3-day trip
3-Day Grand Staircase Loop
in Southwest Utah · Beginner-friendly with one moderate day
Last verified April 2026
A forgiving but scenic introduction to the Grand Staircase. Three days, two nights, two distinct ecosystems. Beginner overlanders complete this trip without drama if they avoid the monsoon. Vehicle prep: full-size spare, recovery boards, 5 gallons reserve fuel.
Itinerary
Day 1
Escalante to Hole-in-the-Rock
Start in Escalante, drive 36 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road, camp on slickrock above Coyote Gulch.
Day 2
Cottonwood Canyon traverse
Backtrack to UT-12, drop south to Cannonville, run Cottonwood Canyon Road south to US-89.
Day 3
Kanab to Escalante via Skutumpah
Loop back north on Skutumpah Road through ponderosa country. Wrap in Escalante for the famous BLT at Escalante Outfitters.
Trails on this trip
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