These impacts include cleaning campfire rings, picking up trash, and raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads. Our Spencer Flat days are full of teamwork, great discussions, and making a big difference on the ground! 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

Hiking for this project will be limited since most camp areas are accessed by car, but volunteers should be able to walk across uneven terrain. Volunteers should be able to bend repeatedly and lift between 20-30 pounds. If volunteers would like to drive, 2WD high clearance will be sufficient.

Abbreviated Itinerary

•  Option 1: 

•  8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT

• Option 2: 

•  9:00 am: Meet at the turn for Spencer Flat Road 

•  9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot coco provided. Safety talk and task overview.

• 9:30 am - 4 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.

Needed Gear

•  Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

•  Close-toed shoes

•  Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

•  Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

•  Lunch

•  Snacks

•  At least 2 liters of water

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Extra water

•  All project gear

Project Description

We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts at the iconic Dry Fork slot canyons and narrows. We will spend the day hiking through these spectacular canyons while picking up trash and remediating graffiti in the Dry Fork Narrows and Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons. We may help with other projects in the area including sign repair, raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads, correcting cairns, installing rock baskets and naturalizing social trails.

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Ability level

This hike is estimated at 5 miles round trip; however, we will likely cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash and rogue cairns. The hike is through deep sand and undulating slick rock with steep inclines and declines. The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons are skinny and can be physically rigorous to maneuver through. Spooky slot canyon is especially narrow and volunteers will have to walk sideways while carying their backpack behind them. This canyon can be hard to navigate for those over 250+ pounds due to constriction. There are two spots that are exposed in each canyon, with heights at 20 and 15 feet. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near trailheads or vehicles. 

Tentative Itinerary

•  8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT

•  8:30-9:00 am: Coffee, tea, and hot coco provided. Introductions, safety talk and task overview

•  9-10:00 am: Travel to Dry Fork trailhead

•  10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed

• 3-4:00 pm: Travel back to Escalante and wrap-up

Needed Gear

•  Long-sleeve work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

•  Closed-toe shoes

•  Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

•  Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

•  Lunch

•  Snacks

•  At least 2 liters of water

• Day pack with the 10 Essentials 

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Extra water

•  All project gear

Project Description

Across the American West, networks of barbed wire fence designed to divide rangelands  and assist livestock producers manage and maintain cattle and other domesticated animals  have made it harder for wildlife to move freely across large landscapes. As our understanding of connectivity, corridors and the importance of seasonal migration has increased, our understanding of the threat posed by these barriers to big game species like  elk, deer, and pronghorn has increased as well. This is especially true in areas where seasonal migrations have been documented. 

In Utah, the Paunsaugunt plateau is home to one of the state’s most famed mule deer populations. Like many areas, the extensive network of barbed wire fences throughout this migratory route, including within the national monument, creates a barrier that makes this biannual migration more difficult and can lead to reduced herd fitness and  adaptability in the face of habitat degradation and impacts from climate change. The  migration route crosses Highway 89, another barrier to movement that was improved in  2013 with 3 new underpasses, 4 retrofitted culverts, and associated exclusionary fencing  along Hwy 89 to direct the deer to the 7 underpasses. This project will complement those underpasses by improving landscape permeability within GSENM lands.

To maintain and enhance this important migratory corridor, Wildlands Network, Grand Staircase-Escalante Partners, Backcountry Hunters  and Anglers, and Mule Deer Foundation have partnered with the Utah  Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and the Bureau of Land Management to reduce barriers to wildlife movement in valuable mule  deer winter range. Volunteers will use their smartphones to collect data as they walk fence lines in the southern end of GSENM to assist in this project. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

This is a 3 day project with 2 full days of work. Most of our project areas will require hiking off trail through rocky, difficult terrain in groups of 2-3. Most fence lines will require hiking between 4-9 miles round trip and volunteers will need to carry all of their food and water for the day. Volunteers will also need the ability to navigate off trail by reading digital and paper maps. We will be providing each group with a hiking packet that will include driving and parking directions, hiking directions, maps, monitoring protocol, a first aid kit, and an InReach device that you can use to communicate with us when not in cell service. 

