Looking for the perfect place to stay in Escalante, Utah? Read my honest review of Ofland Escalante after returning two years later with my 10-year-old daughter for an unforgettable family adventure.
Ofland Escalante: Where Adventure, Nostalgia, and Family Come Together
Some places become more than just destinations—they become milestones in your story. For me, Ofland Escalante is one of those places. In August 2024, I visited Ofland on my very first professional photography collaboration with a glamping resort. At the time, I was simply hoping to prove to myself that maybe this dream of becoming a travel photographer could actually become reality. Nearly two years later, I returned—not only as a more established travel creator, photographer, and writer, but with my 10-year-old daughter, Lily, by my side.
Walking back onto the property felt like closing one chapter while beginning another. The dream I had back then has grown into a career, and this time I was able to share the experience with the person who inspires every adventure I take. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Escalante, Utah, whether you’re road-tripping through Southern Utah, exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, or traveling with kids, Ofland offers an experience that’s equal parts nostalgic, adventurous, and relaxing.
A Unique Stay in the Heart of Escalante, Utah
Ofland isn’t your typical hotel. Instead, it blends the charm of vintage roadside motels with modern design, thoughtful amenities, and a welcoming outdoor atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding desert landscape.
The property offers a variety of accommodations including beautifully charming cabins, restored vintage Airstreams, and campsites, making it easy for every type of traveler to find the perfect fit. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a family vacation, Ofland creates a space where slowing down feels effortless.
The Perfect Basecamp for Exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante
One of Ofland’s biggest advantages is its location. Situated along Scenic Byway 12—often considered one of America’s most beautiful drives—it’s the perfect home base for exploring Southern Utah’s incredible landscapes.
Some nearby adventures include:
- Lower Calf Creek Falls
- Devils Garden
- Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons
- Zebra Slot Canyon
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Hole-in-the-Rock Road
- Bryce Canyon National Park (approximately one hour away)
After long days hiking through sandstone canyons and desert trails, returning to Ofland feels like coming home.
Family-Friendly Without Sacrificing Style
Traveling with a child often means searching for accommodations that balance comfort with opportunities to make lasting memories. Ofland does exactly that. Lily immediately gravitated toward the outdoor spaces where families naturally gather after a day of exploring.
Evenings became our favorite part of the day. Instead of sitting inside watching television, we spent time outside together, enjoying the desert air, laughing around the fire pits, and simply slowing down. Those are the moments I know she’ll remember years from now.
Amenities That Make You Want to Stay a Little Longer
Ofland understands that a memorable stay is about more than just having a comfortable bed.
The property features:
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Hot tub perfect after hiking
- Fire pits for evening gatherings
- On-site food truck
- Beautiful communal gathering spaces
- Incredible views of Utah’s iconic red rock landscape
Rather than feeling like a place you simply sleep between adventures, Ofland becomes part of the experience itself. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon relaxing on property before heading back out for sunset.
Designed for Slow Mornings
One of my favorite parts of traveling is embracing slower mornings. Coffee tastes different when you’re surrounded by towering red cliffs. The pace naturally shifts.
Instead of rushing out the door, mornings become an opportunity to enjoy the quiet, watch the sunrise paint the sandstone, and appreciate just how beautiful Southern Utah really is. Ofland encourages that slower rhythm. It’s one of the rare places where doing less somehow feels like experiencing more.
Why Ofland Holds a Special Place in My Heart
As creators, we’re often chasing what’s next.
The next destination.
The next collaboration.
The next opportunity.
Returning to Ofland reminded me to look backward, too. Two years ago, I arrived here hoping someone would believe in my work. Today, I returned having built a career I once only dreamed about—and I was able to experience it with Lily. Watching her explore the same property where so much of my own journey began made this trip feel incredibly meaningful. Sometimes success isn’t measured by the places you’ve gone. It’s measured by realizing you’ve become the person you hoped you’d be when you first started.
Is Ofland Escalante Worth It?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re planning a Utah road trip, exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, or simply searching for one of the most unique places to stay in Escalante, Ofland delivers an experience that goes far beyond accommodations. It offers adventure, community, thoughtful design, incredible amenities, and a genuine sense of place. For our family, it also became something much more personal. A reminder that dreams often come full circle—and sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin exactly where you started.
Planning Your Stay at Ofland Escalante
If you’re visiting Southern Utah, consider spending at least three nights at Ofland. This gives you enough time to explore nearby slot canyons, waterfalls, scenic drives, and hidden gems while still enjoying everything the property has to offer.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids, Ofland is more than a place to stay—it’s a destination that invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create memories that last long after your road trip ends.
Learn more or book your stay here!
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