. My favorite hikes here:

1. Spooky & Peak-a-boo. Spooky & Peak-a-boo are slot canyons. Spooky is so narrow, you'll have to remove your backpack to make it through some of the tight spots. The canyon walls got so high, my camera refused to take photos, even with a flash. The walls are colorful and at times knobby with embedded sand. Expect to walk through soft, deep sand and expect to do some maneuvering to get up and down some of the canyon obstacles. This is not a hike, it's an intro to canyoneering. And don't forget, never go into a slot canyon if it is raining or rain is expected, people die in slot canyon floods.

2. Calf Creek Falls. Grand Staircase-Escalante is not known for its waterfalls, but this is a good one. A 2.75 mile hike takes you to a waterfall with a 126-foot drop and a pool at the bottom. At the falls, it seems the temperature drops 10 degrees even if you don't get in the water. The trailhead is just off Utah Highway 12, 15 miles east of the Town of Escalante. There is a day fee to park and hike here. Bring cash.

3. Devils Garden. Hole-in-the Rock Road is filled with adventures, but this one is for families and people who are kids at heart. Devils Garden features dozens of interesting rock formations and even a few arches. Get out of your car and start walking. This isn't a long hike, just a great place to explore.

To read Deb's entire article go to: http://www.examiner.com/x-2520-Denver-Hiking-Examiner~y2009m5d28-Utah-Week-Best-hikes-in-Grand-StaircaseEscalante