Camping

We will be camping as a group at a dispersed campsite determined by GSEP staff before the project. GSEP will be providing groover systems, water, snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, hand washing station, and a camp kitchen.

Abbreviated Itinerary

• April 25th: 

  • 2 pm: Meet at the Kanab Public Library to go over the app

  • 3 pm: Travel to the camp area and set up camp

  • 6 pm: Dinner provided by GSEP

• April 26th:

  • 7 am: Coffee and pack lunch

  • 8 am: GSEP provides breakfast

  • 9 am - 4 pm: Hike fence lines, taking lunch and other breaks as needed

  • 6 pm: Dinner provided by GSEP

• April 27th:

  • 7 am: Coffee and pack lunch

  • 8 am: GSEP provides breakfast

  • 9 am - 3 pm: Hike fence lines, taking lunch and other breaks as needed

  • 4 pm: Break down camp and depart campsite

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Water

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

• Groover system

• Camp kitchen

• All project gear

Project Description

Sign-ups for this project will be through Hiking My Feelings. You can find information and the sign-up here: https://hikingmyfeelings.org/grand-staircase-escalante-retreat

Welcome to the Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante, an immersive experience designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This unique retreat seamlessly combines environmental stewardship, self-discovery, and the serenity of nature to create an unforgettable journey.

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Ability level

The hike through the canyon is estimated at 5 miles round trip. The hike is through deep sand and undulating slick rock with steep inclines and declines. The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons are skinny and can be physically rigorous to maneuver through. There are two spots that are exposed, with heights at 20 and 15 feet. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near camp or vehicles. 

Abbreviated Itinerary

•  Thursday, May 2nd- The group will meet midday at  GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to go through introductions and project orientation

•  Friday, May 3rd – Hiking My Feelings Program and stewardship projects

•  Saturday, May 4th – Wrap-up and goodbyes

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Water

•  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

•  Groover system

•  Camp kitchen

•  All project gear

Project Description

Sign-ups for this project are through Wilderness Volunteers. To sign up, please visit https://wildernessvolunteers.org/wv-project/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument-spring/

In partnership with Wilderness Volunteers and the Bureau of Land Management, GSEP will help remediate visitor impacts on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along popular recreation corridors and treat Russian olive in the Escalante River Watershed. The project will start with Russian olive removal along the Escalante River and/or one of its tributaries using handsaws, herbicide, and loppers (2 days).

The second half of the project will be to address visitor impacts along Hole In The Rock, Spencer Flat, and/or the Burr Trail (will be determined later based on weather and impacts, also 2 days). Volunteers will help address camping impacts like campfires, tree cutting, vehicle trespass, and new site creation. This project may also include addressing and remediating scratched-in and drawn-on graffiti in sandstone canyons and trail work to improve signage and cairn reconstruction and refinement. 

Recommended Ability Level

Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day. 

Abbreviated Itinerary

• Sunday, May 12th. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, and orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.

• Monday, May 13th. Workday.

• Tuesday, May 14th. Workday.

• Wednesday, May 15th. Day off.

• Thursday, May 16th. Workday.

• Friday, May 17th. Workday.

• Saturday, May 18th. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Water

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

• Groover system

• Camp kitchen

• All project gear

Project Description

Sign-up for this project is through Adventure Scientists. To sign up, please visit https://platform.adventurescientists.org/project/project.dA0KJIMcjGk5jZGsAMFXYx0ycm

Within its boundaries, Grand Staircase contains an amazing landscape that includes 85% of Utah's biological diversity, geologic and palaeontologic wonders, and unparallel solitude. Often cited as the most remote area in the Lower 48, GSENM is almost entirely made up of Wilderness Study Areas, which are management zones that have been put aside to one day be considered for Wilderness designation by congress. 

Grand Staircase Escalante Partners (GSEP) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are partnering with Adventure Scientists on a piolet project to monitor three Wilderness Study Areas in Grand Staircase for disturbances such as off road vehicle use, dispersed camp areas, trash, structures, and graffiti. This data will be used to aid in management and stewardship efforts to maintain Wilderness characteristics in these areas. 

