Escalante – History on Scenic Byway 12

Escalante on Scenic Byway 12

Escalante is a small ranching town on Scenic Byway 12 in Utah. If you’re looking for a hotel in Escalante, the community’s history and the area’s diverse nature and route themes can help you get to know the destination.

History and Historic District

The community of Escalante was permanently settled in 1875. The Escalante Historic District was added to the register of historic districts in 2013. Escalante has 124 historic residences. A walking tour guide to the Escalante Historic District is available on the city’s website.

The Escalante Heritage Center is a private, nonprofit organization. It is dedicated to preserving the history of the Hole-in-the-Rock Trek and the settlement of Escalante and Boulder. Residents Charles Hall, Andrew P. Schow, and Reuben Collett prepared the first exploration reports on the Hole-in-the-Rock route. This also connects the history of the route to specific Escalante residents.

An Overview of the Landscape and Activities

The Escalante Interagency Visitor Center provides information about the local geology and ecosystem of the nearly one-million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It also offers information on exploring Dixie National Forest and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The center therefore focuses on local geology and ecosystems, as well as information about two other large natural areas.

The Escalante Subdistrict of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers opportunities for backcountry hiking and camping. These activities are specific to the subdistrict. One hiking route that starts in Escalante is the Escalante River Canyon Trail: it runs 15 miles one way to the Highway 12 bridge.

The Escalante River Canyon is characterized by broad, towering rock walls with desert varnish, with wildflowers and vegetation throughout the landscape. Free permits for backcountry hikes are available at the BLM or NPS office in Escalante. You can also fill them out at the registration boxes at the trailheads.

A route on Scenic Byway 12 is also described for cycling. Escalante is the starting point for this cycling adventure: the route is 27 miles one way, or 54 miles round trip, with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain. When comparing distances, note that the 15 miles of the canyon trail refers to the one-way distance to the Highway 12 bridge, while the 54 miles for the cycling route includes the round trip.

There are numerous roadside parking areas along Highway 12 in Escalante and at the BLM Visitor Center on the west side of town. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is at Wide Hollow Reservoir, just outside Escalante City.

Discover more destinations: Hatch, Ticaboo, Panguitch, Bryce Canyon, Boulder, Cannonville, Tropic, Henrieville

For the broader travel overview: Garfield.