I will be in Salt Lake City in Feb and am thinking of taking a few day to go take some photos in southern utah. i am particularly struck by the picutres i have seen of beautiful undulating rock shapes, one of which I remember was from grand staricase-escalante, which is a huge park in s utah.

has anyone seen these formations? where are they exactly?

I also assume that snow might be an issue in that area in feb.

You are correct that snow can be an issue on the Grand Staircase in February. The main highways are plowed and should be open except during and immediately after the heaviest storms. Side roads and back-country roads can be anywhere from open to completely impassable for the season. Main roads, however, could still be snowpacked and/or icy.

I don't know which rock formations in particular you are referring to but much of southern Utah is filled with unique geologic formations worthy of photography. Many people think them even more photgenic when snow covered.

My suggestion would be to stay flexible and check weather and road conditions on your arrival. If the Grand Staircase seems like a problem, Bryce Canyon is usually open. If both are a problem, Zion National Park is at a lower elevation and is almost never closed for weather.

Dress warmly, carry extra food, water, and winter clothing and enjoy your trip.

Hi Tom,

The pictures you have seen are probably of The Wave, an area in the Escalante/Grand Staircase. A permit is required to go into the area. I have not visited it yet myself, so I don't know how long of a hike it is. Yes, there might be snow, but a permit will be easier to get and hiking easier to do than in the summer, when it's really, really hot.

Contact the national monument offices to see about getting the permit.

Also, be certain you are fully prepared. It's a very remote area. You'll be completely on your own. Be sure to ask about road conditions. It might not be accessible at all if the road is snowy or wet.

The wave is about a 3 mile hike one way. The problem is if you don't have a permit, you can't go. It if very difficult to get a permit as they go fast.

Here's the BLM site with the wave information and how to get a permit.

http://www.blm.gov/az/asfo/paria/coy...es/gallery.htm

Given the winter weather, you might want to try going to Moab/Arches instead. The roads should be good because they are main roads and it is only 4 hours away instead of 6. The only issue could be Route 6 to Price, but I think they keep that fairly clear for snowmobilers who drive to their destinations. I would NOT recommend the Grand Staircase for an out of stater during the winter. That is a rescue (hopefully not recovery) operation waiting to happen. And it happens every year.

Probably talking about the Coyote Buttes area, here are some pics to make sure ... http://www.pbase.com/dougsherman/dou...an_photography

As dgassa said you need a permit, but don't fret, they give out 10 a day over the internet several months in advance and save 10 a day for walk-ups, and in February you should have no trouble getting a walk-up permit if the internet ones are taken. I think you'll have to get this at the office in Kanab (unless they have changed it again) since the Paria Ranger station is usually closed that time of year, but check this in advance to make sure.

The other potential problem is the road from the main highway, which is impassable after rains even with 4 WD. So if you're lucky you can snag a permit and drive in, then you have a 3 mile walk without a trail where you'll need to be really careful not to slip on ice.

Bill

BEAUTIFUL UNDULATING ROCKS IN HUGE S. UTAH PARK.

Well pick any of them and you will be happy. They are all great. Once you go to one of them, you will want to go to all of them. Even the state parks there are spectacular.

I would suggest Moab area. Checkout Arches, Cayonlands, Deadhorse Point State Park, and Goblin Valley State Park. How adventurous are you?