We are looking for volunteers to help us monitor these Wilderness Study areas through a variety of activities during the week of May 20th-26th, 2024. These activities include hiking, backpacking, and driving on rugged dirt roads. 

For this project, GSEP will reach out to volunteers about their interest, available gear, and ability levels to provide participants with a packing list and to set expectations. Volunteers will need to be able to arrive in Escalante, UT by the morning of May 20th. From there, GSEP and BLM staff will hold a two day training where volunteers will learn about how to collect data and about the variety of hiking/backpacking/driving routes for the project. Volunteers will be split into groups of 2-3 individuals who will then be assigned to their routes depending on interest and ability. Starting on May 20th, volunteers will depart to monitor WSAs returning to Escalante by May 26th. GSEP staff will provide volunteers with an emergency InReach Device (if they do not have their own) and will be available 24/7 to aid in technology problems, safety issues, vehicle issues, or emergencies during the project. GSEP will also provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the training period. 

We are looking for volunteers that have a variety of skills and interest levels. The routes to be completed will vary greatly and volunteers will be assigned based on their comfort level, available gear, and abilities. In general, volunteers should be comfortable in remote and rugged settings, be able to read a map, and have route finding abilities. Experience with hiking on the Colorado Plateau in arid, slickrock desert is a huge plus. Volunteers should be able to do at least two of the following activities:

• Drive on rugged, remote dirt roads in their vehicle that has at least 2WD high clearance (4WD preferred).

• Hike 8-10 miles in a day across rugged terrain with route finding required

• Backpack 6-8 miles in a day across rugged terrain with route finding required. Backpacking trips will range from 2-5 days with pack weights ranging from 20-35 pounds

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Some examples of backpacking routes that volunteers will complete and can be found on the internet are the Little Death Hollow/Wolverine Loop, The Boulder Mail Trail, Death Hollow, and Harris Wash.

Abbreviated Itinerary

• Sunday, May 19th: Volunteers are welcome to join us for dinner at a shared campsite near Escalante, UT. 

• Monday, May 20th: Volunteers to meet at GSEP Headquarters for training. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included a shared campsite. 

• Tuesday, May 21st: Volunteers to meet at GSEP Headquarters for training. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included a shared campsite. 

• Wednesday, May 22nd - Sunday May 26th: Volunteers complete their routes. Camping, water, and food will not be provided. 

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Water during training

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea during training

• Groover system during training

• Camp kitchen during training

• All project gear

Project Description

Spend a day in Willis Creek Slot Canyon! We will tackle trash pick-up and graffiti remediation on the canyon walls. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

This project requires around 5 miles of hiking and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Tentative Itinerary

•  10:00 am – Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and to go over safety and work plans. 

•  10:00-10:30 am – Travel to Willis Creek

•  10:30-12:00 pm – Project work 

•  12-1:00 pm - Lunch

•  1-2:30 pm – Finish project work

•  2:30-3:30 pm – Personal exploration time

•  3:30 pm – Travel back to Escalante

•  4:00 pm – Wrap-up and depart 

Needed Gear

•  Long-sleeve work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

•  Closed-toe shoes

•  Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

•  Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

•  Lunch

•  Snacks

•  At least 2 liters of water

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Extra water

•  All project gear

Project Description

This is a 3 day, 2 night backpacking project June 7th-9th. Volunteers will need to provide their own backpacking gear and food (packing list is below). GSEP does have some backpacking gear that volunteers may borrow including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacking packs, camp stoves, and headlamps; please reach out to the volunteer@gsenm.org email if you would like to use any of this gear during the trip. Usually, personal gear + project gear will be about 40 pounds of total weight in your pack that will have to be carried about 5 miles each day. We will take breaks on the hikes and will go at a pace everyone is comfortable with. Additionally, some of this work will be taking place in the Death Hollow creek so volunteers should expect to be wet for a duration of the hike. 

