Plan Your Visit
The following information will help you maximize your safety and enjoyment while spending time in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Recreational Activities
A wide range of recreational activities are encouraged in Grand Staircase-Escalante including camping, hiking, canyoneering, off roading, and more. Thank you for protecting yourself and this shared public land by recreating safely and responsibly. For info on these activities and more, see the Visit Our Public Lands page.
Recreational Permits
Free permits are required for all overnight stays within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. You can get these permits at visitor centers or at developed trailheads. In addition, certain high-visitation areas require special recreational permits that are issued using a lottery system.
- Coyote Buttes North (The Wave)
- Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery - Apply here
- Coyote Buttes North Advanced Lottery - Apply here
- Paria Canyon Overnight Permits
Visit with Respect
Leave No Trace
Please leave the Monument as you found it. Please pack out all trash including toilet paper, hygiene products, and all food waste including orange peels, which can take up to a decade to biodegrade. Respect the natural beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and ensure future visitors have the same experience. Secure trash in a zippered pocket or bag and dispose of it in a trash can in the nearest town.
Respect & Protect
Rock writing sites can be found throughout Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Hikers should follow “Visit with Respect” Principles and understand that defacing these historic sites is not only disrespectful, but strictly prohibited. Leave no marks or graffiti to preserve this Tribal history; 43 CFR § 4140.1 outlines prohibited acts on BLM-administered lands, which would include graffiti, and individuals performing such acts are subject to civil and criminal penalties. It’s important to respect these regulations to protect the natural and cultural resources on public lands.
Human Waste
Although there are several facilities at some of the more popular campsites and trailheads, keep in mind that Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is nearly 2 million acres. That is roughly 2,968 square miles, which is bigger than the state of Delaware or Rhode Island - so it is likely that you could find yourself in a place with no facilities close by.
All solid human waste must be carried out using portable human waste containment systems like a WAG Bag, short for “waste alleviation and gelling,” which are a convenient, portable, and sanitary solution when you need to go on the go. Each bag is sealable, contains enzymes and polymers, and can be disposed of in regular trash receptacles.