Shaun is a midwestern transplant of several decades in southern Utah. His perspective is informed by this lens which includes both outsider and insider perspectives so that he can help visitors understand the cultural history and resource struggles of this place. I'm a photographer who wanted to see some unique spots in the area. Shaun took two of us photogs out to Big Horn canyon, on a fairly easy circuit hike, for about five hours. During the hike he enriched our experience by pointing out features of the landscape including native American artefacts and hot spots, plants, rocks, and gave us a good feel of the current management and administration of the wilderness lands in which we were. He gave us a feel for how the place changes on a week to week basis as he is roaming around on a daily basis. I really enjoyed the richness he brought to my understanding of the unique and stark landscape of dry washes, gulches, rock walls, and canyons we found ourselves in. I felt that his guiding services were worth every penny I paid. I would definitely return and use his services again. He was terrific.
Shawn led us (mom, dad, and teenage daughter) along with three other hikers through Spooky and Peekaboo slot canyons. I would highly recommend hiring him. I don't think we would have found the slots without him---and our car might not have survived getting there! Also, we felt very safe with him as he was prepared for emergencies and knew the area so well. He is very friendly and went out of his way to show us the area's flora/fauna, geology, and history. I am somewhat claustrophobic and having him guide us through the slots made me feel much more comfortable about it. I am so glad we made this trip and spent the money to hire Shawn.
Shawn wasn't available to lead myself, a friend and my kids (12 and 10) to Spooky and Peek-a-Boo canyon so Mike filled in. What a pro! We had so much fun even though it was bloody hot walking across the desert. Mike made sure were were safe and had ample opportunity to wander around, take pictures and enjoy the coolness and beauty of the slots. He knows the area like the back of his hand and shared his knowledge with us. I'll continue to tell my friends about Escapegoats and if I ever get the chance to come back I will do it again. Thanks, Mike!
I wanted to "hike" some Slot Canyons and Shawn is the one to go with because you climb, slide, crawl, etc. and without his help we would never have made it! He also knows so much about the flora, fauna, and geology. Spooky and Peek-a-boo are amazing slots and the wildflowers were beautiful, but we never would have succeeded without Shawn's help. It was a full day trip and to have him drive the washer-board roads and assist us was worth every cent.
Shawn was courteous to take my call late last night and agreed to take me up on Spooky / Peekaboo / Dry fork slot canyon tour today. I'm so glad I hired this company. I would not have negotiated driving on Hole in the rock road or hiking these trails all by myself. I'm a long distance runner and hiker in good shape but have issues with heights. Shawn made the whole trip very comforting. He was there to help me scramble the rocks or descending down the narrow slides.I would highly recommend him and this company to any one wishing to explore Escalante area.I can't wait to come back and do a longer backpacking trip with him. Thanks Shawn for everything.
We decided to hire, Shawn, the guide and operator for Escape Goats Day Tours. We wanted a guide for a slot canyon tour in Escalante National Monument. I would highly encourage hikers of any ability to use Shawn as their guide. We (my husband and I) hiked in Big Horn. We never would have found it on our own. Shawn guided us through the canyon and really knew the area and the history and geology of the area. He caters to all physical abilities and is also respectful of the environment. It was much better than we could have done on our own.
We had one the best adventures our family has ever experienced! We started early in the day with Shawn with a drive out hole in the rock road to hike through spooky gulch and peek a boo canyons. Shawn has an excellent knowledge of local plants and their purposes (food, medicine, etc) and he pointed everything out for us on the way into the slots. We went through Spooky first- it was extremely narrow (10in!) and required a lot of scrambling to get through. Peek a boo actually had several areas where it was filled with muddy (and stinky) water that we had to climb through. My kids loved very minute! Shawn was patient, extremely helpful giving us a knee or hand up in the tough spots, and most importantly, tolerated my sons incessant questions! This was a highly enjoyable experience and I recommend Shawn and Escape Goats to anyone looking for a unique family adventure that they will remember forever!!
My friend and I just finished a four-night backpacking trip with Shawn of Escape Goats. Shawn is an outstanding guide, over the top. If I could I would give him 6+ stars :).We had a blast the entire trip and felt comfortable and carefree the whole time thanks to Shawn's expertise and care. We hiked in incredibly beautiful places that we never would have found or hiked to on our own and felt safe the entire time.Shawn's passion for hiking in Escalante is infectious. Shawn has explored the area extensively and knows a lot about its natural history. Shawn is a lot of fun to hike with and inspires confidence to explore new areas. Shawn is helpful, easygoing and highly competent and is an expert on backpacking. We learned a bunch from Shawn on how to minimize the weight of our packs and stay safe and comfortable.We could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, competent, safe, fun, friendly, and personable guide. Shawn loaned us whatever equipment we didn't have, provided the food, and helped us leave out what we didn't need. Shawn drove us into a great area, led us on a great adventure and drove us out, so our entire trip was worry and carefree. Even though we were in the desert we had plenty of water and ways to cool off.We had so much fun and felt so safe the whole time! It was such a blast we can't wait to return to Escalante and hike with Shawn of Escape goats again as soon as possible !
Shawn guided us through Peek-a-boo and Spooky Canyons. Even before getting to the entrance to the slots, I felt we had learned an amazing amount about the plants, the land, and the lore of the slots. He was incredibly helpful - it was our first time in this type of canyon, and he helped us every step of the way, If he can get us through, he could probably get anyone through. And when I dropped a gadget along the way, he got it back for me, going beyond the call of duty. I cannot imagine a better experience or a better guide.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Shawn. Not only did he drive us out there , keep us from getting lost but he showed up exactly where to climb up the harder spots and assisted us wherever we needed help. Young people can possibly pull this off on their own. For the rest of us there is Shawn.