We will be hiking the popular Boulder Mail Trail beginning at the east side and hiking west, ending at the Escalante River Town Trailhead in Escalante. The total hike is about 15 miles with most of it on slick rock with undulating hills, valleys and deep canyons that have steep entries and exits. Death Hollow is known for Poison Ivy throughout the corridor, we will be hiking approximately one mile in the creek which can be up to 10 feet across in sections and ankle to knee deep throughout. We will be focusing on correcting cairns, checking “at large” campsites, picking up trash (GSEP and BLM staff will handle any human waste removal) and providing graffiti remediation where necessary throughout the hike. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

This trip requires hiking around 5 miles a day in a remote area on rough and uneven terrain. You will need to be able to carry all personal backpacking gear as well as some project tools which can amount to 40 lbs +. Please keep in mind temperatures during this season can be anywhere from 80-90 degrees for a high and 50-60 degrees for a low.

Camping

We will be camping along the Boulder Mail Trail as a group. The general flow of the trip will begin with transport to the trailhead and hiking in as far as the work will allow, setting up camp, dinner and settling in for the night. The next day will be breakfast, packing up camp, continuing work projects (largely spent around and in Death Hollow), finding a new camp, dinner and settling in for the night. The last day will be breakfast, packing up camp and finishing work projects as  we hike back to the Escalante Town Trailhead. Both nights will likely be spent near Death Hollow, but are subject to change depending on work needed and the pace of the group.

Abbreviated Itinerary

June 7th: 

• • 9:00 a.m. - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and to go over safety and work plans. 

    • We have bathrooms, water, parking, coffee, and tea - please bring a reusable mug!

  • 10:00 a.m. – Shuttle to the trailhead and begin hiking and doing projects

  • 12 p.m. - Lunch

  • 1 p.m. – Continue hiking and projects

  • 5:00 p.m. - Find campsite - near Death Hollow

  • 6:00 p.m. - Make camp and cook dinner

June 8th:

• • 7:00 a.m. - Wake up, make breakfast, pack for the day

  • 8:00 a.m. - Continue hiking and projects

  • 12:00 p.m. - Lunch

  • 12:30 p.m. - Continue hiking and projects

  • 5:00 p.m. - Find campsite

  • 6:00 p.m. - Make camp and cook dinner

June 9th:

• • 7:00 a.m. - Wake up, make breakfast, pack for the day

  • 8:00 a.m. - Continue hiking and projects 

  • 12:00 p.m. - Lunch

  • 1:00 p.m. – Continue hiking and projects

  • 4:00 p.m. – Finish hike at Escalante Town Trailhead and return to respective vehicles

  • 5:00 pm – Wrap-up, goodbyes and depart 

Required Personal Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

• • Project materials (trash bags, graffiti remediation gear)

  • Wag bags (3 for each person, please let us know if you will need more). Burying waste will not be permitted, please make sure you have a system for carrying out your own wag bags.

  •  Work Gloves 

  • Water filter and treatment

  • First aid kit

  • Emergency location device (Garmin InReach and radio)

  • Maps/GPS

Project Description

This is a 3 day, 2 night backpacking project July 6th-8th. Volunteers will need to provide their own backpacking gear and food (packing list is below). GSEP does have some backpacking gear that volunteers may borrow including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacking packs, camp stoves, and headlamps; please reach out to the volunteer@gsenm.org email if you would like to use any of this gear during this trip. Usually, personal gear + project gear will be about 40 pounds of total weight in your pack that will have to be carried about 5-7 miles each day. We will take breaks on the hikes and will go at a pace everyone is comfortable with. Additionally, much of this work will be taking place in the actual river and volunteers should expect to be getting wet throughout the day.

We will be hiking the popular Escalante River Corridor between the Escalante River Trailhead and Death Hollow canyon. This will be an out and back hike starting and ending at the bridge on highway 12. The total hike is about 15 miles with most of it on trail. The walking will be generally flat but requires hiking through deep sand and crossing the river several times. The river this time of year is generally 10-15 feet wide, shallow (ankle to shin deep), clear, and has a sandy to rocky bottom. You are welcome to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead or grab a seat in the GSEP vehicle.

We will be doing a combination of projects including trash pickup, digging out tires and other large washed down debris, campsite/campfire cleanup and naturalization. One of our big projects will be to dig out and collect large trash (like tires) from the river bed and pile them in an area for horses to pack them out. Keep in mind that heavy lifting will be required.

