Home Activities USA Utah Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Activity Utah, USA

Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour

4.1 (34 reviews) 2–3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

34 reviews

4.1

Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Explore the hidden wonders of the epic Grand Staircase Escalante drive with a self-guided audio tour. Drive along the Hogback (the ridgeline), learn about the hidden mysteries of this giant geologic staircase, and discover the long-buried secrets of the Fremont and Puebloans. This self-guided tour allows you to explore UT-12 with maximum flexibility and value.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Travel with Action

What is included

Included

Included: Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
Included: Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Included: Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Included: Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
Included: Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Included: Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Included: One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
Included: Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Included: Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
Included: Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Not included

Not included: No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Itinerary

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

20 min

The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a United States national monument originally designated in 1996 as 1,880,461 acres of protected land in southern Utah. In 2017, the monument's size was reduced by half in a succeeding presidential proclamation.

NOTE: The tour is over 120+ miles long, with more than 45+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Stop 2

Passing by

Your tour through Grand Staircase-Escalante begins just west of the national monument, right off Route 89. From here, you'll head toward the monument itself, where you'll find stunning vistas, unbelievable rock formations, and a whole bunch of hidden geologic history.
Stop 3

Passing by

The Red Canyon's Arches welcome you to the staircase in style. These arches get their distinctive color from the high iron content in the combination of sandstone and volcanic rock that formed them. They aren't natural, although they may look it, but that doesn't take away from how striking they are!
Bryce Canyon National Park

20 min

Before you fully enter the Grand Staircase National Monument, you'll have an opportunity to detour to Bryce Canyon National Park. The two are right next to one another, so don't worry about missing out on one or the other. You'll almost certainly have time to see both!
Stop 5

Passing by

At Powell Point Vista, you'll get your first great vista of this incredible landscape. You'll also get familiar with explorer John Powell and his expedition into this region. That journey, fraught with disaster, proved crucial in mapping the American west.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Passing by

The Escalante Petrified Forest is a truly remarkable phenomenon. Long ago, this was an ordinary forest. But the trees have long since been petrified and turned completely to stone. Today, these ancient, multi-colored remnants of the forest offer clues to the distant past.
Escalante Interagency Visitor Center

Passing by

The Escalante Interagency Visitor Center offers all sorts of information for enjoying and exploring the Monument and surrounding areas. It's also a great place to grab a snack or refill your water bottle before continuing your trip.
Spooky Gulch

Passing by

Spooky Gulch is particularly narrow and winding, and if you’re able to make the squeeze, hiking through the gulch can be quite the experience. You won’t need any special hiking gear or experience-- just an extra hour to drive there and another hour or two to explore.
Stop 9

Passing by

Kiva Koffeehouse isn't just a great place to grab caffeine to keep your journey going. It also boasts a patio featuring phenomenal views of the Escalante River. If you're looking for a place to take a break, this is an excellent option.
Lower Calf Creek Falls

Passing by

Calf Creek Vista offers more panoramic views of the harsh, beautiful desert landscape which defines the Staircase. Don't forget to snap a few photos while you're here!
The Hogback

Passing by

Your route will take you along the famous Hogback, probably the most unforgettable part of the entire monument. This winding stretch of road is full of sharp curves, steep drops, and spectacular views on either side. Drive carefully, and make sure to admire the sights along the way!
Upper Calf Creek Falls

Passing by

If you'd like to hike to a perennial waterfall, you'll have the chance to take a quick detour to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail. This moderate, 2-mile trek ends with a beautiful 88-foot waterfall tumbling down a dramatic cliff. It's a little sandy and rocky at points, so make sure to wear good boots if you plan to make the trip.
Boulder

30 min

The town of Boulder is one of the most isolated communities you're ever likely to see. With a population of just over 200, this town isn't exactly a bustling hub. In fact, it didn't even have electricity until 1947! Many of the residents here are descendants of the first pioneers to settle in the area.
Stop 14

15 min

Burr Trail Road dates back to the pioneer days. More specifically, the days of pioneer John Burr. Burr created this road to lead his cattle from his ranch to the market about 70 miles away. The road remains rugged and wild--perfect for modern adventurers.
Dixie National Forest

Passing by

As you drive, you'll pass through Dixie National Forest, home to some of the oldest evidence of human activity in the entire region. Anthropologists have reason to believe humans lived here as far back as the Ice Age! Besides the history, of course, it also makes for a beautiful change of scenery.
Stop 16

Passing by

Heritage Overlook offers keen-eyed observers a look at Glen Canyon, far to the southeast. At over 9,000 feet above sea level, you'll be able to see much farther than you're used to up here!
Stop 17

Passing by

Homestead Overlook affords a panoramic view of the whole landscape of Dixie Forest and the Grand Staircase stretching out beneath you. Continuing beyond it, you'll also hear about forest fires in the area and how they factor into the lifecycle of the earth's oldest trees.
Larb Hollow Overlook

Passing by

Larb Hollow Overlook is the last viewpoint on you tour, so be sure to make it count! The land stretches on for miles beneath this overlook, making it perfect for photos or simply for taking in the majesty of this one-of-a-kind place. You'll also pick up some facts about how wind, rain, and erosion created such a striking landscape.
Capitol Reef National Park

20 min

At the end of your Grand Staircase-Escalante tour, you'll find yourself right near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. One of Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks, Capitol Reef is something you can't miss if you're in the area. Boasting rich history, dramatic desert scenery, and even a seemingly impossible orchard, this park really has something for everyone.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Start at 12 UT-24, Torrey. The Wayne County Tourism Center is on your left, but we're not affiliated, and staff won’t have tour info. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass. This is a self-guided experience, so no one will meet you. Check your email/text for details.
Start at 2938 UT-12, Panguitch. The Bryce Canyon Trading Post will be on your right, but we're not affiliated, and staff won’t have tour info. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass. This is a self-guided experience, so no one will meet you. Check your email/text for details.

End point

Start at 12 UT-24, Torrey. The Wayne County Tourism Center is on your left, but we're not affiliated, and staff won’t have tour info. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass. This is a self-guided experience, so no one will meet you. Check your email/text for details.
Start at 2938 UT-12, Panguitch. The Bryce Canyon Trading Post will be on your right, but we're not affiliated, and staff won’t have tour info. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass. This is a self-guided experience, so no one will meet you. Check your email/text for details.

Using your ticket

IGNORE THE QR CODE ABOVE

The QR code CANNOT be presented for a ticket onsite.

The QR simply contains your tour access instructions. Please follow these instructions BEFORE you’re onsite because they require WiFi/signal.

1. Download my Action Tour Guide app:

actiontourguide.com/app

2. Sign in/ register with your email (this is will automatically generate a one-time verification sent to your email. That code is NOT your tour password).

3. Go to “My Tours” and select “Enter Password”. Find your password in the instructions email sent by “Action Tour Guide” to you by email and text.

4. Download your tour NOW. Do not wait until you are onsite.

BEFORE YOU START

This is a self-guided audio tour. No guide will meet you.

Entrance tickets, attraction tickets, parking, and transportation are not included.

Your tour has lifetime access with no expiry. Use it on any date—no need to change your booking date.

For walking tours, we recommend headphones.

See how it works: actiontourguide.com/tutorial

NEED HELP?

Setup: actiontourguide.com/redeem

FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq

Call: 1-508-506-1844

Email: [email protected]

Winter Closures 2026:

Grand Staircase:

Generally accessible, but roads can be impassable after snow or heavy rain.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important Note: Due to the possibility of government shutdowns affecting national parks and certain attractions, we recommend checking official websites for any updates or closures before your trip. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.