How NOT to Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Planning to staying at Hole In The Rock Road?

A travelers guide to avoid Travel Gaffes while passing through this incredible Canyon Territory.

July 6, 2026

So you are planning to go to the desert and you heard of this free dispersed camping area in Escalante, UT - something about a Hole In The Rock? Something about Devil's Garden? Hell's Backbone... Don't bust the crust - what does this all mean? 

Well, you are in luck. This is an incredible area to camp at, but it does come with it's quirks...v(there is great cell service tho!)
 

This campground is primitive and does not offer water or electricity. When arriving to this camping area, be mindful of packing in and packing out. This includes being prepared to haul in your food and water, and haul out your human waste. This is part of being prepared for this type of camping. If you are seeking a restroom option on your way out of Escalante and into camp, stop at the Escalante Heritage Center, and bring your flashlight as it may be dark, and you will want to be mindful of snakes and unfavorable bugs. 

So you're at camp and want to charge your phone, your camera, and your kindle - but there isn't power to your campsite (because it is just dirt... that's why it's free...) what should you do? Answer: run your generator at responsible hours. Your neighbors and fellow campers might be hundreds of feet away, but they can hear your generator and it's ruining the vibes. Unplug when you can, and tighten up your noise pollution. 

Another great option is checking in at the visitor center and using their outlets while exploring the exhibits created to teach you about the land. 

What might you also learn while at the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Center? You'll hear the phrase "don't bust the crust". Now what the heck does that mean? This is the crypto biotic top layer of dirt that has formed through thousands of years of bacteria joining together to strengthen the surface of the desert - think of it like the crispy bits on top of a mac n cheese casserole. If you step off a path and disrupt this growth, even though it seems so satisfying to do, you will be committing a major faux pas, especially while visiting Kodachrome National Monument. 

While vising this area, it is important to be familiar with burn bans and wind conditions. This is a dry grassy terrain with limited water resources - don't put yourself or the land at risk. Don't have a fire if it cannot be responsibly maintained. 

Escalante, Utah is a travelers dream, until you want to buy liquor on a Sunday or federal holiday. Why? This is actually just Utah's statewide law (Beer must also be under 5% ABV and alcohol purchased at restaurants must be paired with food). This is a small problem in the grand scheme of things, but where would I buy my liquor anyway? Oh... of course it would be in a closet in the Outfitters gear shop! Where is the good pizza in town? Oh... also at Escalante Outfitters. What about local art and gifts? You guessed it...Escalante Outfitters. 

Finally - don't be that guy. These lands are protected, and they are not your canvas to mark. Please model Leave No Trace by leaving nothing but a footprint, and taking nothing but photos (and the red dirt that won't shake out of your tires). That means make sure your fire is put out and smokeless before you leave it unattended, and do not carve your name into the landscape - how embarrassing. 

Encore, Encore. Since you read this far, I'm going to throw in a bonus... don't walk in the dinosaur tracks. Yes, I said dinosaur tracks! The visitor center will help guide you there, but there are real dinosaur tracks left behind from millions of years ago. This is special and needs to be protected. 

Don't put our public lands at risk.