We will be focusing on checking “at large” campsites, dismantling fire rings, picking up trash (GSEP and BLM staff will handle any human waste removal) and providing graffiti remediation where necessary throughout the hike.

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

This hike requires hiking around 5 miles a day in a remote area on rough and uneven terrain. You will need to be able to carry all personal backpacking gear as well as some project tools which can amount to 40 lbs +. Please keep in mind temperatures during this season can be anywhere from 70-90 degrees for a high and 50-60 degrees for a low.

Camping

We will be camping along the Escalante River and moving camp each night. We will be camping as a group in relatively small spaces. The general flow to the day will be wake-up and breakfast, pack up camp, do projects near and around the camp, hike to the next project site with all of our gear, lunch, continue hiking and doing projects with our gear, arrive at the next camp, unpack and set up camp, cook dinner, evening exploring and hang-out, and, finally, sleep. Repeat. We are expecting to camp near Death Hollow both nights, however, his may change depending on our speed and the amount of work needed.

Abbreviated Itinerary: 

• July 6th: 

 9:00 a.m. - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and to go over safety and work plans. 

- We have bathrooms, water, parking, coffee, and tea - please bring a reusable mug!

10:00 a.m. – Shuttle to the trailhead and begin hiking and projects

12 p.m. - Lunch

1 p.m. – Continue hiking and work projects

5:00 p.m. - Find campsite - near Death Hollow

6:00 p.m. - Make camp and cook dinner

• July 7th:

7:00 a.m. - Wake up, make breakfast, pack for the day

8:00 a.m. - Continue hiking and projects

12:00 p.m. - Lunch

12:30 p.m. - Continue hiking and projects

5:00 p.m. - Find campsite

6:00 p.m. - Make camp and cook dinner

• July 8th:

7:00 a.m. - Wake up, make breakfast, pack for the day

8:00 a.m. - Continue hiking and projects 

12:00 p.m. - Lunch

1:00 p.m. – Continue hiking and projects

4:00 p.m. – Finish hike at Escalante River trailhead and return to respective vehicles

5:00 pm – Final goodbyes and depart 

Required Personal Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

• • Project materials (trash bags, fire pit removal tools and digging tools)

  • Wag bags (3 for each person, please let us know if you will need more). Burying waste will not be permitted, please make sure you have a system for carrying out your own wag bags.

  •  Work Gloves 

  • Water filter and treatment

  • First aid kit

  • Emergency location device (Garmin InReach and radio)

  • Maps/GPS

Description 

GSEP is partnering with the BLM to address impacts in Willis Creek Slot Canyon. We will spend the day hiking through this beautiful canyon, focusing on cleaning graffiti and picking up trash left by visitors. We may help with other projects in the area, including sign repair, raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads, correcting cairns, installing rock baskets, and naturalizing social trails.

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

This project requires hiking up to 5 miles with project tools, gear and equipment. Due to the distance from the trailhead, you will also need to bring a daypack with water (at least 4 liters), lunch and snacks. Please be ready to get your feet wet!

Tentative Itinerary

Saturday, July 20th

• 8:00 am - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and go over safety and work plans.

• 8:30 am - Travel to Willis Creek Trailhead

• 10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed

• 3-4:00 pm: Travel back to Escalante and wrap-up

Needed Gear

•  Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

•  Closed-toe shoes

•  Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

•  Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

•  Lunch

•  Snacks

•  At least 2 liters of water

• Day pack with the 10 Essentials 

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Extra water

•  All project gear

Project Overview

Grand Staircase Escalante Partners is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to help remove the invasive goathead plant and remediate visitor impacts on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along the popular Burr Trail Road. 

The goathead plant (Tribulus terrestris) is spreading rapidly throughout GSENM, especially at popular dispersed campsites and along hiking trails. Visitation to this area has also greatly increased over the past several years with people looking to recreate on the beautiful mesas and in the stunning canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This has caused an increase in visitor impacts that are hard to address completely without the help of volunteer time and labor. Volunteers will help address the spread of the goathead plant by removing it and its seeds from the Monument and will also address visitor impacts including campfires, tree cutting, vehicle trespass, and new site creation. 

