Escalante is a fantastic base for exploring some of Utah’s most stunning geological features. Its remote location in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts eager to see slot canyons, unique rock formations, and rugged trails. We’re especially fans of tours that combine guided hikes with off-road adventures, like the Dry Fork, Peekaboo & Spooky Slot Canyon Tour, and the Grand Staircase Cosmic Ashtray Tour — both offer memorable experiences in spectacular scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, Escalante’s tours promise a dose of adventure mixed with some jaw-dropping views.
To help you choose the best fit, we’ve put together a list of the four best tours in Escalante. From slot canyon adventures to canyoneering, each offers a different way to experience this wild corner of Utah. Read on for details about what makes each tour special, and find the one that matches your interests and fitness level.
1. From Escalante: Dry Fork, Peekaboo & Spooky Slot Canyon Tour
This guided 4×4 and hiking tour offers the chance to explore three of the most iconic slot canyons in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. For around $165 per person, you’ll spend about four hours venturing into Dry Fork, Peekaboo, and Spooky Slot Canyon. The tour includes riding in a well-equipped 4×4 vehicle to reach remote trailheads, making it accessible even if you’re not into intense hiking or scrambling.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced mix of vehicle comfort and hands-on exploration. The highlight is squeezing through the narrow, winding Spooky Slot Canyon — a real test of your flexibility and daring, but don’t worry if you’re not keen; there are plenty of wide-open sections too. The guide leads you through each canyon, sharing insights into their formation and history. With a 4.9-star rating from 54 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and memorable scenery.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive canyon experience with a little of everything — scenic rides, hikes, and the thrill of Spooky Canyon. It’s great for families, photo buffs, and adventure-seekers alike.
2. From Escalante: Zebra Slot Canyon Guided Tour and Hike
For travelers eager to see one of the most photogenic and uniquely patterned slot canyons, the Zebra Slot Canyon Guided Tour and Hike is a perfect choice. Priced at $165 per person and lasting four hours, this tour takes you from Escalante in a 4×4 to the canyon, where a professional guide will lead you through its narrow, zebra-striped walls. The highlight is the canyon’s striking pattern of black and white layers, creating a surreal visual experience that makes for incredible photos.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on the visual spectacle of Zebra Canyon and the ease of access — you get transport in a comfortable vehicle to the canyon’s trailhead, then enjoy a guided hike. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, offering insights into the geological forces that created the canyon. With a 4.7-star rating based on 11 reviews, it’s noted for its friendly guides and the canyon’s stunning beauty.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want to see a uniquely patterned canyon without much strenuous climbing. It’s perfect for photographers and those new to slot canyon exploration.
3. From Escalante: Grand Staircase Cosmic Ashtray Tour
For the serious hiker looking for a challenge, the Grand Staircase Cosmic Ashtray Tour delivers an unforgettable adventure. At $249 per person, this full-day tour combines a 4×4 drive to the Cosmic Ashtray trailhead with an 8-mile round-trip guided hike. It’s tailored for those in good physical shape who want to see one of the most remarkable natural features in the region — the Cosmic Ashtray, a huge, bowl-shaped depression with spectacular rock formations.
This tour’s main draw is the combination of off-road driving and a demanding hike, which takes you deep into the wilderness. The guide will provide expert commentary along the way, sharing stories about the geology and history. The Cosmic Ashtray is often described as “one of the most incredible sights in the world,” and the tour’s reviews highlight the awe-inspiring views and the sense of accomplishment after completing the hike.
Note: This trip is best suited for active travelers comfortable with long hikes and rugged terrain. It’s a full-day commitment, but the payoff is visiting a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet.
Bottom line: Perfect for avid hikers and geology enthusiasts who want a serious adventure and the chance to see a truly unique geological feature.
4. Escalante: Grand Staircase and Egypt 1 Canyoneering Trip
If you’re after a hands-on, adrenaline-pumping experience, the Canyoneering Trip at Egypt 1 Slot Canyon is the way to go. Priced at $165 for a four-hour adventure, this tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced canyoneers. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll descend into the canyon with short rappels and controlled downclimbs, experiencing the thrill of navigating through narrow rock corridors.
What makes this trip stand out is its versatility — it offers an introductory canyoneering experience for novices or a quick, exciting route for those with some experience. The guide’s expertise ensures safety and fun, making it accessible for a broad range of fitness levels. Since it has a 5-star rating from one review, the feedback highlights the guide’s professionalism and the fun challenge of the rappels.
Bottom line: Great for adventure travelers interested in learning or practicing canyoneering in a stunning canyon setting. It’s an active, memorable way to explore Utah’s rugged landscape.
$165 per person
How to Choose
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests and fitness level. If you want a varied experience with scenic drives and slot canyons, the Dry Fork, Peekaboo & Spooky Slot Canyon Tour is a flexible choice. For a focused visit to a stunningly patterned canyon, go for the Zebra Slot Canyon Guided Hike. Serious hikers and geology lovers should not miss the Cosmic Ashtray Tour for its challenging hike and extraordinary scenery. For those craving a physical challenge with a touch of technical skill, the Egypt 1 Canyoneering Trip offers a memorable adventure.
Think about your physical condition, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer a relaxed scenic tour or an active exploration. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, as these tours can fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Escalante offers a diverse array of tours that suit a range of interests and fitness levels. For an all-around introduction, the Dry Fork, Peekaboo & Spooky Slot Canyon Tour hits the mark with its mix of scenery and adventure. If you want a more focused, visually stunning experience, the Zebra Canyon tour is hard to beat. For those seeking a more challenging hike or a technical canyoneering experience, the Cosmic Ashtray and Egypt 1 Canyoneering Trip are excellent options.
No matter which you pick, booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out. These adventures promise a memorable look at some of Utah’s most impressive natural wonders — so choose the one that fits your style and get ready for a wild ride in Escalante.