
- Getting to the Monument. take U.S. 89 to the east or U.S. 89A to the south through Fredonia and Jacob Lake.
- Getting Around. There are no paved roads within the monument. While House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065) is a maintained dirt road, it may be impassable when wet.
- Things to Do. You can enjoy scenic views of towering cliffs and deep canyons. Paria Canyon offers an outstanding three- to five-day wilderness backpacking experience ( permits required ).
- Permits Required. You must have a permit to hike in Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and for overnight trips within Paria Canyon.
- Facilities. There are no visitor centers on the monument. the Interagency Information Center in St. George, Utah.
- Safety. You'll need special planning and awareness of potential hazards. Expect rugged and unmarked roads, venomous reptiles and invertebrates, extreme heat or cold, deep sand, and flash floods.
Full Answer
Where is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Located on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument includes the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The monument borders Kaibab National Forest to the west and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the east. From Flagstaff, travel north of U.S. Highway 89 or 89A.
When is the best time to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
The best times to visit are typically April, May, September, and October. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument has no visitor centers or scenic drives. For permits and information, you’ll need to visit the Paria Contact Station on Highway 89, the BLM Visitor Center in Kanab, or the Interagency Information Center in St. George, Utah.
How do I get to the visitor's cliffs National Monument in Utah?
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument has no visitor centers or scenic drives. For permits and information, you’ll need to visit the Paria Contact Station on Highway 89, the BLM Visitor Center in Kanab, or the Interagency Information Center in St. George, Utah.
Is Vermilion Cliffs a good destination for camping?
If you’re not hiking, it’s not really a destination for camping since it’s so rugged and remote and there’s little else to do other than watch for the once almost-extinct California Condor soaring overhead. Vermilion Cliffs doesn’t have marked trails so much as areas popular with hikers, and you will need a permit to hike in most of them.

Can you drive into Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Really nice viewing of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument can be done by just driving along U.S. Highway 89A between Jacob Lake, Arizona and Marble Canyon, Arizona. In order to see The Wave, you must be issued a permit by the Bureau of Land Management in Kanab, Utah...
Do you need a permit to go to Vermillion Cliffs?
1 answer. You do not need a permit to enter the monument (drive through on the scenic route), however some areas of the park require a permit for access - North Coyote Buttes (The Wave), South Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon. At Paria Canyon, you can purchase a day-use permit at the trail head.
How do I get to The Wave Vermillion Cliffs?
How do I get to the Wave? Assuming you have obtained a North Coyote Buttes permit, you may access the Wave trailhead at Wire Pass via House Rock Valley Road. To get to the Wave from Kanab, Utah, drive east on Highway 89 for 43 miles to House Rock Valley Road. There's a double blinking light just before the turnoff.
Is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument free?
3 answers. There is a fee. It's about $10 , but worth it, we did not hike but parked right near a scenic beach by the Colorado river, which you can go and wade in if you want to.
How many days do you need Vermilion Cliffs?
The most famous attractions here are the Wave, Paria Canyon, and Buckskin Gulch - all are spectacular. Plan for at least 3 full days to see everything discussed below.
Where is Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway?
Embarking from the spectacular Virgin River Gorge, south of St. George, Utah, you can follow 277 miles of paved highways winding through small rural communities to the Navajo Indian Reservation on the east.
How hard is the hike to The Wave?
Difficulty. The Wave hike is moderate in difficulty. The trail is 3 miles one-way in wilderness land. It's also a low trafficked trail so you won't see a distinct path part of the way unless there is sand or dirt.
Is The Wave in Arizona worth it?
Not only 'The Wave' itself but also the hike is one of the most beautiful trails you'll ever experience. The hike: The hike itself begins with about 800m (half a mile) of walking along a dry riverbed – perhaps not the most exciting start to a hike, but of course it is worth it.
How much does it cost to go to The Wave Arizona?
$9 per applicationHow much does The Wave permit cost? The fee for a permit is $9 per application. You can have up to six people per application. You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at [email protected] or you can also follow her on Twitter.
How do you get to the white pocket in Arizona?
White Pocket trailhead is accessed from the House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). To get to House Rock Valley Road from Kanab, UT, take Highway 89 east for 38 miles. From Page, AZ, take Highway 89 west for 36 miles. The south end of House Rock Valley Road intersects Highway 89A 13.5 miles east of Jacob Lake, AZ.
Why are the Vermilion Cliffs famous?
The Vermilion Cliffs are important habitat for the endangered California condor and countless other wildlife, and they seep rain water to life-giving springs in the valley below.
Do I need a permit for Marble Canyon?
