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Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area

Explore the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: a stunning landscape of slot canyons, towering cliffs, and ancient history in the heart of the Colorado Plateau.

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The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, straddling northern Arizona and southern Utah, is a stunning expanse of the Colorado Plateau known for its deep canyons, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations. The wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, and exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the American Southwest.

A brief summary to Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area

Local tips

  • Obtain necessary permits well in advance, especially for overnight trips and access to popular areas like Coyote Buttes (The Wave).
  • Be prepared for wet hiking, as Paria Canyon involves hiking in the river and potentially deep pools.
  • Check the weather forecast before entering slot canyons, as flash floods can be extremely dangerous.
  • Pack out all trash, including human waste, as required by the BLM.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for the most favorable hiking conditions, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and potential for monsoons.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area is accessible from both Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah, via US Highway 89. From Page, drive west on Highway 89 for approximately 30 miles; from Kanab, drive east for about 43 miles. Look for the BLM Contact Station sign on the right side of the highway. The Paria Contact Station is located a short distance off Highway 89. To access trailheads like White House, turn onto White House Trailhead Road. For other trailheads, such as Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch, access is via House Rock Valley Road (BLM-1065), a dirt road connecting US-89 and US-89A. Be aware that House Rock Valley Road may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially when wet. Parking is available at designated trailheads, but it can be limited. There are no public transportation services directly to the wilderness area. Note: There are no entrance fees to access the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area itself. However, overnight permits and day-use permits for certain areas (e.g. Buckskin Gulch) require fees of $5-6 per person/dog per day. These are obtained online or via QR code at the trailhead.

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Discover more about Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area

The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area encompasses 112,500 acres of the Colorado Plateau, offering a diverse landscape of broad plateaus, tall escarpments, and deep canyons. The area is characterized by towering walls streaked with desert varnish, huge red rock amphitheaters, sandstone arches, wooded terraces, and hanging gardens. The Paria Canyon, carved by the Paria River, is renowned for its narrow slot canyon sections, with walls soaring hundreds of feet high. Buckskin Gulch, a major tributary, is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, attracting hikers and canyoneers seeking adventure. The Vermilion Cliffs, a 3,000-foot escarpment of Navajo sandstone, dominates the landscape with its colorful layers and rugged terrain. The wilderness is not only a geological wonderland but also a place of historical significance. Ancient petroglyphs, granaries, and campsites bear witness to the presence of ancestral Puebloan people who utilized the area between AD 200 and AD 1200. Later, Paiute people traveled through the region before European explorers arrived. Today, the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and offers a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. Visitors can explore the wilderness on foot or horseback, marveling at the intricate erosion-carved sculptures, diverse wildlife, and the ever-changing colors and textures of the rock formations.

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