Grand Staircase-Escalante’s most rewarding tours depart from Kanab, Utah, connecting visitors with the monument’s maze of slot canyons and striking desert landscapes. The best guided experiences focus on Willis Creek and its surrounding canyons, where the geology tells a 200-million-year story.
Small-group hiking tours (8 people max) really shine here, with local guides who know the hidden corners and safe routes through the narrowest passages. I’m especially fond of the half-day Willis Creek adventures – they’re perfectly paced for most travelers and include just the right mix of walking and interpretation.
These guided trips solve the common headaches of permit requirements and tricky navigation while ensuring you don’t miss the most photogenic spots. For first-time visitors, having an experienced guide is worth every penny, particularly when threading through the slot canyons.
Let’s look at our favorite tours through this remarkable piece of Utah wilderness.
Key Points
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The Willis Creek Tour offers a 4-hour guided exploration of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, featuring the iconic Willis Creek Slot Canyon.
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The Grand Staircase-Escalante Drive & Hike Tour provides a scenic driving experience with customizable hiking options suitable for various fitness levels.
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Expert guides on these tours offer insights into the unique geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
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The small group size and hassle-free transportation included in the tour packages enhance the personalized visitor experience in the monument.
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Visitors can discover lesser-known areas and off-the-beaten-path experiences within the diverse landscapes of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument through these guided tours.
From Kanab: Grand Staircase-Escalante Drive & Hike Tour
If you’re starting your Grand Staircase-Escalante adventure from the town of Kanab, the “Grand Staircase-Escalante Drive & Hike Tour” is an excellent choice.
This guided tour takes you on a scenic drive through the monument, showcasing its dramatic landscapes. You’ll stop at several trailheads and hike to stunning viewpoints, including the iconic Peek-a-Boo Gulch.
Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the area’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history. The tour’s flexibility allows you to customize the hikes to your fitness level, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.
With the convenience of transportation and an expert guide, this tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the natural wonders of Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Read our full review: From Kanab: Grand Staircase-Escalante Drive & Hike Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Willis Creek Tour
Though less well-known than some other popular hiking destinations in Grand Staircase-Escalante, the Willis Creek Tour offers a unique and captivating experience.
This 4-hour small-group tour takes visitors through the stunning Willis Creek Slot Canyon, a geological wonder with towering red rock walls and winding narrow passages. Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 45 reviewers, the tour is priced at €135.16 per person.
Hikers will be awed by the canyon’s natural beauty and the opportunity to explore its serene and otherworldly landscape. For those seeking a memorable and off-the-beaten-path adventure in the monument, the Willis Creek Tour is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Willis Creek Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers a variety of captivating tours that enable visitors to explore its stunning landscapes. The Grand Staircase-Escalante Drive & Hike Tour and the Willis Creek Tour provide opportunities to marvel at the region’s unique geology and diverse ecosystems. These tours are perfect for travelers seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of this remarkable national monument.