03/02/2026
Considering the recent hike in entrance fees at
Bryce Canyon, we recommend visiting these
alternative attractions in the area. Below are
some photos of the top picks.
1. Lower Calf Creek Falls
This picturesque waterfall is about 130 feet
long and is surrounded by a beautiful
landscape. The waterfall is accessible via a
3-hour round-trip hike that requires proper
preparation, including water, snacks, insect
repellent, and suitable footwear. The hike to
the falls takes around 1.5 hours, and the return
journey takes approximately the same time.
We suggest starting early to avoid the heat.
Calf Creek Falls has camping facilities and
public restrooms available, with a small
entrance fee applicable. This attraction is
highly recommended for those who enjoy
outdoor activities.
2. Burr Trail and Slot Canyon. This exceptionally scenic trail and slot canyon is located approximately 28 miles from our residence, situated in Boulder, UT. The full drive covers approximately 17 miles along the trail. While the initial 9 miles of the trail may seem unremarkable, the scenery from the 9-mile marker to the 17-mile marker is nothing short of spectacular. For visitors aiming to explore the remarkable Slot Canyon within this area, it can be found roughly 7 miles down the trail. This is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction, providing a hassle-free and low-key experience. The trail is readily accessible, requiring only a straightforward drive and a brief hike to reach the slot canyon.
3. Devils Garden
I like to refer to this fantastic attraction as nature's playground, where you can indulge in a day of excitement and wonder, from playing on the rocks to taking in the stunning sunset and stargazing. Picnicking is a popular activity in this area. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Devils Garden from our facility. We strongly advise bringing plenty of water and food during your visit to Devils Garden. We can almost guarantee you will love this playground we call nature.
4. Posey Lake
This lake provides a delightful setting for a day of adventure and nature. It is highly regarded for trout fishing (rainbow/brook), non-motorized boating (kayaking/canoeing) and a, ~22-site campground, as well as a forested escape with some easy 10 to 15 minute hiking trails (Posey Overlook) and is best visited from late spring to fall. The trip to Posey Lake takes about 37 minutes and 16 miles to get to this destination.
5. Escalante Petrified Forest and Reservoir
This park is characterized by its multicolored hiking trails that navigate a petrified forest featuring colorful, fossilized wood, situated adjacent to the Wide Hollow Reservoir, which accommodates various water activities, including boating, swimming, and kayaking. The park provides camping facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center exhibiting fossil displays, including dinosaur bones, and is esteemed for its panoramic beauty. Key trails include the Petrified Forest Trail and Sleeping Rainbows Trail; however, visitors must remain on designated paths and refrain from removing any wood. The park is situated approximately 1.5 miles away, and a minimal entrance fee of $5 is applicable. Nonetheless, the experience is well worth the investment.
6. Spooky & Peekaboo Slot Canyons
This six-mile loop is a popular destination, celebrated for its narrow, scenic, and adventurous passages, with certain sections of Spooky being as narrow as ten inches. Situated off Hole-in-the-Rock Road, approximately 26 miles from Escalante, UT, this hike demands a 12-15 foot scramble/climb to enter. To minimize congestion, it is recommended that hikers ascend Peekaboo and descend Spooky, as Spooky is extremely narrow and difficult to navigate in reverse. A small backpack is advisable, as it may be necessary to drag it through tight spots. Please be aware that this hike requires a 12-15 foot scramble/climb to enter, as well as a 10-foot downclimb, and features extremely narrow, shoulder-width, or tighter passages. However, the experience is well worth the effort.
7. The Circle of Friends ("Family Circle") Previously featured on our webpage, this ancient Native American pictograph panel is situated on a sandstone cliff approximately 5.5 miles west of Escalante, Utah, off Old Escalante Road. It boasts a distinctive circle of small, painted human figures, accessible via a brief 1-hour hike. Bringing water and wearing sturdy hiking shoes is recommended. This hike is suitable for an easy day of exploring the area.
8. The Escalante River & Hundred Hand panel.
The Escalante River include hiking to stunning, hidden spots like the 100 Hands pictograph panel, exploring narrow, shaded canyons, and wading through refreshing water. Much of the hiking in the upper Escalante river area requires walking in the shallow, refreshing river, providing a cool escape from the desert heat. The Escalante trailhead is a fun little hike that is in a more private area of the river as well as the Hundred Hand Panel. (Located in the same area.) Those should hike to the 100 Hands Panel to see ancient pictographs. If you count you can actually see a hundred hands!
The river corridor is packed with alcoves, petrified wood, and unique desert flora.
9. Zebra Slot Canyon
Located in Escalante, Utah, boasts stunning pink and white striped walls, best appreciated in the canyon's short, narrow section. The 5-mile round-trip hike entails walking in a sandy wash and potentially navigating ankle-deep water, requiring proper footwear like aqua shoes. While suitable for families, the hike demands preparation for heat and narrow passages that require scrambling, posing a challenge for dogs. This remarkable landscape is aptly described as our sandstone zebra creation, a natural wonder. 🦓
These beautiful landscapes and destinations will give you memories that will last a lifetime and the prices for these attraction is either 5$ or less. 😁
