Welcome to the Cannonville Visitor Center, a pivotal point of interest situated at the northern end of the scenic Cottonwood Canyon Road. This location serves as a primary gateway to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a vast expanse of rugged and picturesque landscapes. Established as one of the four central visitor centers within the Monument, the Cannonville Visitor Center offers a rich tapestry of human and natural history.
Though not much is documented about the early days of the visitor center itself, the area surrounding it is steeped in history. In 1996, President Bill Clinton designated the Grand Staircase-Escalante as a national monument, thus highlighting its importance in preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage. The Monument spans a vast area larger than the state of Delaware and is renowned for its geologic formations and paleontological discoveries. In fact, numerous dinosaur fossils have been unearthed here, painting a picture of life millions of years ago.
The Cannonville Visitor Center, open seasonally from mid-March through mid-November, plays a crucial role in preparing visitors for their adventures. It provides vital information on weather conditions, hiking tips, and road reports, essential for anyone looking to explore the challenging terrain of the Grand Staircase. The knowledgeable staff is always eager to share insights into the rich history of the region, from the Native American tribes who first inhabited the area to the pioneer settlers who followed.
Notable figures associated with the area include the Domínguez–Escalante Expedition. In 1776, two Franciscan priests, Atanasio Domínguez and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, traversed parts of what is now the Monument in their quest to find a route from Santa Fe to Monterey. Although their journey was fraught with hardships, the maps and journals they created became invaluable resources for future explorers and settlers.
Today, the Cannonville Visitor Center stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of exploration and discovery. As you prepare to journey through the Grand Staircase-Escalante, take a moment to reflect on the countless stories etched into this landscape, from ancient geological processes to the pathfinding expeditions of the past.
