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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: A Geologic Masterpiece

Explore towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and ancient history in this remote and stunning national monument in northern Arizona.

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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona protects a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and unique rock formations. The monument is a remote and unspoiled area, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty and solitude of the American Southwest.

A brief summary to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Local tips

  • A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for navigating the monument's unpaved roads.
  • 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 in the canyons.
  • Visit the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center near Marble Canyon for information and views of the Colorado River.
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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 89A south. There are no paved roads within the monument. House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065) is a maintained dirt road but may be impassable when wet. Other roads require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle due to deep sand. There are no entrance fees for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

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Discover more about Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, established in 2000, spans nearly 300,000 acres of the Arizona Strip, just south of the Utah border. The monument's centerpiece is the Vermilion Cliffs, a dramatic escarpment rising as much as 3,000 feet above its base. These cliffs are composed of layers of sandstone, siltstone, limestone, and shale, eroded over millions of years into mesas, buttes, and canyons. The monument is a geological treasure trove, showcasing the power of erosion and the beauty of sedimentary rock. The Paria Plateau, Coyote Buttes, and Paria Canyon are all within the monument's boundaries, offering diverse landscapes to explore. The area is known for its colorful rock formations, including The Wave, a swirling maze of sandstone that attracts hikers and photographers from around the world. Human history in the region dates back 12,000 years, with evidence of Ancestral Puebloan settlements throughout the monument. The monument also holds traces of early Spanish explorers, Mormon pioneers, and the historic Honeymoon Trail. Today, the monument is home to a growing population of endangered California Condors, adding a unique wildlife viewing opportunity to the experience. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. Popular destinations include the Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry, and the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Permits are required for hiking in certain areas, such as Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon.

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