Summer is finally here, and you’re ready to hit the road for some fun in the sun after a very snowy winter. Unfortunately, Utah’s magnificent “Mighty 5” national parks are now practically impossible to visit in summer—unless hiking in crowds and camping far, far away is your jam. 

But what if we told you there’s another Southern Utah destination with choose-your-own-adventure vibes but without the national park fees and crowds? Grand Staircase-Escalante is a massive national monument that encompasses 1.87 million acres through Southern Utah (recently restored to its former size by the current presidential administration). Here, exploring is an undertaking as signs are few, roads are (mostly) dirt, and there’s just one established hiking trail: Calf Creek Falls. 

While you could camp in the wild to explore this neck of the woods, there’s a new place to stay with all the perks of camping—fire pits, starry skies, and outdoor-cooked meals—and none of the downsides, like sleeping on the freezing cold ground. Yonder Escalante is a glamper’s dream (stayyonder.com), and it’s situated within the bounds of the monument, just beyond the town of Escalante, at the site of the former Shooting Star RV Park.

Lodging
Lodging types vary at Yonder, but each cabin and Airstream trailer is inspired by the great American road trip and designed with nostalgic, midcentury interiors. Kids are always welcome, and well-behaved pups can stay with no additional fee—as long as they remain leashed. Cabins sleep up to three people and include a bed, mini fridge, and charging ports for your devices. Roomier Airstream trailers include a sink, kitchenette, and larger couch. Both options offer heating systems for chilly nights. If you’re more the DIY-type, bring your RV or tent and park at Yonder’s sites. Campers score access to Yonder amenities like every other guest.

Luxe Bathhouses
None of the current lodging options have their own bathrooms (deluxe cabins are coming soon), but Yonder’s spa-like bathrooms are destinations unto themselves. Expect high-end amenities like Lather bath products, nice towels, Dyson hair dryers, and hair straighteners. The private outdoor showers bring you closer to nature and even feature a changing-area space heater for colder mornings. 

Movie Nights
Beyond the bathhouses, Yonder is home to a unique amenity: a drive-in movie theater. Pile in one of nine classic cars and catch a cult favorite or old-timey Western every night at dusk. If you’re feeling snacky, grab some complimentary popcorn or purchase candy, hot dogs, and nachos from the Airstream trailer concession stand. (Beer and wine are also available for purchase.)

On-Site Eats
Speaking of food, Yonder gets their grub right. The grill-ready meal kits save you from the hassle of tinfoil dinners and feature locally sourced meats, roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and marinated zucchini. Cook them on Yonder’s outdoor grills, or opt for a cheese tray or salad if you don’t feel like cooking. In the morning, Yonder provides free coffee and tea at its outdoor lodge, and you can visit its food truck to order a hearty breakfast burrito or sandwich. Inside the General Store, you’ll find other curated snacks, alcoholic beverages, and Yonder swag aplenty. 

Amenities Galore
Hikes within the monument are minutes away, and Bryce Canyon is a 50-minute drive. When it’s time to unwind, soak away the day at the outdoor pool and hot tub. Towels are provided, and the massive hot tub could fit a family reunion. After night falls, gather at the lodge to regale new friends with the day’s adventures around communal fire pits.  

Getting There

To get to Yonder from Park City, take US-40 E toward I-15 S. Get on I-15 S in Orem and take exit 95 to UT-20 in Iron County. Follow UT-20 E to UT-12 in Garfield County. Follow UT-12 to Yonder Escalante. 

Must-Visit Spots

Burr Trail Grill: Don’t miss this small-town lunch stop famous for its spicy chicken sandwich and delicious hand pies. burrtrailgrill.life
Calf Creek Falls: Hike the flat 6-mile loop to Lower Calf Creek Falls or challenge yourself on a steep 2.25-mile round-trip climb to Upper Calf Creek Falls. visitutah.com
Hell’s Backbone Grill: Drive scenic Highway 12 to this James Beard-nominated restaurant where every dish is house-made or sourced from local ranchers. (Read more about Hell’s Backbone Grill on page 105.) hellsbackbonegrill.com
Kiva Koffeehouse: Enjoy made-fresh food and coffee from this coffeehouse that blends into the Southern Utah landscape. Open Wednesdays–Sundays from April to October. kivakoffeehouse.com
Spooky & Peek-a-Boo Slots: Explore these popular slot canyons beloved by kids (and kids at heart) for their tight twists, turns, and drops. visitutah.com
Utah Canyon Outdoors: Explore Escalante’s wilds with these seasoned guides who take you to secret slot canyons—where you won’t see another soul. utahcanyonoutdoors.com