Why BaseCamp 37°? The Meaning Behind the Name

At BaseCamp 37°, we get this question a lot. What do you mean by base camp? And why the 37°? For us, BaseCamp 37° isn’t just a name; it’s a philosophy. A place that’s off-grid but on-point. A camp that blends comfort with adventure. A home base for travelers who want to experience the wild without sacrificing a great night’s sleep.

Let's break it down.

The Base Camp Concept

In the world of adventure, a base camp is more than just a place to stay—it's a launchpad. Mountaineers, climbers, and explorers use base camps as staging areas before heading into the wild. It’s where you rest, regroup, and prepare for whatever comes next.

That’s exactly what BaseCamp 37° is: a comfortable and inspiring home base for those who want to explore the rugged landscapes of southern Utah. Whether you're hiking, canyoneering, or simply soaking in the desert's beauty, this is your place to land, unwind, and get ready for another day of adventure.

What’s with 37°?

It’s not just a number—it’s a geographic marker that reflects exactly where we are. The 37th parallel runs along the Utah-Arizona border, putting us right in the heart of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southwest. In fact, we’re less than half a mile from the border, making it one of our favorite spots for an evening walk.

For us, 37° is more than coordinates—it’s a tribute to this rugged, red rock terrain, where slot canyons, towering sandstone cliffs, and endless skies define the landscape.

Your Launchpad for Adventure

One of the best things about BaseCamp 37° is our location. We’re perfectly positioned for exploring some of the most iconic destinations in the Southwest. Here’s a little peek at how far we are from some must-see spots.

  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – We’re located at its southern end in the Chocolate Cliffs. Popular sites like the Toadstool Hoodoos are just 40 minutes away, while Lower Calf Creek Waterfall is about 3 hours away.

  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park - Just 40 minutes away, this unique park is home to shifting red sand dunes that make for incredible off-roading, hiking, and photography.

  • Zion National Park East Entrance – 50 minutes from camp, the East Entrance provides stunning views, fewer crowds, and quick access to famous hikes like Observation Point and Canyon Overlook.

  • Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – 60 minutes to Wire Pass Trailhead, the gateway to The Wave and Buckskin Gulch, two of the most sought-after hikes in the Southwest.

  • Lone Rock at Lake Powell – 60 minutes away, Lone Rock, a massive sandstone monolith, rises from the waters of Lake Powell, a perfect spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and sunset views.

  • Antelope Canyon – Located 70 minutes from camp, this world-famous slot canyon is known for its stunning light beams and sculpted sandstone walls.

  • Horseshoe Bend Overlook – 70 minutes away, this iconic viewpoint offers breathtaking views of a dramatic bend in the Colorado River, best seen at sunrise or sunset.

  • North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park – 90 minutes from camp, the North Rim offers a quieter, more rugged Grand Canyon experience with spectacular vistas.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park – 90 minutes away, Bryce is known for its hoodoo rock formations and brilliant night skies, making it a favorite for hikers and stargazers alike.

  • Lee’s Ferry – 90 minutes to this historic site, the launch point for rafting the Grand Canyon, and a prime spot for kayaking along the calm waters of Glen Canyon.

From National Parks to Monuments and everything in between, BaseCamp 37° puts you in the center of it all. Your adventure starts here!

Stay in One Place, Explore More

Packing up every morning, checking out, adventuring all day, then scrambling to find a new place to sleep—it’s exhausting. Why go through the hassle when you can call BaseCamp 37° home for your entire trip?

With a dedicated base camp, you get to focus on your adventure, knowing that at the end of the day, you’ll return to a comfortable, familiar space. No unpacking and repacking, no searching for last-minute accommodations—just pure adventure by day and relaxation by night.

At BaseCamp 37°, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of your evenings. Our fully stocked kitchen lets you cook up your favorite meals, and we’ll provide the bonfire, s’mores, and good vibes. Kick back under the Milky Way, share stories around the fire, and wake up refreshed—ready for another epic day.

So, when we say Base Camp, we mean it—because every great adventure deserves an equally awesome place to begin and end.

Stephanie Kichler