Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into CDC, drive to Escalante
2 h 51 min drive134 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- CDC
Airport drive- 2 h 51 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 3–5 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- High-clearance vehicles are strongly advised for National Monument roads; standard cars should remain on Highway 12. Check rental insurance for unpaved road exclusions.
Your route
CDC
Cedar City Regional Airport
Escalante
About 2 h 51 min · 134 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to CDC
Compare fares into Cedar City Regional Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at CDC
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Escalante. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at CDC
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Escalante
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Grand Staircase-Escalante Permits and Slot Canyon Safety
Overnight backcountry permits are required for all camping within the National Monument and must be obtained at interagency visitor centers. Day-use permits are required for specific trailheads like Zebra Canyon or Coyote Gulch. While the town of Escalante is open access, state park campsites and local yurts often book six months in advance; always check official BLM and Utah State Park portals for current system changes.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, September – October
Your route
Day 1 · Slickrock and Waterfalls
Lower Calf Creek Falls → Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
Day 2 · Slot Canyon Depths
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch → Devil’s Garden
Day 3 · Petrified Forests and Vistas
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park → Head of the Rocks Overlook
Viator
Tours & experiences near Escalante
Explore guided activities around Escalante. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Escalante
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Escalante?
Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from CDC to Escalante?
Roughly 2 h 51 min (about 134 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Escalante?
Overnight backcountry permits are required for all camping within the National Monument and must be obtained at interagency visitor centers. Day-use permits are required for specific trailheads like Zebra Canyon or Coyote Gulch. While the town of Escalante is open access, state park campsites and local yurts often book six months in advance; always check official BLM and Utah State Park portals for current system changes.
