Trip Overview || Timpanogos || Capitol Reef || Peekaboo and Spooky || Tropic || Kanarraville || St George
The drive from Torrey to Escalante is amazing. We always do this drive in one day, this time we decided to drive half way to the town of Escalante and stay there for a couple of nights to explore this area more. You climb to 9000ft along the high plained aspen covered Boulder mountain then descend the slickrock Hogsback to Escalante. We were hoping to hike up Boulder Mountain but there was too much snow. GAIA can show you how many trails are in this area. So we just drove to Escalante where we stayed at the Inn of Escalante. I recommend this place, very comfortable and homey rooms. The next day we drove to the BLM office in Escalante which is very informative. We decided this day to drive back up to Boulder and drive part way on the Burr Trail which goes further into Capitol Reef and the waterpocket fold. We drove years ago on our first trip to this area. Next time we’ll drive from Fruita in Capitol Reef to Boulder via this route, weather permitting, as it is an amazing drive. We did a short hike to a slot canyon and saw a decaying old ruin.
In Boulder we checked out the Anasazi State park where we learned about the people who lived here before colonization. Back in Escalante we drove to the Petrified Forest State Park and did a worthy hike in this area. There is also a mountain bike trail through the park. Eagle View.
In Escalante we ate Pizza for one dinner and a breakfast at Escalante Outfitters – good standard fair with outdoor store attached. Another day we had dinner at Georgies Outdoor Mexian Cafe – Food truck that closes at 6:00! We picked up this food and ate it at the Inn of Escalante in his common area. We also had a simple breakfast, lunch and dinner to go at Ranch Dog Kitchen.
Inn of Escalante
Our Room
Pizza at Escalante Outfitters
Hike suggestions outside the BLM office.
Breakfast at Ranch Dog Kitchen
Hwy12 along the Hogsback
Short hike into Singing Canyon along Long Canyon, Burr Trail
Ruin near this slot canyon
Burr Trail Views. Next time we’ll drive down the switchbacks and back to Hwy 24.
Petrified Forest State Park. Worth the entry fee.
Georgies Dinner
Outside our room at Inn of Escalante
Map of the area. SO Much to explore!