Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour

If you’re looking to explore the stunning landscapes of Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante without the hassle of a guided tour or the expense of a full-day trip, a self-guided GPS audio driving tour might be worth considering. This particular experience, offered by Travel with Action, promises an engaging journey full of geological wonders, Native American stories, and scenic vistas—all on your schedule.

What I find appealing about this tour is its flexibility. You can start whenever you like and pause as needed, making it a good option for travelers who want to blend sightseeing with breaks or meals. Plus, the price point—just $16.99 per car—is quite reasonable for a multi-stop adventure through such a vast and varied landscape.

However, it’s not perfect. Some users have encountered challenges with the app, including difficulty starting the tour or following the route correctly. If you’re technically inclined or comfortable with smartphone apps, you’ll likely find it easier to navigate. This tour tends to suit those who prefer exploring independently, with a bit of storytelling to add context to the scenery.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting to get off the beaten path at their own pace, this GPS-guided experience offers a way to uncover the secrets of the Grand Staircase-Escalante without the need for a traditional guided group. Now, let’s break down what you can expect and whether this could be a good fit for your Utah adventure.

Key Points

• Self-guided and flexible: Start and pause at your convenience, exploring at your own pace.
• Affordable for groups: One purchase covers up to four people in the car.
• Rich storytelling: Learn about geology, Native culture, and historic explorers.
• Offline maps: No cellular signal needed once downloaded, perfect for remote areas.
• Multiple stops: From national monuments to scenic overlooks and small towns.
• Some user challenges: App navigation and GPS accuracy can vary.

What Is the Grand Staircase-Escalante GPS-Guided Audio Driving Tour?

This experience is a self-guided audio tour designed to accompany a drive along the UT-12 route through Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s a way to turn a scenic drive into a narrated journey, revealing stories behind the formations, history, and native cultures of the region. Priced at just $16.99 per group, it’s an inexpensive way to add depth to your sightseeing without booking a full guide or tour bus.

The tour is valid for an entire year after purchase, making it convenient for multiple trips or extended visits. You just need to download the app, input a code, and then follow the GPS cues as you drive. It’s designed for flexibility—no scheduled start time, no group size limits (up to four people per purchase), and the ability to skip or repeat segments at will.

What Are the Main Highlights?

• Explore hidden geologic formations and the grand vistas along UT-12.
• Discover Native American stories and the history of the region.
• Experience the diverse scenery, from red canyons to pine forests.
• Learn about famous explorers like John Powell.
• Visit key sites such as Bryce Canyon, Escalante Petrified Forest, and Capitol Reef.
• Enjoy scenic overlooks like Powell Point and Heritage Overlook.
• Incorporate optional hikes, like the walk to Upper Calf Creek Falls.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Your starting point is the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, a vast protected area that covers nearly 1.9 million acres. While the monument was reduced in size in 2017, it remains a fascinating place full of dramatic cliffs and colorful formations. The tour’s first narration offers a quick overview of the monument’s importance and formation, setting the tone for your journey.

Stop 2: Red Canyon Visitor Center

Just off Route 89, this is the perfect spot to get your bearings. While there’s no entry fee, you’ll find stunning vistas and intriguing rock formations here. The narration introduces the area’s geology and native history, making this more than just a quick stop.

Stop 3: Red Canyon Arch

The red arches are quite striking—thanks to high iron content in the sandstone and volcanic rocks. The tour explains how these arches were formed and why they’re so colorful, adding a layer of appreciation to their visual appeal.

Stop 4: Bryce Canyon Detour

You’ll pass close to Bryce Canyon, and the tour suggests taking a quick detour. Since it’s free to enter Bryce, it’s a fantastic bonus stop if you’re keen on seeing famous hoodoos and getting more scenic views.

Stop 5: Powell Point Vista

This overlook not only showcases sweeping views but also pays homage to John Powell, whose expedition helped map the American West. The narration adds a historical dimension that enriches the experience.

Stop 6: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Here, you’ll see trees turned to multi-colored stone—an eerie, fascinating reminder of the area’s ancient past. The tour explains how the forest was petrified, offering a sense of wonder as you take in the landscape.

Stop 7: Escalante Interagency Visitor Center

A quick stop for information and supplies, this visitor center is a practical addition—plus, a chance to ask local rangers for tips or grab a snack before heading further.

Stop 8: Spooky Gulch

If you’re up for a short side trip, Spooky Gulch promises a narrow, winding hike through a slot canyon. The narration points out what to expect, but keep in mind that this stop requires a little extra time and some physical effort.

Stop 9: Kiva Koffeehouse

A favorite among travelers, the Kiva Koffeehouse offers excellent coffee and panoramic views of the Escalante River. It’s an ideal place to relax, enjoy a brew, or take some photos.

Stop 10: Lower Calf Creek Falls

The scenic vista here offers sweeping views of the desert landscape. It’s perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery—don’t skip this one if you love landscape photography.

Stop 11: The Hogback

Driving along this winding ridge is undoubtedly one of the most memorable parts of the route. With steep drops and sharp turns, it’s a thrilling drive. The narration highlights the geological forces that created this feature, and the views on either side are spectacular.

Stop 12: Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail

For those willing to hike about 2 miles round-trip, this trail ends at an 88-foot waterfall plunging into a pool below. It’s a moderate hike—be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The tour suggests this optional stop for nature lovers.

