Recreational opportunities abound around every turn of the highway's 120 miles. Travelers will find everything from hiking and fishing opportunities to excellent photographic moments. Some may wish to soak their feet in a cool mountain stream after a near-perfect perfect lunch. Others will find recreation in camping, biking, off-road adventures, or a variety of winter activities. Whatever your interests, you have come to the right place.

• Scenic Drives
  Many of the principal roads to and through the Monument have been designated scenic backways, providing off-the-beaten-path adventure into the monument. A word of caution: all roads within the Monument's interior, except for portions of the Burr Trail and the Johnson Canyon Road, are unpaved. The principal access roads within the Monument are dirt or gravel surfaced and intermittently maintained late spring through fall. Unmaintained routes are rough, rocky, or traverse areas of deep sand requiring high clearance or 4WD. Bad weather can leave any dirt or gravel road impassable, sometimes for several days. Carry extra clothing, food, and water. Some roads become slippery when wet. All dirt roads should be avoided during inclement weather.
  

Highway 12
Burr Trail
Hell's Backbone

• Hiking
  Perhaps the best way to explore the high country trails, slot canyons and desert plateaus is by foot. Regardless of the route chosen, you are certain to discover natural wonders seen by very few lucky souls. Even though developed trails are nearly nonexistent, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of outstanding hiking routes found in the Escalante Canyons, the upper Paria drainage, and other areas.

  Spring (March through May) and Fall (September through October) are usually the ideal times to hike or backpack.

  A good map and route finding abilities are a must. Self-register at established trail heads or obtain a free backpacking permit at the Interagency Office. This permit is required for all overnight trips in the backcountry. Please be certain to leave no trace of your passing.
  

• Biking
  During warm weather, generally March through October,the 7,000 to 11,000 foot high mountain plateaus remain cool, making them perfect for bicycling. Routes include single and double track trails, forest roads, and pioneer trails. Forests of pine, aspen, fir, juniper, and pinion change with each season, from spring greens to autumn's kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows, making mountain biking an enjoyable activity year-round. The Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Burr Trail, Cottonwood Canyon, the Wolverine Loop, and the Paria Valley roads offer good routes.

Shuttle services are offered throughout the area, and a full-color tabloid is available at the information centers in both Boulder and Escalante.

• Camping
  Camping is a particular pleasure in this rugged high country. Several developed campgrounds are available in the Escalante-Boulder area. Posey Lake, Blue Spruce, Oak Creek, Pleasant Creek and Single Tree campgrounds are located on Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park has showers and group sites. Calf Creek and Deer Creek campgrounds are situated along bubbling creeks in scenic desert canyons.
  
  Please use existing campsites, pack out what you bring in, and be very careful with fires. Firewood can be purchased in Escalante and Boulder.

• Off-Road
  If you prefer the comfort of a 4X4, you'll find an extensive network of Scenic Backways and primitive 4WD vehicle routes that will provide an adventure "off the beaten path" into the monument. Hell's Backbone road is one spectacular summer scenic route between Escalante and Boulder. Wherever you go, please stay on established routes. Some roads may be closed for the protection of resources; please obey these closures.

• Horseback Riding
  The Monument offers numerous opportunities to experience the backcountry by horse. The varied land-forms provide horse riders with a variety of challenging terrain for all skill levels. These lands are rugged and primitive, appealing to those looking for adventure. Those interested in a guided adventure can request a list of permitted outfitters from the Bureau of Land Management.