Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41300 sq ft
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Outdoor barbecue
Deck or patio
Explore the area
Escalante, UT
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
Place, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
1 min walk
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhed
Place, Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhed
7 min drive
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Place, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
25 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Loft 1
1 Single Bed
Loft 2
2 Single Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area
About this property
40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat
Cross Creek Ranch (the property) is part of a 160 acre private in holding in the heart of The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, seated halfway between Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. Located where Scenic Highway 12 ('The Golden Loop') crosses the Escalante River, it is the hiking trail head to the renowned Escalante Canyons. The main home and guest house (see vrbo 652481) are the only structures on the last 40 acres downriver before 75 miles of wilderness area that runs all the way to Lake Powell.
This getaway is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath river front home tucked in between large cottonwood shade trees with views on all sides of the Escalante Canyon, meadows, cliffs, and river. The 1300 sq. ft. house sits in a lush riparian oasis surrounded by 600 ft. sandstone cliffs. Hike from the front door to first class scenic wonders.
The 16x28 ft. great room has 15 ft. cathedral ceilings with a massive stone fireplace and a 4x16 ft. built-in window seat. Magnificent views can be seen from the fully equipped kitchen with concrete counter tops, cherry wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom with a king bed has a glass wall view of a 200 ft. slick rock pour off, and a glass mosaic tile shower. Beautiful canyon and meadow views can be seen from the second bedroom (queen bed) as well as the spacious 8x30 ft. deck. The home has excellent wi-fi and no TV. A high clearance vehicle is preferable for the concreted low-water river crossing (generally 1 ft. deep).
We are using CDC certified Covid-19 killing disinfectant spray called QA Solution for our guests safety.
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**DO NOT CROSS LOW WATER CROSSING DURING FLASH FLOODS**
4 WD vehicles are always recommended
Please respect our neighbors’ privacy
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Boulder
Located in Boulder, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, while Escalante Heritage Center and Anasazi State Park are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Calf Creek Recreation Area - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhed - 7 min drive - 4.8 km
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - 25 min drive - 30.5 km
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - 29 min drive - 31.6 km
Restaurants
Kiva Koffeehouse - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat?
As of 10 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat on 17 Jun, 2026 start from S$440, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 40 Acre Escalante Canyon Retreat located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and within 3 mi (5 km) of Calf Creek Recreation Area and Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhed. Upper Calf Creek Fall Trailhead is 7.8 mi (12.6 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location for exploring the northern part of Grand Staircase. You are actually staying in the monument boundaries Beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Deer grazing out front.
Very nice property, well maintained and in a great location.
TODD P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jan, 2026
Thank you, it was a pleasure having you!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dirk
7 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely beautiful home and the location was amazing. Our view from the dining table at breakfast set such a positive mood for the rest of our day and star gazing at night was such a treat to us city dwellers! The home itself had beautiful touches of stone and tile which added to a comfortable esthetic stay. We loved it! A nice added feature is the close proximity to Kiva Coffee!! We loved it.
We have stayed here several times. Always magical. This time wild, beautiful fog! Another fabulous meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill. One of our favorite houses in the world.
Just an amazing home. Beautiful inside, stunning grounds. Remote location in the Escalante River valley, but 20 minutes to the town of Escalante for coffee and food. Easy communication with the host. A definite place to come back to.
We had an amazing experience!! The house was beautiful and very comfortable, including the beds. Couldn’t imagine a more serene location…if you’re lucky to book it, don’t hesitate!
It's hard to imagine a better location for a vacation rental. This was our second time staying here and we hope to be back again. The house and location are unique and memorable--it feels like you're camping in your own corner of canyon country, but with all the comforts of a modern home. If you can stay here, do!
The Escalante Canyon Retreat is a very secluded beautiful home. We especially loved how the property is surrounded by trees and native nature. Would highly recommend.
This is such an incredibly unique and beautiful and private property. Hosts were more than responsive and gracious. The home is remote so be prepared, but that’s what we wanted, and it was everything we could imagine and then some.
Meghan S.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
About the host
Hosted by Katie Howland 2
About the owners Doug, Miranda, and Katie Howland: Doug is a 35-year designer/builder who built this beautiful home. His youngest daughter Katie lives in Portland with her older sister Miranda. After a career in the arts, Katie now manages the family’s properties. They built the house over a 7-year period in the late 90’s, commuting 7 hours each way from their home in Arizona. Doug now migrate between their properties in Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii. They like to hike, horseback ride, ski, practice yoga, whitewater raft, dance, and travel in their free time. They also have vacation rentals in the town of Sedona in Northern Arizona and on the North Shore of Kauai.
Why they chose this property
Doug came across this property in the early '90s. He fell in love with it not only for its beauty, but also because it is both accessible and secluded with the Escalante River flowing through it.
What makes this property unique
There are many amazing natural wonders right out the front door and within an hour's drive (see above). Look for deer and wild turkey in the meadow in the mornings and evenings and watch the cloud shadows change over the canyon walls. Head up or down the canyon into rugged wilderness, and return home to comfort.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests