The unique beauty of the Escalante region was recognized as early as 1866, yet the region somehow escaped achieving national park status in the ensuing years. After the floodgates closed on Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, the lower Escalante canyons were lost beneath the waters of Lake Powell. In 1972, the lower Escalante canyons were included within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, managed under the direction of the National Park Service. With the establishment of the 1.7-million acre Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in 1996, and the modicum of protection that designation provides, all of the Escalante canyons are at last held in trust for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Typical of the canyon country of southern Utah, there are few established trails in the Escalante canyons.
Most hikes follow the corridors of washes, or cross open expanses of slickrock.
The exception is the trail to lower Calf Creek Falls, one of the few constructed and maintained trails in the Glen Canyon region. There are few easy hikes in the Escalante region, yet the few that qualify as best easy day hikes are outstanding. Active waterfalls, arches, narrow canyons, riparian oases, and sculpted slickrock are among the attractions of the Escalante s easy day hikes. Set among willows and cottonwoods in the canyon of perennial Deer Creek, the site includes tables, fire grills, and pit toilets, but no drinking water. This fee campground is open year-round, and features the same facilities as the Deer Creek site, though drinking water is available from spring through autumn only.