Family Vacation in Escalante, Utah

Getting back to nature and celebrating wild, rugged landscapes can easily be done in Utah —specifically, Escalante. The usually sleepy town comes to life in the summer months during the high-tourist season when backpackers, campers, hikers and all-around nature lovers head to the scenic locale for a remote getaway amid like-minded travelers and locals.

Don’t let the quaint town fool you, it’s surrounded by some seriously incredible canyons, creeks, falls, mountains, epic trails, protected forests, endless natural beauty and activity opportunity.

Situated a short ride (15–30-minute drive) from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument hikes and several canyon slot treks, to a 45–60-minute drive from world-famous Bryce Canyon National Park, Escalante Yurts offer a completely unforgettable homebase for outdoor exploration.

Cedar © Escalante Yurts

Driving through Escalante, my GPS and small road signs directed me to turn left for Escalante Yurts. Heading down what looked like a residential road, surrounded by farms and cows grazing mountainside in the pasture, my GPS alerted me I arrived and would need to get out and walk to my destination — I ignored this as I saw a sign up ahead with further (better) instructions. After parking at the lobby yurt, we checked in and found our own accommodations, the lovely Willow. With a gas grill outside, rocking chairs, patio furniture, wrap-around porch and fun lights draped around the entrance, I was excited to see what the interior had to offer.

The décor was a dream. From the faux-fur blanket on the king-sized canopy bed to the queen-sized sleeper sofa and coffee table adorned with constellation coasters — the space was the perfect retreat after a long day of hiking and seemed far larger than its 450 square feet.

Bathroom in Willow © Escalante Yurts

The room could easily sleep four guests comfortably and offered spare blankets to wrap up in and watch TV, or sit outside and watch the stars. Warm up with tea or hot chocolate at night with the stocked Keurig or pair your coffee with continental breakfast in the morning, served in-room and located in your mini fridge and freezer.

The bathroom was also stocked with plenty of towels for the family, travel-sized soaps, robes and even a hair dryer. While our particular stay was during winter (the yurt oozed hygge vibes), I could see this destination being prime real estate in the summer. There was an A/C unit and removable covers on the walls to showcase the beautiful surroundings outside, plenty of outdoor seating and a private deck prime for stargazing.

Whether traveling with friends, as a couple or with the family, a yurt stay offers a chic, glamorous accommodation option. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore all the hikes, climbs, horseback riding, canyoneering and various treks they can find, a luxury yurt is a well-deserved place to rest your head after a long day outdoors — consider it a tent upgrade — or just  a great way to sway less-enthusiastic campers to come along.

Cedar © Escalante Yurts