Stop 13: Boulder

This tiny, remote town is a throwback—just over 200 residents, historically isolated, and with roots dating back to early pioneers. The tour shares stories of its pioneers and how it remained disconnected until 1947.

Stop 14: Burr Trail Road

A rugged, historic route built by pioneer John Burr, this road connects cattle ranches to markets. Today, it’s a scenic drive full of adventure, especially if you’re into off-road exploring.

Stop 15: Dixie National Forest

Driving through this forest offers a change of scenery—ancient evidence of human activity dating back to the Ice Age. It’s a peaceful, green contrast to the red rock scenery.

Stop 16: Heritage Overlook

Gazing over the vast landscape, you can see as far as Glen Canyon. The narration explains how erosion has shaped this landscape over thousands of years.

Stop 17: Homestead Overlook

Offering panoramic views of the Dixie Forest and the Staircase, this overlook ties together many of the scenery elements seen earlier. It also covers how forest fires play a natural role in the ecosystem.

Stop 18: Larb Hollow Overlook

Your last scenic stop, this viewpoint offers miles of view and stunning photo opportunities. The narration details how wind and rain carved this breathtaking landscape.

Stop 19: Capitol Reef National Park

Ending your tour near the entrance to Capitol Reef, this park offers a fitting finale. With colorful cliffs, historic orchards, and cultural sites, it’s a must-see and a great way to round off your exploration of the region.

What Travelers Say: Honest Feedback from Real Users

While many reviews praise the beautiful scenery and interesting stories, some users have experienced issues. For instance, one reviewer found the app not very user-friendly, noting difficulty getting started, which can be frustrating if tech isn’t your strong suit. Another traveler mentioned difficulty locating the starting point due to GPS errors, emphasizing the importance of double-checking your route and app setup.

A standout review calls it like “having a personal guide in the car,” appreciating the detailed narration and seamless storytelling. Conversely, some users found the app confusing or had trouble following the route, indicating that a bit of patience and tech savvy may be needed.

Most reports agree that the value for the price is good, especially given the extensive list of stops and the ability to revisit the stories anytime over a year. If you’re someone who enjoys self-guided adventures and storytelling, this tour can add a lot of context to the breathtaking views.

Practical Details and Considerations

This is a self-guided experience, so you won’t have a live guide but rather an app that plays stories automatically based on your GPS location. It’s important to download the app and the tour content before starting your drive—ideally with a strong Wi-Fi connection—so you can operate offline in remote areas.

The tour is designed for a typical drive of 2 to 3 hours, covering approximately 125 miles. Keep in mind that you are responsible for following the recommended route and obeying speed limits. There are no included entry fees—most stops are free, but some spots like Bryce Canyon or Petrified Forest might have entrance fees if you choose to explore them further.

Since this experience is booked per vehicle and not per person, it’s good value for small groups or families traveling together. It’s suitable for most travelers, especially those comfortable with smartphones and GPS navigation, but less so if you’re not tech-savvy or prefer guided tours with a person taking charge.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys self-guided exploration and loves hearing stories about the places you visit, this GPS-guided audio tour can be a fantastic way to explore Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante. Its affordable price and offline maps make it especially attractive for those on a budget or planning multiple trips over the year.

The tour’s flexibility means you can spend more time at your favorite spots or skip less interesting ones, giving you control over your day. The narration adds a layer of understanding that enriches the landscape, making it perfect for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, or anyone eager to learn while seeing.

However, be prepared for some technical hiccups—GPS errors or app issues have been reported. If you’re comfortable troubleshooting on the fly, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile addition to your Utah adventure. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy independent exploration but still want a bit of storytelling to make their drive more meaningful.

This tour offers good value, beautiful scenery, and the chance to turn a scenic drive into an educational experience. Whether you’re a repeat visitor or soaking in the landscape for the first time, it’s a way to add depth without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not specifically designed as a family tour, the audio stories and scenic stops can be enjoyed by older children and teens. Keep in mind that some stops involve short hikes or driving on rugged roads, so consider your children’s comfort and safety.

Do I need a special device to use this tour?
Nope. You just need a smartphone compatible with the app. Make sure to download the tour content beforehand, as it works offline.

How much time should I allocate for this tour?
Expect about 2 to 3 hours to drive the entire route and enjoy most stops comfortably. You can spend more if you choose to explore extra sites or take additional hikes.

Can I start the tour anytime?
Yes. Since it’s self-guided, you can begin whenever it suits you—just make sure to download the content and open the app at the starting point.

Are there any entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for parks or sites are not included and are paid separately if you decide to visit attractions like Bryce Canyon or Petrified Forest.

Is the tour suitable for large groups?
The purchase covers up to four people in the same vehicle, making it a budget-friendly option for small groups or families.

What if I encounter technical issues?
Support contact info is provided, and most problems can be resolved by restarting the app or verifying your location. It’s advisable to have a backup plan, like printed directions or a traditional map.

Can I do this trip more than once?
Definitely! The tour remains valid for a year. You can revisit the stories and even split the drive over multiple days if you prefer.

Is this tour more suited for experienced travelers?
It’s fairly straightforward, but some familiarity with smartphone apps and GPS navigation will make it smoother. If you’re comfortable with tech, you’ll have an easier time avoiding issues.

In the end, a GPS-guided audio drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante offers a practical, affordable way to see some of Utah’s most extraordinary landscapes with a little storytelling thrown in. It’s perfect for independent explorers who don’t mind a little tech troubleshooting and want the freedom to explore on their own terms.