The canyons are the arteries that transport water – the desert’s life blood.  Many canyons are dry washes only carrying water when it rains.  A few, however, are fed by springs that allow for perennial water flow.  This perennial water creates the riparian zones that support much of the life in the desert.

The water is a strong force that winds its way through the canyon floor patiently carrying small amounts of the canyon away; daily changing the canyon ever so slightly.  Water always searches for the path of least resistance, thus a boulder in the water way may be all it takes to change the course of the river.  Over time this path of least resistance causes enormous overhangs to be carved away from the cliffs, natural bridges and arches to be created that span great distances or ox bow bends to be formed and as the course of the water changes towers of rock are left behind along the canyon floor.

Water also brings life to the canyons to create the riparian zones.  Lush green ribbons of life that meander through the desert creating a stark contrast between the slickrock and and sand dunes above the rim and the river below.  Where there is water, the web of life expands – the water brings the plants, the plants bring the animals and all three bring the people.

It is the riparian zones that sustained the ancestral cultures of the area for 10,000 years.  The canyons hold a treasury of clues that help unravel the mystery of these people.  The story of their way of life is told on the walls of the canyons.  Their rock art is an open air gallery that has been viewed and appreciated by many thousands of generations of travelers through these canyons.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has several riparian canyons to explore.  Many of these are mild hikes with very little scrambling, however simple water crossings are to be expected.  

                                                                                              

Best Times  

                                                                                              

These hikes are quite pleasant in the late spring as the plants come to life and in the fall as the canyons prepare to sleep for the winter; likewise, since it is easy to cool off with refreshing dips in the water, the summers are also quite enjoyable.  

                                                                                              

Day Hike Reservations

                                                                                              

To start the conversation regarding hikes that interest you and reserve dates …

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Need Help Planning

Your Adventure to?

the Escalante Canyons?

                                                                                              

Planning of an adventure is all part of the fun of the adventure. I enjoy helping folks put together the pieces of their journey to the Escalante Canyons, whether planning a hike with me, deciding on hikes that may be self-guided, determining drive times between points of interest or trying to determine good restaurants and lodging in the area.

I’ve put together some pages on this website to help in your planning …

… and if you want to talk with me directly, I am happy to help.

                                                                                              

This Year,

Let’s Get Some

Southern Utah

Canyon Country Time!