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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Grand Staircase-Escalante V Volume National Monument Slickrock above the Escalante River on Highway 12 What is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument? What’s Inside Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a Geologist Clarence Dutton described “a grand stairway Welcome. 2 dramatic, multi-hued landscape, rich in natural and of sequential cliffs and terraces” in his Report of the General Information . 3 human history. Extending across almost two million Geology of the High Plateaus of Utah (1880). acres of Utah public lands managed by the Bureau Things to See and Do. 4 of Land Management, the Monument represents a THE KAIPAROWITS PLATEAU Kid’s Corner . 5 unique combination of archaeological, historical, A vast wedge-shaped block of mesas and deeply incised Map & Road Information . .Centerfold paleontological, geological, and biological resources. canyons towering above the surrounding desert, this isolated, rugged plateau is refuge for wildlife, rare Current Research . 8-10 These strikingly beautiful and scientifi cally important plants, and adventure-ready individuals equipped to Be a Monument Steward . 11 lands are divided into three distinct regions: the Grand handle profound solitude and uncompromising wild Contact Information . 12 Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of country. “The Kaiparowits was the name for a point the Escalante. near the north end of the plateau so we decided to call the whole mountain by that name,” wrote profesor For EMERGENCIES Call 911 A. H. Thompson, Chief Geographer of the second Canyons of the OTHER EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Powell expedition. It is a Paiute name meaning “Big Escalante Kane County Sheriff Mountain’s Little Brother.” Many sites from prehistoric (435) 644-2349 cultures have been recorded on the plateau. Many more Kaiparowits are preserved for future study. Garfi eld County Sheriff Plateau (435) 676-2678 Grand Staircase THE CANYONS OF THE ESCALANTE Glen Canyon NRA Dispatch The Escalante River cascades off the southern fl ank 1-800-582-4351 of the Aquarius Plateau, winding through a 1,000- THE GRAND STAIRCASE mile maze of interconnected canyons. This magical Page Hospital This series of great geological steps ascend northward labyrinth is one of the scenic wonders of the West. (928) 645-2424 across the southwest corner of the Monument. The Even though Spanish explorer and priest Father Kane County Clinic Grand Staircase - the Chocolate, Vermilion, White, Silvestre Velez de Escalante never wet a boot or even (435) 644-4100 Gray, and Pink Cliffs - spans fi ve different life saw the river, his is the namesake given by the Powell zones from high desert to coniferous forests. It is a survey crew that discovered and named the Escalante Garfi eld Memorial Hospital masterpiece of geological and biological diversity. River in 1872. (435) 676-8811 2 Welcome General Information 3 VISITOR CENTERS: Staffed visitor centers are center for route descriptions, maps, locations of Upcoming and We Share What We Discover located in Big Water, Kanab, Cannonville, Escalante, water sources, weather forecasts, and current road and Boulder (at Anasazi State Park Museum). Maps conditions before starting out. A free backcountry Flash Flood! Ongoing Events Welcome to Grand Staircase-Escalante National formations that suggest the past existence of and books are sold at all locations. permit is required. Map and compass skills are An Unexpected Danger Monument (GSENM), part of Southern Utah’s water on Mars. These and other research efforts recommended. WALKS AND TALKS beautiful red rock country. I hope you share conducted on GSENM are helping to uncover VEHICLE TRAVEL: The easiest way to see the Visitors need to be aware of potential fl ood Monument is by vehicle. Highways 12 and 89 run DAY HIKING: There are many options for day New for 2006! as many fond memories of these public lands valuable new information about our planet, even conditions and take necessary precautions along the north, south, and west boundaries and hikes within the Monument. Most are unmarked Join a ranger at Calf Creek for a moonlight with your friends and family as I have with our universe, and we still have much to learn. including: offer outstanding views. High clearance vehicles are routes. Check at a visitor center for suggestions. hike. Discover dinosaur tracks with a mine. Long before GSENM was a national recommended for most dirt roads and many require paleontologist. Get tips on how to take monument, I was drawn to the area by What we are discovering, we are sharing. • Stop at a visitor center to obtain current 4-wheel drive. Conditions can change quickly after CAMPING: There are numerous public and private that perfect photo. Check with one of its mild climate, scenic landscapes, Through our outreach and volunteer programs, weather forecasts, monitor weather condi- storms. Check at a visitor center before driving on campgrounds in the area. Dispersed car camping the visitor centers or on our website and remote character. I hoped the public