NatureGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is the site of multiple slot canyons, cliffs, plateaus, arches, and natural bridges, which are laced with hiking trails composed of sand ranging from yellow to red, along with stone and small underbrush. Across the monument, altitude ranges from 3,700 feet up to 11,000 feet, providing a range of hiking experiences. A large variety of animals live in the area. Depending on what geographic region an individual is in, they could see deer, cougars, bighorn sheep, elk, and possibly bears, along with many species of amphibians and reptiles.
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AccommodationsHotels and food in the area is relatively affordable, with a variety of accommodations available. Prices of medium-quality hotels, motels, and inns in the area range from $100-$200 a night. As Escalante is relatively small (with a population less than 1,000), there is a short list of places to eat at, which is one of the only downsides of the area.
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CrowdednessThough Escalante receives plenty of visitors from March to June, the area generally does not seem congested, as the national monument is spread across a large amount of land, and the small town is not always the housing choice for individuals, as some decide to do overnight backpacking, or stay in the towns of Boulder and Cannonville. Though these two towns are available, I find that the town of Escalante truly puts you in the heart of the national monument.
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