Grand Staircase SXS Experience

An Epic Journey Through Utah's Untamed Beauty

Story and Photos by Kim Krause (June 2025)

From May 23rd to 25th, 2025, UTV Offroad Adventures hosted an unforgettable journey through the spectacular Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, starting from Big Water, Utah, and ending in Escalante before looping back.

The adventure kicked off on Friday evening with check-in at the Roadway Inn in Big Water. Guests arrived from far and wide—including Oklahoma, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and beyond. Some stayed at the Roadway Inn, while others camped nearby or booked VRBOs, all excited to begin the weekend. Upon arrival, riders picked up swag bags and event t-shirts and drew their first poker cards, setting the stage for the weekend’s friendly competition.

Saturday morning started with a delicious breakfast catered by Beaver Tacos at 7 a.m. at the Roadway Inn. The weather was ideal, with temperatures in the 80s to low 90s—perfect for an epic day on the trails. After breakfast, the two groups of 15 vehicles each gathered for a driver’s meeting to review the day’s route and safety protocols.

At 8:30 a.m., the convoy left Big Water, heading on an 80-mile ride toward Escalante. Leaving Big Water, the terrain was sandy and shifting, challenging riders to master loose washes before transitioning into more rugged, rocky sections. The trail featured diverse landscapes as the group passed through portions of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, including the stunning Kelly Grade. This exceptional section of the trail showcased breathtaking views and thrilling switchbacks carved into the canyon walls, offering riders a memorable mix of beauty and excitement.

One of the unique features of the ride was traversing the Smokey Mountain Trail, known for its mysterious “coal holes.” These are natural underground coal seams that have been slowly burning for centuries, creating wisps of smoke that seep through the ground and rocks. This rare phenomenon added an eerie and fascinating element to the ride, highlighting the natural wonders of the area.

As the trail wound closer to Escalante, the scenery transformed from dry desert scrub to lush pine forests. Towering pines replaced sparse bushes, and the cool mountain air was a welcome change after the desert heat.

Accommodations were arranged at the Prospector Inn in Escalante, where riders relaxed and refreshed. The package also included both dinner and breakfast, offering a seamless and comfortable experience. Saturday night’s dinner was a special treat, catered by the Historic Escalante Showhouse—a local gem that once served as a movie theater. The owners preserved the building’s original character, with the old theater flooring repurposed into dining tables and authentic theater seats still lining the upper deck. The venue provided a perfect place for guests to unwind, mingle, and enjoy a wonderful meal and dessert in a unique setting.

Following dinner, the festivities continued with a raffle and special awards presentations. The farthest traveler hailed from Oklahoma, and the oldest participant was an inspiring 77 years young. The night’s humor highlight was the “Dumb Ass Award,” humorously given to a rider who accidentally broadcast a private radio conversation to the entire group instead of just their passenger! Poker winners were also announced, with the champion generously donating his pot back to the cause.

Thanks to the combined support from poker, generous donations, raffle sales, and UTV Offroad Adventures’ contributions, the event raised $3,500 to support a long-time family friend and fellow SXS and off-road enthusiast suffering from a terrible accident.

Sunday morning began with a local breakfast from Magnolias, fueling the group before their return journey. The ride back to Big Water covered another 80 miles through incredible terrain but on a different loop from the previous day, ensuring new sights and experiences.

Sunday’s trail was a breathtaking drive through towering canyons with wet trails from natural underground springs and several water crossings. These fresh water features enhanced the beauty of the journey, with lush vegetation and striking rock formations framing the route.

Highlights included the stunning Alstrom Point overlook, offering sweeping views of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon below. The group also rode through Devils Garden, a fascinating area filled with natural rock arches, spires, and unique geological formations carved over millennia. Nearby, riders marveled at the whimsical hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that create an almost otherworldly landscape.

The entire return trail was filled with challenging switchbacks and endless panoramic views, providing a thrilling and scenic finale to the weekend. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument itself is a vast and rugged wilderness spanning nearly two million acres. Known for its layered “staircase” of colorful rock formations descending toward the Grand Canyon, the monument boasts diverse ecosystems, rich cultural history, and some of the most stunning, remote landscapes in the American Southwest. From desert sands to lush pine forests, winding canyons to smoking coal seams, every mile of this ride was packed with adventure, awe, and the spirit of exploration.

An Epic Ride, a Powerful Community

From the desert sands of Big Water to the towering pines near Escalante, every mile of this journey offered new sights and experiences. The friendships made, the generosity shown, and the sense of adventure shared made this ride one for the books. The next event awaits—Pines and Peaks SXS Adventure, July 18–20, 2025. Escape the summer heat with cool mountain trails and breathtaking vistas.

Sign up today at www.utvoffroadadventures.com.