is gaining greater awareness and tions, and be alert for changing conditions. unpaved roads. is permitted in some areas within the Monument. A for a current schedule! someday I would be able to appreciation for the health and diversity of work in this region during my our world’s natural resources, and the life that backcountry permit is required. Check at a visitor • Do not enter a wash, canyon, or slot canyon MOUNTAIN BIKING: Bicycles are only permitted center for camping options. Campers must follow LEARNING FROM career with the Bureau of depends on them. I invite you to take advantage if a storm is threatening. Land Management (BLM). of these opportunities by stopping at our visitor on designated dirt roads. Visitor center staff can help the Leave No Trace principles found on page 11 of THE LAND In 2001, I got my chance. centers to enjoy their excellent interpretive you choose rides to fi t your time and ability. this newspaper. Campfi res are not allowed in the • If it is raining hard but the wash is not fl ow- SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM Though still inspired by its exhibits and educational programs. canyons. ing, begin to hike out. Scientists will share their fi ndings primitive beauty, I have since OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV) USE: at this symposium which celebrates learned that there is much more I’m very proud of GSENM’s accomplishments Off-highway vehicles are permitted within the HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING: These • If the wash begins to fl ow, climb to high ground. a decade of scientifi c research on to GSENM than meets the eye. and believe we have plenty to celebrate for our Monument on designated roads. Cross-country activities are permitted in the Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National 10th Anniversary and 100th Anniversary of the travel is prohibited and OHVs are not permitted on are regulated by the Utah Division of Wildlife • Remain on high ground until the water recedes. Monument. Created in 1996 in recognition of Antiquities Act. Though GSENM was BLM’s hiking trails. Check at a visitor center for maps and Resources. Dates: September 12-14, 2006 its outstanding scientifi c and historic fi rst national monument, it is only one of many information before riding. • Never camp in wash bottoms. Location: The Hunter Conference Center at resources, GSENM has become an outdoor special areas managed by BLM. During this PERMITS: Free backcountry permits are required Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. laboratory attracting scholars from all over celebration year, I encourage you to seek out and BACKPACKING: One way to see and enjoy the for ALL overnight stays (backpacking, car camping, Respect the force of nature. Flash fl oods the United States. Scientists have uncovered explore these public lands with your family and vast backcountry of the Monument and adjacent horse packing, and kayaking). Obtain a permit at can be strong enough to carry away 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY dinosaur fossils that are found nowhere else friends. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is to spend any visitor center or self-register at many of the trail vehicles. CELEBRATION on earth, 8,000 year-old archaeological sites, Dave Wolf several days hiking. Most routes are unmarked and head register boxes. September 15-16, 2006 600 different species of bees, and geological Acting Monument Manager traverse a wide variety of canyon and slickrock Join us as we celebrate the 10 year anniversary terrain. Visitor center staff can help you choose CELL PHONES: Cell phones do not work in many of the Monument. There will be events in the routes that fi t your time and ability. Stop at a visitor areas in and around the Monument. local communities, including presentations, The Antiquities Act Centennial demonstrations, lectures, and family fi eld At just 296 words, the Antiquities Act, approved region, where bold plateaus and multi-hued cliffs Weather trips. Check our website or call one of the June 8, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, run for distances that defy human perspective, visitor centers for more information. provides a legacy for all Americans. The was the last place in the continental United States SPRING (MARCH-MAY): FALL (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER): Antiquities Act made it illegal for any person to be mapped. Even today, this unspoiled natural Days are warming up and hiking is Daytime temperatures start to cool down OUTFITTERS AND GUIDES to appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any area remains a frontier, a quality that greatly comfortable with light layers of clothing added by late September, which makes hiking pleasant Want to explore the Monument but not sure historic or prehistoric ruin or monument, or enhances the Monument’s value for scientifi c or removed as the temperature changes. Weather through October. Expect cool nights. Thunderstorms about going it alone? Ask at one of the visitor any object of antiquity, situated on lands owned study.
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