Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour
24 Reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars Based on 24 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Utah, USA
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
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.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's Included
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Meeting Location
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
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.Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Red Canyon Visitor Center
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Red Canyon Arch
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!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bryce Canyon National Park
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!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Powell Point Vista
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Spooky Gulch
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Kiva Koffeehouse
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Lower Calf Creek Falls
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!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Hogback
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!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Upper Calf Creek Falls
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Boulder
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Burr Trail Road
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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dixie National Forest
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Heritage Overlook
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!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Homestead Overlook
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Larb Hollow Overlook
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Capitol Reef National Park
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-267535P14
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.38
24 reviews
Average 4.38 out of 5 stars based on 24 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
15
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6
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1
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!.
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!.
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!.
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!.
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone.
The following is NOT included:
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
