SR89 W Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument UtahWhat better place to spend Earth Day than the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, where many amazing discoveries have come from the Earth. SR89 west Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument UtahCreated in 1996 by departing President Bill Clinton and managed by the Bureau of Land Management this Grand Staircase represents 135 million years of Earth history. SR89 west Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument UtahThe diverse geology includes many exposed sedimentary layers on top of the Page sandstone seen near Glen Canyon Dam. Tidal mud, windblown sand, lakes, streams and rivers followed by more sand until 94 million years ago when covered by a shallow sea.
About 145 million years ago towards the end of the Jurassic Period, the climate became more humid. Many dinosaur fossils have been discovered in the Morrison Formation from the period.
The visitor center is small yet provides great displays and knowledgeable people.
The immense size and vast wilderness of Escalante requires many more visits.