Utah is dotted with charming and delightful towns but if you are looking for a small town with outdoor opportunities galore, there is one place that you must visit — Escalante. Located in southern Utah, this small town is a nature lover’s dream. With incredible hikes, a petrified forest, a national monument, and so much more, this area may just be paradise.

Escalante is located in southern Utah, right along Scenic Byway 12. This small town is approximately a two hours drive from Zion National Park and one hour from Bryce Canyon National Park.
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As you drive around this charming small town, you’ll find a variety of delicious places to eat, cozy accommodations, and must-visit local shops. But, for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Escalante has so much more to offer.
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One of Escalante’s most popular outdoor attractions is the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This incredible monument boasts more than 1.8 million acres in southern Utah that you need to explore.
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During your visit, you’ll be traveling through land once settled by the Native Americans. The area is also home to incredible natural features like the popular Grosvenor Arch.
If you are looking for a bit of a challenge at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, you’ll want to check out Coyote Gulch.
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Coyote Gulch is a narrow canyon where you can see arches, water, and so much more. There are several trails that take you through this area, offering options depending on your skill level and time availability. This is one natural area that is hard to forget.

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Just outside of town, you’ll also find the unique Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.
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This little-known state park is located at Wide Hollow Reservoir and is the location of fascinating deposits of mineralized wood. Hike, fish, and camp here — there really is plenty to see and do!
Approximately 20 miles outside of Escalante is one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah — Calf Creek Falls.
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You will have a challenging 3-mile hike one way to reach the waterfall but there is a natural swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall, perfect for cooling off after your grueling adventure.
And if you are looking to explore one unforgettable trail, check out the Zebra Slot Canyon. This is a 5.3-mile out-and-back trail, but you’ll explore one of the most beautiful slot canyons in southern Utah.
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Just make sure that before you tackle this trail, you do your research. Always check the weather forecast and the risk of flash floods in the area.
There truly is so much to do and see near Escalante, Utah. There's no doubt why outdoor enthusiasts fall in love with this incredible area and small town.
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Have you explored Escalante, Utah? What are some of your favorite outdoor recreation activities near this town? Let us know in the comments!

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Escalante, UT 84726, USA