Explore the attractions near Escalante, Utah

The west end of the canyon features a deep meandering sandstone gorge with breath taking canyon walls and an open floor. Pine Creek feeds in less than a quarter mile after you enter the canyon and provides a small water flow. Most of the year you can simply hop across the river in the west end. Death Hollow drains in from the north after 6 miles and is a good turn around point for a 12 mile day hike. Death Hollow supplies a substantial flow and stream side vegetation becomes much thicker downstream. This entrance to the canyon is accessed from the Cemetery Trail head. From Escalante, drive east on Hwy 12 about 1 mile to the town and turn in. You will see a cattle guard to the right of the cemetery. Follow the road through the cattle guard for about a quarter mile and take the first road to the left (there is a sign indicating the trail head) you will follow this road a quarter mile to the trail head. From the parking area the trail continues along the road to a cow maze in the fence and beyond a well marked trail into the canyon.

The east side of the canyon beginning at the Hwy 12 Bridge Trail Head contains much more vegetation and water. Death Hollow, 7 miles in, and Sand Creek, 3 miles in, contribute quite a bit of water into the Escalante River. Numerous crossings of ankle to knee deep water are required. Just over 2 miles in is the Escalante Natural Bridge and 2.5 miles in is a nice arch, both on the south side of the canyon. The Hwy 12 Bridge Trail Head is located on Hwy 12 approximately 15 miles east of Escalante. Of course at the Slot Canyons Inn your hiking opportunities are not limited to the Escalante area. Our Inn is located within close proximity to two national parks and a national monument all of which offer extensive hiking opportunities.

Click on these links to view guided hiking adventures: Utah Canyon Outdoors, Escape Goats Guide Service, or Excursions of Escalante

While staying at the Slot Canyons Inn you will realize that there is so much to see in the surrounding area, but how will you explore the vast wilderness and cover a lot of ground? Taking ATVs is the answer since they will enable you to travel as quickly as you want along the many trails in the area. You will not have to worry about tired feet from hiking, tired legs from biking, or the max speed of a horse because on an ATV you can comfortably explore as fast or slow as you want. It gets better…riding ATVs is fun for people of all ages and has a very quick learning curve. While trails within the nearby National Parks are closed to ATV riding, several miles of trails have been developed for ATVs in the nearby Dixie National Forest. These trails will lead you through thick forests, open wilderness, or to unique rock formations and incredible lookout points. You will find the terrain impressive with red rock cliffs, and miles of dense forest. Choosing a guided ATV tour will allow you to experience these canyons in a way you never have before. Near the Slot Canyons Bed & Breakfast you will find experienced guides that are natives to the area and can lead you to the little known gems of the Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument area.

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ATVs are one of the greatest innovations in the outdoors and are gaining popularity as a fun outdoor sport. If you want to cover a lot of ground and quickly climb to the top of the best lookout points, an ATV is a great way to do it without losing your breath. An ATV tour can get you places that you might struggle to reach on foot or horseback, and it can get you there a lot faster. Come rain, shine, or snow, an ATV is the only way to travel through Southern Utah’s back country. From the seat of your ATV you will lookout across the spectacular rock formations, view untouched wildlife, and visit remote destinations that you probably wouldn’t find on your own. No matter which trail you choose in the Escalante area you can’t go wrong. Southern Utah is home to some of the greatest ATV trails in the country, including the Paiute Trail, a 238 mile long ATV trail that has been rated one of the 15 best trails in the country by Dirt Wheels Magazine.

There’s nothing quite like exploring the beauty of the Escalante Utah area from the back of a horse. We humans have been riding for 4,000 years, but ever since the introduction of the automobile, we seem to have completely lost touch with our equestrian past.

The town of Escalante, Utah is deeply rooted to their pioneer heritage. While staying at the Slot Canyons Bed and Breakfast you have the opportunity to be a part of the true American western experience on a guided horseback ride through some of the most remote areas in the country. Imagine hearing the rhythmic clip-clop of your horse’s hooves and breathing in the smell of leather, sagebrush and ponderosa pine as you explore the splendor and immensity of Southern Utah from atop your horse.

Everyone from the youngest to the oldest will enjoy escaping the traffic and the crowds and taking a moment to relax and enjoy nature the way the folks of the old west used to do. We understand that many people wish to have a genuine outdoor experience but cannot spend the time or don’t have the gear to undertake a long expedition. A horseback riding tour is the perfect solution for those nature lovers who just need a short escape. At our Bed & Breakfast you can choose from a guided horseback riding tour of Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, or you can leave from our backyard for an incredible trail ride through the Escalante Mountains.
In Escalante, Utah you will find great horseback riding tours for all riders, from beginners to the most advanced. Ask us about the best trails in the area and about the local outfitters.

When you stay with us you are on land that has been occupied for thousands of years by Native Americans. Scientists have documented evidence of humans on our property dating back 10,000 years and this is the oldest known site of its kind in Utah. You can explore the canyons and streams around the property or take a leisurely drive (25 miles – on dirt road) to Barker Reservoir and to the edge of the Aquarius Plateau (highest in North America) There’s more to see and do than can be done in several weeks, so you’ll easily make a day of it.

The Mormon pioneers who arrived in Escalante in 1876 to establish a settlement along the Escalante River were not the first group of people to inhabit the area. Although little is known about the early history of the Escalante area, most researchers believe that the area was inhabited prior to AD 1 by groups including Desert Archaic and Basketmaker cultures. For several hundred years, around 1100 AD, both Kayenta and Fremont agricultural peoples occupied the area. Archeologists have also discovered a large, abandoned Kayenta Anasazi village near the town of Boulder; researchers estimate that the village was abandoned in approximately 1275. Hopi peoples then visited and hunted in the region for the next 200 to 300 years and in the 1500’s, Southern Paiutes began call the area home.

Archaeological sites around the Slot Canyons Inn include habitation areas, campsites, storage cysts, petroglyphs, and pictographs. Of course, you are welcome to visit the sites to take pictures but remember that all archaeological sites on public lands are protected by Federal law and visitors are asked to be careful not to harm or destroy a site by sitting on walls, using ruins for shelter, etc. While staying at the Slot Canyons Inn, you can drive to the nearby town of Boulder to visit the Anasazi Indian Village State Historical Site. This museum is operated by the State of Utah and provides visitors a unique opportunity to view remnants and un-excavated village.

One of the days you spend with us ought to include an experience riding horseback or walking in our famous area slot canyons. Real cowboys can take you on back-country rides to see spectacular scenery and to learn of the amazing history of the Native Americans and Pioneers that have lived in this area. You don’t need to be an experienced rider to go on these guided trips. Hiking in Slot Canyons ranks right up there with anything else you could do on a trip to this area. Experienced guides will take you to a location that meets your level of walking or hiking skill and will show you the wonders of these narrow rock passages that have been carved by water over thousands of years. The intricate formations are amazing at every turn. Don’t forget your camera for this.

Always remember to take extra water and appropriate clothing for the elements.

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Escalante Area Activities