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 Friday, February 27, 2025
All road conditions can change RAPIDLY due to weather. Please contact the nearest Visitor Center for updated conditions.
Roads to the East
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Burr Trail	2/26/2025	2WD	Good condition! Dirt section washboarded.
Notom-Bullfrog	2/23/2025	2WD	2WD washboarded! Per Capitol Reef NPS Report.
Road to Bullfrog Marina	2/23/2025	2WD	2WD for crossing. Per Capitol Reef NPS report.
Wolverine Loop	2/18/2025	2WD High Clearance	Road is dry, recommend 2WD High Clearance.
Cedar Wash	2/24/2025	2WD High Clearance	Road is passable watch for deep sand at the crossings.
Hole in the Rock	2/25/2025	2WD High Clearance	None. Recommend HC-4WD for last 7 miles.
Spencer Flat	1/22/2025	2WD High Clearance	Though not strictly necessary, 4WD is handy for some sandy and/or steep sections of the road. Graded a couple of months ago and still in good condition.
Roads to the North
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Hells Backbone	2/24/2025	4WD	Areas of snow and ice in shaded areas, best to have 4WD.
Posey Lake to Loa	2/24/2025	4WD High Clearance	Snow and ice; likely impassable over the top
Whites Flat (FR #152)	2/24/2025	4WD High Clearance	Some patches of snow in shaded areas on the road. Conditions subject to change.
Griffin Top	2/24/2025	4WD High Clearance	Not recommended! Snow and ice patches!
North Creek (FR #149)	2/24/2025	4WD	Not recommended! Snow and Ice on road!
Main Canyon	2/24/2025	2WD, 4WD	2WD and 4WD needed. Passable all the way to Widtsoe, with a few snow and icy spots.
Roads to the Central Areas
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Smoky Mountain - Alvey Wash	2/21/2025	2WD High Clearance	Dusty.
Left Hand Collet	2/24/2025	4WD High Clearance	Not recommended due to ice buildup in canyon!
Croton	2/20/2025	2WD High Clearance	Patrolled southern boundary.
Smoky Hollow	2/21/2025	2WD High Clearance	Some rough spots at drainages.
Roads to the West
Name	Date	Road	Comments
Cottonwood	2/23/2025	2WD High Clearance	Dry. High clearance desirable due to deep ruts.
Skutumpah	2/19/2025	4WD High Clearance	Graded from south end 02/19, but only to Timber Mt. turnoff. Travel not advised north of there, dueto melting snow.
Glendale Bench	2/19/2025	2WD	A dry track throughout but melting snow on the shoulders.
Paria Movie Set	2/11/2025	2WD High Clearance	Rough in spots.
House Rock Valley	2/23/2025	2WD	Dry with washboards! Watch your speed!
White House	2/13/2025	2WD	In good shape.