Cows run this place. Sprained my ankle the other day when a gigantic muscular bull (like you’d see in a bullfight ring) came out of the trees grunting and huffing. I was scared but he was more scared of me as it turned out. Grand Staircase Escalante is a national monument but ranchers still have permits to graze their stock, so it’s tough finding clean-ish water and shade on route without cow patties (but the pack trails are great! These cows really know the area!)
