A 2-Day Escape to Escalante, Utah
There’s a lot of talk in wellness about food and movement. And while both matter, that’s never felt like the whole story. I believe that true wellness is about living in alignment with my values—feeling grounded, clear, and connected to who I really am. One of the values I return to again and again is adventure. For me, that means travel, curiosity, and a willingness to explore life beyond routine.
Adventure has been a core part of who I am for as long as I can remember. There’s something about stepping into the unknown, immersing myself in new cultures, and being surrounded by places that are quiet, wild, and alive that instantly shifts something deep within. I feel more grounded, more open, more like me.
It’s a kind of clarity and connection I don’t find anywhere else.
I’d been feeling off for a few weeks after being sick and working through a lot mentally and emotionally. I knew I needed a reset, so Greg and I took a spontaneous one-night trip to Southern Utah to shake things up and reconnect with ourselves.
One of the most magical things about Utah is how quickly the landscape transforms. Just a few hours after leaving Salt Lake City, we found ourselves in a completely different world—towering red rock canyons, wide open desert, and a sky full of stars (cue Coldplay).
Utah has five national parks within easy reach, and while we’ve already explored Arches and Zion together (check out my blog on Zion and Bryce here), this time we set our sights on Grand Staircase-Escalante, with a quick detour through Bryce Canyon on the way home.
We went in early April just after a light snowstorm, and the red rock dusted in white felt otherworldly. The air was cool, the trails were quiet, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. A tip I’ve learned over the years is to always travel during the off-season when you can. Nothing takes me out of a peaceful moment faster than 500 people trying to snap the same photo in a packed national park.
We only had two days and one night, but it was exactly the reset I needed. If you're feeling like you need a break but don't have a ton of time, this little trip might be exactly what you're looking for. One night really can change everything. And if you’ve got more time, this route is also super flexible. You could add a night in Torrey to explore Capitol Reef or turn it into a longer loop through Arches, Canyonlands, or Zion. I’ve included some ideas at the end of the blog.
So without further ado, here’s the itinerary!
Our 2-Day Escalante Itinerary
Salt Lake City to Torrey
We left Salt Lake City at 6 AM and took the scenic backroads through central Utah. Our first stop was Torrey, where we grabbed coffee at Shooke Coffee Roasters, a charming little spot that roasts their own beans (which was a delight to find in such a small town!). I ordered a shot of espresso, Greg went for a drip, and both were smooth, strong, and exactly what we needed to kick off the day.
Scenic Byway 12
After Torrey, we hopped on Scenic Byway 12, a winding mountain road that climbs to 10,000 feet and offers incredible views around every turn. A light snow had fallen the night before and the red rock dusted in white made everything feel surreal—like we had driven straight into a painting. What I didn’t realize was just how high the elevation would get or that it had snowed that far south. I hadn’t done much planning for this trip, so it caught me a little off guard. Thankfully, we were driving mid-morning and the roads were clear.
Just a good reminder that Utah’s weather can be unpredictable so it’s worth checking conditions and elevation before you head out.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
We arrived at the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead around 11AM and jumped into a six-mile roundtrip hike to stretch our legs and soak in the landscape. The trail is mostly flat and follows a quiet canyon with towering sandstone cliffs. At the end, you’re rewarded with a 126-foot waterfall cascading into a cold, clear pool. It’s the kind of hike that doesn’t ask much of you, but gives so much back.
Burr Trail Road
After the hike, we drove back up north to Boulder and turned off onto Burr Trail. This drive felt like a secret—we barely saw another car the entire time. Just endless stretches of desert, red rock, and that expansive stillness that makes your nervous system exhale. Greg and I kept joking it was the perfect place to bury a body (but don't get any ideas).
Burr Trail is one of Utah’s most scenic backroads, originally used as a cattle trail by early ranchers. It now winds through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef, and Glen Canyon, offering dramatic switchbacks, slot canyons, and striking desert views. The first portion is paved and easily drivable in any car, which is what we stuck to.
But if you're feeling adventurous, you can continue onto the Wolverine Loop, a 40-mile unpaved road that takes you deeper into Escalante’s backcountry. It winds through a petrified wood forest, narrow canyons, and slick rock landscapes. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle, good tires, and dry weather conditions to safely explore the dirt roads.
Hells’s Backbone Grill—a true gem in the middle of nowhere
After the drive, we had dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm around 4:30 pm—and honestly, it’s the kind of place that’s worth building a whole trip around. Easily one of the best meals I’ve had in Utah, and maybe even one of the best I’ve had anywhere. If you’re planning to go, book ahead—this place fills up for a reason.
We did a quick change and baby wipe refresh on the side of the road (peak rugged energy) before heading in. Founded by two Buddhist chefs, the restaurant is rooted in values you can feel in every detail—from the ingredients they grow on their nearby farm to the care behind each dish. Hell’s Backbone is a total gem, and such a surprising find in a town as tiny as Boulder, population 250. You don’t expect to stumble on a meal this thoughtful in the middle of nowhere, which is exactly what makes it so memorable. They also sell two of their own cookbooks—perfect as a gift for someone you love, or just for yourself.
Here’s what we ordered:
Biscuits with apple jam: Flaky, warm, slightly sweet, and one of those things you’ll think about long after the meal is over. Definitely get the jam—trust me, it’s worth it.
Bison meatballs: Greg loved these. I thought they were good, but not my favorite.
Roasted cauliflower: Shockingly the star of the night. Perfectly charred and full of flavor—this one ended up being both of our favorites.
Jenchiladas: I don’t usually love enchiladas, but Greg had his eye on them and I wanted to pick dessert, so we made a deal. Made with their signature Chimayo red chile sauce and a sweet corn habanero cream, they hit that perfect balance of rich and flavorful without being too heavy or saucy. We both devoured them—and I’d absolutely order them again. A total surprise for me.
Dark chocolate chili pot: Decadent, rich, and silky smooth with just the right kick from the chile. Topped with freshly whipped cream, it was the perfect sweet-and-spicy note to end the night. Currently drooling thinking about it.
If you want to stay the night in Boulder, Hell’s Backbone has a charming partner hotel next to the restaurant. They’ve also just launched a breakfast truck, serving up farm-fresh bites in the mornings. We didn’t get to try it this time, but it’s officially on the list for our next trip down south.
Kiva Coffeehouse
As we drove toward our stay in Escalante, we passed Kiva Coffeehouse, perched dramatically above a canyon with nothing else around for miles. It was closed by the time we got there, but the setting alone stopped us in our tracks. If you’re passing through during the day, definitely make time to stop!
Ofland Escalante
We got to Escalante around 6:30PM and checked in at Ofland Escalante, where we stayed in one of their tiny cabins. One thing to note with the tiny cabins: there’s no bathroom inside. We weren’t sure how we’d feel about that at first, but it ended up being a total non-issue. The shared bathhouses are just a short walk away and honestly nicer than most hotel bathrooms—rainfall showers, beautiful lighting, lots of plants, and plenty of space.
The cabin itself was cozy and clean and had the most comfortable mattress. Each tiny cabin also comes with its own fire pit, and Ofland provides a stack of wood and a fire starter kit. Our cabin was set at the edge of the property, with an open view of the sky and no light pollution. The stars were unbelievably clear.
Ofland is full of thoughtful touches that made our stay feel relaxed and fun. There’s a pool and hot tub, a food truck, fire pits throughout the property, and best of all—a drive-in movie setup with vintage parked cars. Each one is outfitted with cozy blankets and heaters, so you can settle in comfortably even on chilly desert nights. We watched Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark under the stars while shoving popcorn in our faces. It was honestly one of my favorite parts of the trip.
We both agreed that we’d stay here again in a heartbeat. It was actually better than our Autocamp Zion experience. I’d rate it a 10/10!
The next morning, we had a slow start—coffee by the fire pit, morning light on our faces, and no rush to be anywhere. And I have to say, the coffee at Ofland was also surprisingly amazing.
Bryce Canyon Pit Stop
After soaking it all in, we packed up and started heading north toward Salt Lake. Since Bryce Canyon was right along the way, we decided to stop for a few hours and explore. Greg had never been before, and it felt special to experience it together for the first time. We did a short hike you can find here, but if you’re curious about what else to do in Bryce, I have a full blog post on it here which also includes some longer hikes that I highly recommend.
If you have more time here’s what I’d recommend for a 2-night version of this trip:
Day 1
Spend the day in Bryce Canyon, exploring trails and overlooks. After sunset, drive to Escalante and check in at Ofland. Watch a movie under the stars and soak in the hot tub.
Day 2
Start slow and enjoy the amenties at Ofland. Pack up and head up Highway 12. Stop at Kiva Coffeehouse for breakfast and views. Then head to Lower Calf Creek Falls for a mid-morning hike.
Post hike, drive up to Boulder and spend the afternoon driving Burr Trail Road (bring water and snacks). Have dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill and then drive up to the town of Torrey to stay the night (we’ve heard great things about Skyview Hotel).
Day 3+
Wake up early and explore Capitol Reef National Park before heading back to Salt Lake—or continue on toward Moab, Arches, or Canyonlands if you’re up for more adventure.
No matter how long you go or how far you drive, my advice is this: take the backroads. Pack snacks, stay curious, and give yourself room to slow down.
And most importantly.... HAVE FUN!
