Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Coconino County Travel Guide

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Discover the dramatic beauty of northern Arizona's Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: a landscape of towering cliffs, hidden canyons, and unique geological formations.

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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona protects a stunning landscape of colorful cliffs, canyons, and unique rock formations. Explore the Paria Plateau, hike to the Wave, and witness the reintroduction of California Condors in this remote and unspoiled area.

A brief summary to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Marble Canyon, Arizona, 86036, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended for navigating the unpaved roads within the monument.
Permits are required for hiking in Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and for overnight trips in Paria Canyon.
Bring plenty of water, food, and a spare tire, as services are limited within the monument.
Check weather conditions before you go, as flash floods can occur, and some roads may become impassable after heavy rainfall.

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Getting There

Driving

From Flagstaff, Arizona, travel north on U.S. Highway 89 to U.S. Highway 89A at the Bitter Springs turnoff. From Kanab, Utah, take U.S. Highway 89 east or U.S. Highway 89A south. House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065) is the main access route within the monument, connecting to other dirt roads and trailheads. Be aware that roads are unpaved and may require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are no entrance fees for the monument.
Public Transportation

Limited public transportation options are available directly to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The best option is to take a Greyhound or local bus to Page, AZ. From Page, arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to cover the remaining 40 miles to the monument. Bus tickets from Phoenix to Flagstaff can range from $160 to $330. Taxi or rideshare costs from Page to the monument can vary.

Discover more about Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, established in 2000, is a remote and unspoiled expanse of nearly 300,000 acres in northern Arizona, just south of the Utah border. This geologic treasure showcases a dramatic landscape sculpted by millions of years of erosion, revealing vibrant cliffs, deep canyons, and unique rock formations.The monument's namesake, the Vermilion Cliffs, are steep, eroded escarpments rising as high as 3,000 feet above the desert floor. These cliffs are composed of sandstone, siltstone, limestone, and shale, displaying a rich tapestry of colors due to various mineral deposits. The monument also encompasses the Paria Plateau, Coyote Buttes, and Paria Canyon, offering diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities.Visitors can explore the monument's scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Popular attractions include The Wave, a swirling sandstone formation requiring a permit to visit, and the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, known for its slot canyons and backpacking opportunities. The monument is also home to a growing population of endangered California Condors, with a viewing site along House Rock Valley Road.While exploring, be aware that the monument is remote, with limited services and mostly unpaved roads requiring a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Permits are required for certain areas, including The Wave and overnight trips in Paria Canyon.