Road Conditions

Unpaved/partially paved roads that run through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Roads that also go through or are adjacent to Glen Canyon are highlighted.
Do not take any of these roads if it is raining or snowing, or if rain or snow is forecasted.

When water has pooled on the roads or muddy intimidating bogs block passage, turn around, staying on the road. Never drive off the road in an attempt to circumvent the blockage. Not only are you likely to get into more trouble off of the road, even damaging your vehicle, you will cause extensive damage to fragile native plant communities. Regulations do require that all vehicles must stay on designated roads.

Before beginning any of your adventures, make sure you've planned your way in, and PLANNED YOUR WAY OUT. Make sure people back home know what those plans are and when you expect to return. Know the extended weather forecast. Carry extra clothing, blankets, food and water for emergencies. Remember that cell phone coverage across the Monument is mostly non-existent. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument can be a "Fierce and Dangerous Land", and its wild character SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED.

Overnight stays on the monument, whether vehicle camping or backpacking, require a free permit that can be obtained at the Monument's visitor centers. The permit system can be crucial in case a search becomes necessary.

Learn more about driving tours in Glen Canyon.

 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Road Report Thursday, November 9, 2023
All road conditions can change RAPIDLY due to weather. Please contact the nearest visitor center for the most current conditions.
Roads to the East
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Burr Trail	10/13/2023	2WD	Dry
Notom-Bullfrog	11/6/2023	2WD High Clearance	2WD High Clearance recommended! Per Capitol Reef NPS report.
Road to Bullfrog Marina	11/6/2023	2WD High Clearance	2WD High Clearance for crossing. Per Capitol Reef NPS report.
Wolverine Loop	10/14/2023	2WD High Clearance	Recently graded but very soft sand and dust in places.
Cedar Wash	11/3/2023	2WD High Clearance	Good condition a few sandy spots.
Hole in the Rock	11/2/2023	2WD High Clearance	Dry and dusty and the washboards are getting bad. Recommend HC-4WD for last 7 miles.
Spencer Flat	10/21/2023	2WD, 2WD HighClearance	Road is dry with few sections of washboards. Recommend 2WD high clearance.
Roads to the North
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Hells Backbone	11/8/2023	2WD	2WD conditions with washboarding.
Posey Lake to Loa	11/8/2023	2WD High Clearance	2WD High Clearance. Conditions subject to change! Watch for log truck traffic by Posey.
Whites Flat (FR #152)	11/8/2023	2WD High Clearance	2WD High clearance. Conditions subject to change!
Griffin Top	11/8/2023	2WD High Clearance	Some rough spots. Conditions subject to change.
North Creek (FR #149)	11/8/2023	2WD High Clearance	Areas of washboards, high clearance recommended.
Main Canyon	11/8/2023	2WD	Dry with areas of washboarding!
Roads to the Central Areas
Name	Date	Condition	Comments
Smoky Mountain - Alvey Wash	10/13/2023	4WD High Clearance	Road is rutted and very rough in places.
Left Hand Collet	11/2/2023	4WD High Clearance	None
Croton	10/8/2023	2WD High Clearance	Conditions unknown from north side to Grand Bench junction.
Smoky Hollow	9/21/2023	Impassable	Impassable due to multiple washouts along its length. Not even recommended for UTVs.
Roads to the West
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Cottonwood	11/4/2023	2WD High Clearance	2WD High Clearance, washboards and areas of sand along the road.
Skutumpah	11/4/2023	2WD	Dry. Some rough washboard segments at North & South ends.
Glendale Bench	11/4/2023	2WD	Dry. Some rough washboard segments.
Paria Movie Set	10/22/2023	2WD High Clearance	High clearance needed north of the restroom. Sandy north of the cemetery.
House Rock Valley	10/7/2023	2WD High Clearance	2WD High Clearance. Use caution when driving around ruts.
White House	10/20/2023	2WD	Dry. Mostly rough with shallow sand at 2nd wash crossing & near campground.