It is expected that this project will be greatly affected by thunderstorms and heat. The goal will be to get as many goatheads pulled in the morning as possible with the option to do some projects in the afternoon like campsite remediation. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Activity Level 

Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day. It is likely that inclement weather will affect this trip, including heat and thunderstorms and GSEP will make adjustments to the trip itinerary as needed.

Tentative Itinerary

Saturday, August 31st

•  8:00 - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and to go over safety and work plans. 

•  8:30 am – Travel to Burr Trail

•  9:15-12 pm – Project work (goatheads)

•  12-1:00 pm - Lunch

•  1:00-2:30 pm – Finish project work (campsite remediation)

•  2:30-3:30 pm – Travel back to Escalante

•  3:30 pm – Wrap-up and depart 

Needed Gear

• Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

• Closed-toe shoes

• Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

• Lunch

• Snacks

• At least 2 liters of water

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Extra water

• All project gear

Project Overview

Grand Staircase Escalante Partners is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to help remove the invasive goathead plant and remediate visitor impacts on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along the popular Burr Trail Road. 

The goathead plant (Tribulus terrestris) is spreading rapidly throughout GSENM, especially at popular dispersed campsites and along hiking trails. Visitation to this area has also greatly increased over the past several years with people looking to recreate on the beautiful mesas and in the stunning canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This has caused an increase in visitor impacts that are hard to address completely without the help of volunteer time and labor. Volunteers will help address the spread of the goathead plant by removing it and its seeds from the Monument and will also address visitor impacts including campfires, tree cutting, vehicle trespass, and new site creation. 

It is expected that this project will be greatly affected by thunderstorms and heat. The goal will be to get as many goatheads pulled in the morning as possible with the option to do some projects in the afternoon like campsite remediation. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Activity Level 

Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day. It is likely that inclement weather will affect this trip, including heat and thunderstorms and GSEP will make adjustments to the trip itinerary as needed.

Tentative Itinerary

Saturday, August 31st

•  8:00 - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street to do introductions, check gear, and to go over safety and work plans. 

•  8:30 am – Travel to Burr Trail

•  9:15-12 pm – Project work (goatheads)

•  12-1:00 pm - Lunch

•  1:00-2:30 pm – Finish project work (campsite remediation)

•  2:30-3:30 pm – Travel back to Escalante

•  3:30 pm – Wrap-up and depart 

Needed Gear

• Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

• Closed-toe shoes

• Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

• Lunch

• Snacks

• At least 2 liters of water

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Extra water

• All project gear

Project Description

We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts at the iconic Dry Fork canyons and surrounding camping areas. We will hike through these spectacular canyons while picking up trash and remediating graffiti in the Dry Fork Narrows and Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons. We may help with other projects in the area including sign repair, raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads, correcting cairns, installing rock baskets and naturalizing social trails. Lastly, we will address campsite impacts such as removing redundant fire pits and cleaning/rebuilding campfire rings, picking up trash and possibly delineating camp sites. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Ability level

The hike into the canyon is estimated at 5 miles round trip; however, we will likely cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash and rogue cairns. The hike is through deep sand and undulating slick rock with steep inclines and declines. The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons are skinny and can be physical rigorous to maneuver through. There are two spots that are exposed, with heights at 20 and 15 feet. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 4 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near trailheads or vehicles. Temperatures can reach around 80-90 degrees during this time of season which increases the risk of heat illness. 

Abbreviated Itinerary 

•  Thursday, September 12th - Meet at the GSEP Headquarters in Escalante, UT, at 530 West Main Street for introductions and orientation. We will travel to a predetermined campsite and set up in preparation for the work week ahead.

•  Friday, September 13th - Workday

•  Saturday, September 14th - Workday

•  Sunday, September 15th - Half workday / Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Water

•  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

•  Groover system

•  Camp kitchen

•  All project gear

Project Description

Sign-ups for this project are through Wilderness Volunteers. To sign up, please visit https://wildernessvolunteers.org/wv-project/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument-fall/

In partnership with Wilderness Volunteers and the Bureau of Land Management, Wilderness Volunteers will help remediate visitor impacts on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along popular recreation corridors and treat Russian olive in the Escalante River Watershed. The project will start with Russian olive removal along the Escalante River and/or one of its tributaries using handsaws, herbicide, and loppers (2 days).

