Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument Local Customs

Unlike most National Park or Recreation Areas, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument does not charge you to enter. The simple fact is it covers a big area and Route 89 runs the length of it for free. If you are content to just drive through as many do on their way to more famous sights, then it is your as well as the park's loss. Even the the scenic Cottonwood Canyon Road is free.

The park drums up money with hiking permits. Most of the hikes in the park are short and can be done by anyone in reasonable shape. Walking in the canyons is a great experience and often fairly level and even shady. You pay $5 per person which is on the honor system so please enjoy the park and pay the small fee to help ensure this great National Monument remains the amazing place it is.

It's interesting to note that in the local communities in and around national parks, many people are strongly opposed to the parks. While people like me--who are strongly in favor of parks everywhere--just sort of breeze through and enjoy the surrouondings, many people who live there would rather see the land 'made productive.' Sometimes it seems innocuous (thoug it's not) like increased ranch land. Sometimes, it's straight up no good--like oil and gas exploitation. However you feel about it, just realize that the local folks might not share your sense of wonder and amazement and may see you as a sign of the federal governments encroachment on their 'way of life.'

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There are no fences to hole back the cattle, so they may be right along the roadside to get that greener grass. A National Park Service Ranger had 300 head grazing in and area about 20X20 miles range. They go out every 2-3 weeks to check on the herd. In winter they go out on horseback, or ATV to round up the herd. Many take a long time to find.