Arrival/Check-In: My sister and I flew from Philadelphia (PHL) to Las Vegas (LAS) and arrived at 8:30 p.m. Although it was late, we planned to drive straight to Escalante, Utah, and check in the same night. After a five-hour drive, we reached our destination: Entrada Escalante Lodge.
The concierge had kindly arranged for our keys and room number to be waiting despite our late arrival after the lobby had closed. We collected our keys, parked in front of the lodge and fell into bed on the king-sized mattress — at that point, checking in was the easiest part of the trip.
Guest Quarters: The next morning I inspected our deluxe king room (Lodge No. 7) and appreciated how spacious it was. The unit featured a full kitchen and dining area, an outdoor patio with a grill and furniture, a living room with a TV and a queen-sized sofa sleeper, a king bed, and a full bathroom with a large shower equipped with two showerheads. WiFi was available and there was ample space to unpack and prepare for long days of hiking.
This layout is ideal for longer stays — guests can stock the refrigerator, cook in the kitchen or on the grill, and dine comfortably regardless of the weather. Large windows and outdoor seating offered unobstructed views of the nearby mountains.
Service/Amenities: Inside the lodge we found binders filled with local information, including restaurant recommendations, tour options and shopping. The lobby provided complimentary tea and coffee in the morning and a selection of guides and materials for day trips and hikes. Our room was clean and well supplied with white towels for bathing and darker towels for dealing with Escalante’s red dirt, along with extra blankets, pillows and other comforts.
The lodge operates like a self-serve base for outdoor adventure: guests can come and go as they please while observing quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Stock up on supplies in town and return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the space at your own pace.
Top Takeaways:
◆ Plan your visit for the warm season when longer days let you make the most of outdoor spaces both day and night.
◆ The lodge sits on the town’s main road and is within walking distance of several good restaurants and taverns.
◆ Be aware of Utah’s alcohol laws: many beers are limited to lower alcohol by volume unless you request full-strength options.
◆ Use the lodge as a convenient base for exploring local trails — most are 15 to 30 minutes away by car, and Bryce Canyon National Park is about an hour’s drive.
ENTRADA ESCALANTE LODGE
480 W. Main St.
P.O. BOX 427
Escalante, UT 84726
tel 435 826 4000
entradaescalante.com