The second half of the project will be to address visitor impacts along Hole In The Rock, Spencer Flat, and/or the Burr Trail (will be determined later based on weather and impacts, also 2 days). Volunteers will help address camping impacts like campfires, tree cutting, vehicle trespass, and new site creation. This project may also include addressing and remediating scratched-in and drawn-on graffiti in sandstone canyons and trail work to improve signage and cairn reconstruction and refinement. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon in partnership with Wildernerss Volunteers trip leaders

Recommended Ability Level

Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day. 

Abbreviated Itinerary

• Sunday, May 12th. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, and orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.

• Monday, May 13th. Workday.

• Tuesday, May 14th. Workday.

• Wednesday, May 15th. Day off.

• Thursday, May 16th. Workday.

• Friday, May 17th. Workday.

• Saturday, May 18th. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Water

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

• Groover system

• Camp kitchen

• All project gear

Project Description

In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, GSEP will help remediate visitor impacts on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along popular recreation corridors. We will focus on impacts on the lower portion of Hole in The Rock Road (Sooner Rocks, Batty Pass Cave, and Forty Mile Ridge but may change based on weather and impacts). Volunteers will help remediate camping impacts like campfires, tree cutting, vehicle trespass, trash pick-up and new site creation. This project may also include remediating scratched-in and drawn-on graffiti in sandstone canyons and trail work to improve signage and cairn reconstruction and refinement. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day. 

Abbreviated Itinerary

•  Thursday, October 10th - The Volunteer group meets midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, and orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.

•  Friday, October 11th - Workday

•  Saturday, October 12th - Workday

•  Sunday, October 13th - Half workday / Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Water

•  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

•  Groover system

•  Camp kitchen

•  All project gear

Project Description

We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to clean up camping impacts on Spencer Flat Road in the northern end of GSENM.  These impacts include cleaning campfire rings, picking up trash, and raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads. Our Spencer Flat days are full of teamwork, great discussions, and making a big difference on the ground! 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

Hiking for this project will be limited since most camp areas are accessed by car, but volunteers should be able to walk across uneven terrain. Volunteers should be able to bend repeatedly and lift between 20-30 pounds. If volunteers would like to drive, 2WD high clearance will be sufficient.

Abbreviated Itinerary

• Option 1: 

  • 8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT

• Option 2: 

  • 9:00 am: Meet at the turn for Spencer Flat Road 

• 9-9:30 am: Coffee, tea, and hot coco provided. Safety talk and task overview.

• 9:30 am - 4 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.

Needed Gear

• Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

• Closed-toe shoes

• Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

• Lunch

• Snacks

• At least 2 liters of water

Provided Gear

• Work gloves

• Extra water

• All project gear

Project Description

In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, GSEP is organizing a stewardship project to improve the day-use area at the Paria River Townsite. From November 7th to 10th, volunteers will focus on delineating the parking area by building buck and rail fences, clearing brush, installing signs, and removing dead trees around the parking area and along the trail to the townsite. Additionally, we will conduct maintenance and cleanup efforts at the White House Campground. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to help preserve and enhance the natural beauty and accessibility of these significant sites within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Join us in making a tangible impact on our public lands!

Project Leaders

Kaitlin Martin & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level

Volunteers should have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day and lift 30-40lbs throughout the work day. 

Abbreviated Itinerary

•  Thursday, November 7th - The Volunteer group meets midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, and orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.

•  Friday, November 8th - Workday

•  Saturday, November 9th - Workday

•  Sunday, November 10th - Half workday / Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart

Needed Gear

Equipment List

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Water

•  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea

•  Groover system

•  Camp kitchen

•  All project gear

Project Description

We are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to address impacts at the iconic Dry Fork slot canyons and Narrows. We will spend the day hiking through these spectacular canyons while picking up trash and remediating graffiti in the Dry Fork Narrows and Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons. We may help with other projects in the area including sign repair, raking out tracks left by vehicles traveling off designated roads, correcting cairns, installing rock baskets and naturalizing social trails.