According to the BLM, you must be within the following areas to apply for a daily permit on the app: In Arizona: Page, Greenhaven, Marble Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs, Jacob Lake, White Sage, Fredonia, Moccasin and the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation.
Do you need a permit for Marble Canyon?
According to the BLM, you must be within the following areas to apply for a daily permit on the app: In Arizona: Page, Greenhaven, Marble Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs, Jacob Lake, White Sage, Fredonia, Moccasin and the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation.
Are dogs allowed at Vermilion Cliffs?
George, UT 84790 and tell them how much you appreciate the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness being open to hiking dogs. Even if you do not hike in this resource, I encourage you to write. These are public lands.
How do you get to the white pocket in Arizona?
White Pocket trailhead is accessed from the House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). To get to House Rock Valley Road from Kanab, UT, take Highway 89 east for 38 miles. From Page, AZ, take Highway 89 west for 36 miles. The south end of House Rock Valley Road intersects Highway 89A 13.5 miles east of Jacob Lake, AZ.
Where is white pocket AZ?
Vermilion Cliffs National MonumentThe White Pocket (Arizona) is a superb photographic destination about five miles due east of South Coyote Buttes (Cottonwood Trailhead). The White Pocket is part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. It was "discovered" by photographers 15-20 years ago.
Where are the campsites at Vermilion Cliffs?
Additionally, there are two developed campgrounds at Vermilion Cliffs: Stateline and White House. Stateline: Located just off House Rock Valley Road, Stateline has seven campsites, a pit toilet, shaded structures and picnic tables. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no water.
When is the best time to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
The best times to visit are typically April, May, September, and October. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument has no visitor centers or scenic drives. For permits and information, you’ll need to visit ...
How many miles does it take to hike the Coyote Buttes?
People do die while hiking in the Vermilion Cliffs wilderness, often from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Coyote Buttes North (The Wave): This strenuous, 6.4-mile roundtrip hike begins at a riverbed and crosses challenging terrain.
How many acres are there in Vermilion Cliffs?
Web Visit website. Overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) , Vermilion Cliffs National Monument sprawls across 280,000 acres in the Colorado Plateau at the Arizona-Utah border. Chances are you’ve seen photographs of the monument or, at least, its most famous feature without realizing it.
How long is Buckskin Gulch?
Buckskin Gulch: A 20-mile hike best completed over a period of several days, this trail navigates through the longest and deepest slot canyon the Southwest. Be prepared for obstacles, including rocks, pools, escapable quicksand, and possible flash floods.
What is the best time to hike the wave?
Because the trails are undeveloped, you’ll need to be skilled at navigating with a map and compass. In the summer, temperatures can exceed 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) while, in the winter, there can be snow on the ground. The best times to visit are typically April, May, September, and October.
What to do once you get to the wave?
Once you get to The Wave, you can continue to a nearby second wave formation, natural arches, petroglyphs, and dinosaur tracks. Coyote Buttes South: There are no marked trails in this area, so you’ll need excellent navigation skills to make your way.
How many campgrounds are there outside the monument?
There are two developed campgrounds outside the monument: Stateline and White House.
What to do in Paria Canyon?
Things to Do. You can enjoy scenic views of towering cliffs and deep canyons. Paria Canyon offers an outstanding three- to five-day wilderness backpacking experience ( permits required ). People come from all over the world to see the colorful swirls of cross-bedded sandstone in Coyote Buttes .
Do condors breed in the Monument?
Each year, condors hatched and raised in a captive breeding program are released in the monument. To visit the monument, you'll need extra planning and awareness of potential hazards. Most roads need a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle due to deep sand.
Where is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Here’s what you need to know before you go: History & Nature. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is in northern Arizona, near the Utah state line. The nearest towns are Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. Things To Do. The monument is a rugged playground for hiking, backpacking, camping, off-roading, wildlife viewing and photography.
What is the best slot canyon in the Southwest?
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Some of the best slot-canyon hiking in the Southwest. Coyote Buttes. Home to The Wave and many other swirling sandstone formations. Buckskin Gulch. One of the longest continuous slot canyons in the world. White Pocket. Otherworldly sandstone feature with primitive backcountry camping.
How many people can you hike in Paria Canyon?
Permits are also required for day hiking and overnight trips in Paria Canyon, which are limited to 20 people per day. There is no limit on the number of people who can day-hike in Paria Canyon. Just proceed to your preferred trailhead, fill out a permit, and deposit it (along with $6) into the self-pay station.
Is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument lottery based?
The solitude is a factor of Vermilion Cliffs’ remoteness and rugged terrain, yes, but also a lottery-based permitting system that helps preserve the national monument’s wild beauty for generations to come.
