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Utah > Utah State Parks > Escalante State Park

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Escalante State Park

General Information

Description - This state park encompasses 1,350 acres in south central Utah. It lies on the shores of Wide Hollow Reservoir facilitating a variety of water-oriented activities. In addition to fishing, boating and swimming, the park has an interesting geologic history. The Visitor Center and nature trails contain exhibits on paleontology within the region.

Attractions - The 130-acre Wide Hollow Reservoir attracts many people to Escalante State Park. The campground and picnic grounds (both group and individual) have modern facilities, which include showers, restrooms and dump station. The Visitor Center provides information on the petrified wood and dinosaur bones that erosion has uncovered at the park. Two interpretive trails lead visitors through areas of high fossil concentration.

Recreation - Recreation opportunities at Escalante State Park are varied, attracting a diverse group of visitors. Camping, picnicking, boating and fishing attract many to the site. The intrigue of another geologic age entice young and old alike to view the exhibits of the visitor center and interpretive panels of the nature trails.

Climate - This state park lies at an elevation of 5,800 feet west of Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument. The climate is arid with hot summers and cool winters. Temperatures can vary greatly within one day so layered clothing is recommended in any season. Warm temperatures usually begin in mid-April and last through September. Cool weather can begin in August. Warm layers should be in every campers wardrobe.

Location - Escalante State Park lies in south central Utah, approximately one and a half miles north of the community of Escalante.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Trip Reports:
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Filed By: Joan (Oviedo, FL)
Number of People Encountered: 25-50 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: As flatlanders who had never seen petrified wood, my teenage son & I really liked the short hike in this park. He did the additional loop off the main trail and still caught up with my pokey self. One short stretch of the hike is quite steep and sandy; I did it on the return (downhill) by sitting down and scooting. (We don't have any steep trails in Florida!) We capped off the visit by having a picnic lunch at a shady table overlooking the lake. If you've never seen petrified wood, this would be a nice stop.

More Information

Contact Information:
Escalante State Park, 710 North Reservoir Road , Escalante, UT, 84726-0350, Phone: 435-826-4466

Additional Information:
Southwest Utah - This region contains the largest National Monument in Utah and miles and miles of extraordinary terrain.
Utah State Parks - The Utah State Parks system is comprised of 46 properties throughout the state. The properties consist of heritage, recreation and scenic sites that vary in size and amenities.

Links:
Utah State Parks & Recreation - This site is a comprehensive listing of the state parks including maps and contact information.