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Ability level

This hike is estimated at 5 miles round trip; however, we will likely cover more ground as we will be hunting for trash and rogue cairns. The hike is through deep sand and undulating slick rock with steep inclines and declines. The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons are skinny and can be physical rigorous to maneuver through. There are two spots that are exposed, with heights at 20 and 15 feet. You will need to carry a day pack with at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks, personal gear and work gear for the entirety of the hike as we will not be near trailheads or vehicles. 

Tentative Itinerary

•  8:30 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 West Main Street, Escalante, UT

•  8:30-9:00 am: Coffee, tea, and hot coco provided. Introductions, safety talk and task overview.

•  9-10:00 am: Travel to Dry Fork trailhead

•  10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Complete project tasks, taking snack and lunch breaks as needed.

• 3-4:00 pm: Travel back to Escalante and wrap-up

Needed Gear

•  Long-sleeved work shirt and pants that you don't mind getting dirty

•  Closed-toe shoes

•  Eye protection (sunglasses are fine)

•  Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

•  Lunch

•  Snacks

•  At least 2 liters of water

• Day pack with the 10 Essentials 

Provided Gear

•  Work gloves

•  Extra water

•  All project gear

Training Description:

Trail Ambassador volunteers interact with visitors along popular trails and at trailheads throughout Grand Staircase on a reccurring basis. The Trail Ambassador Program uses Leave no Trace and Visit with Respect Principles as guiding practices in minimizing harmful impacts on the Monument. This two day training will break down these applications and teach you how to use those tools in the field. We’ll be joined by a BLM ranger who will detail the history and mission of the Monument and BLM as well as the role of the Trail Ambassador. 

Once signed up, volunteers will need to watch the online training videos before attending the two day in person training. The online training portion is broken down into 4 videos posted to YouTube and are accompanied by a Google Form. Part 1 of the online training program introduces the Trail Ambassador program, Part 2 discusses safety, Part 3 covers the educational content, and Part 4 offers some tips when interacting with strangers while volunteering. This portion of the training must be completed one week before the in-person training. 

See Become a Trail Ambassador  page for more detail. 

Project Leaders

Kristen Buck & Victor Coulon

Recommended Ability Level:

This is a two-day training so please plan accordingly, including meals and snacks for the classroom portion of the training. Dinner will be provided for the evening of the 16th and breakfast and lunch for the 17th. There are multiple lodgings and several “at-large” camping opportunities around Escalante if you are arriving the day before the training and staying after the training. There will be a 6-mile hike at Lower Calf Creek Falls  on the second day of training. This is an interactive, hands-on event, so come with an open mind and be ready to engage! 

Itinerary:

April 1st

• 9:00 am: Meet at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners Headquarters at 530 W Main St. Escalante, UT.

• 9-9:15 am: Coffee, tea and hot cocoa provided.

• 9:15-10:00 am: Introductions, objectives and goals. 

• 10-12:00 pm: Training program

• 12-1:00 pm: Lunch

• 1-2:00 pm: Finish training program

• 2-3:30 pm: Logistics, reporting protocol and supply/materials orientation

• 3:30-4:00 pm: Final Q&A and prep for tomorrow

• Travel to Lower Calf Creek Falls where we will camp for the night and dinner will be provided

April 2nd

• 8:30-9:30 am: Wake up, breakfast, coffee, tea and hot cocoa provided, there will also be a lunch spread to pack for the day.

• 9:30-12:00 pm: Hike to the Falls as a practicing Trail Ambassador

• 12:00-1:00 pm: Lunch

• 1:00-3:30 pm: Hike back to trailhead and return to Escalante

• 4:00 pm: Wrap-up, follow-ups and goodbyes 

Needed Gear:

A day pack for hiking that includes personal items such as water (at least 2 liters) and the 10 Essentials. Sturdy, closed toe shoes, comfortable hiking pants or shorts and sunglasses. Please consider bringing note taking materials for the “classroom” portion of the training. 

Equipment List

Provided Gear:

• GSEP Trail Ambassador uniform

• On-trail Trail Ambassador supplies/materials

• Trail Ambassador boothing supplies/materials

• Work Gloves

• Dinner the night of the 16th and breakfast and lunch for the 17th