Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase-Escalante 6-Day Hiking Tour

The vast expanse of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is challenging and the inclusion of Capitol Reef National Park with its geographical proximity and geological affinity with the Grand Staircase, creates a hiking and photography experience of a lifetime.

The 1996 creation of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, has provided a partial cloak of protection over some of our nation’s most precious remaining wildlands in an area that has been a fierce battleground between developers and environmentalists.

Our hiking tour assembles in Boulder, UT, and we’ll provide van shuttle transportation from Grand Junction in the early morning.  Day 1 we hike in Escalante to Lower Calf Creek Falls.  Our lodging for the first two nights is at the unique Boulder Mountain Lodge in the town of Boulder.

On Day 2, we’ll have the opportunity to explore two of the slots canyons for which the monument is so famous: Zebra and Tunnel.

The Rim Overlook Trail is our focus for Day 3. We’ll hike from the Fremont River, initially to Hickman Natural Bridge and then well beyond to Navajo Knobs, some 2,000 feet above the valley floor. The views from the Knobs are incredible. We’ll relax as we enjoy a van shuttle to Torrey and the Capitol Reef Resort.

On Day 4, we’ll hike Chimney Rock Canyon to the Fremont River through Spring Canyon.

Our hike on Day 5 is to Cohab Canyon, climbing initially to a grand overlook of the area and then descending into the narrows of Cohab with its soaring sandstone walls. We’ll continue to Cassidy Arch and through the Grand Wash.

Day 6. We’ll leave Capitol Reef Resort to visit the visitors center within the park and take a final hike along the Fremont River Trail that rises above the river for an outstanding view of the Fruita orchards and several of the park’s prominent formations. An extension up the Sulphur Creek river is possible before our return drive to Grand Junction.