Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Travel with Action
3.9
Amy E
85 days ago
Good audio tour..easy to access, interesting material. Liked option of where to begin the tour as well as having use of it for a year.
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.
Departure 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.
- 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.
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Grand Staircase Escalante National MonumentEscalante, UtahThe 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. Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Red Canyon Visitor Center5375 Utah 12, Panguitch, UT 84759Your 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Red Canyon ArchUtah 12, Panguitch, UT 84759The 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Bryce Canyon National ParkUtahBefore 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!Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park710 N. Reservoir Road, Escalante, UtahAt 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Escalante Interagency Visitor Center755 West Main Street, Escalante, UtahThe 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Spooky GulchHole in the Rock Road, Escalante, UtahThe 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Kiva Koffeehouse7144 Utah 12, Escalante, UT 84726Spooky 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Lower Calf Creek FallsKiva 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: The HogbackRoute 12, Boulder, UtahCalf 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Upper Calf Creek FallsYour 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: BoulderBoulder, UtahIf 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Burr Trail RoadBurr Trail Road, Boulder, UTThe 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.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Dixie National Forest, , Cedar City, UtahBurr 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.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Heritage OverlookBoulder, UT 84716As 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Homestead OverlookPoint Lookout Road, Boulder, UT 84716Heritage 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Larb Hollow OverlookUtah State Route 12, 15 Miles South of Torrey, Fishlake National Forest, UtahHomestead 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Capitol Reef National ParkUtahLarb 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.Duration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- 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.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- 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!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
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.
Departure 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.
- 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.
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Grand Staircase Escalante National MonumentEscalante, UtahThe 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. Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Red Canyon Visitor Center5375 Utah 12, Panguitch, UT 84759Your 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Red Canyon ArchUtah 12, Panguitch, UT 84759The 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Bryce Canyon National ParkUtahBefore 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!Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park710 N. Reservoir Road, Escalante, UtahAt 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Escalante Interagency Visitor Center755 West Main Street, Escalante, UtahThe 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Spooky GulchHole in the Rock Road, Escalante, UtahThe 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Kiva Koffeehouse7144 Utah 12, Escalante, UT 84726Spooky 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Lower Calf Creek FallsKiva 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: The HogbackRoute 12, Boulder, UtahCalf 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Upper Calf Creek FallsYour 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: BoulderBoulder, UtahIf 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Burr Trail RoadBurr Trail Road, Boulder, UTThe 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.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Dixie National Forest, , Cedar City, UtahBurr 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.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Heritage OverlookBoulder, UT 84716As 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Homestead OverlookPoint Lookout Road, Boulder, UT 84716Heritage 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!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Larb Hollow OverlookUtah State Route 12, 15 Miles South of Torrey, Fishlake National Forest, UtahHomestead 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.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Capitol Reef National ParkUtahLarb 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.Duration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- 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.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- 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!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
3.9
based on Groupon 29 reviews
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Reviewed on
Debra_C
I did every thing I was supposed to do as far as preloading the app/tour. It was very confusing because it had you choose a starting point. Unfortunately, not knowing the area, I chose the one that was closest to where we were staying. So, it said pick up the tour there. Well, we drove and hour and 15 minutes to get to the starting point, and then when we got to the starting point and the tour started playing, it had us go back EXACTLY the way we came!!! So, 2 1/2 hours out of our way! With the GuideAlong app that we have used before, it just picks up wherever you are and guides you through the tour as long as you are in the area. Not thrilled with my purchase of Escalante Grand Staircase/Bryce Canton tour.
Amy E
Good audio tour..easy to access, interesting material. Liked option of where to begin the tour as well as having use of it for a year.
Road170579
The audio portion was great and worked fine. You just need to provide better information on the start location and how to get there.