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Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument: A Remote Wilderness

Explore a million acres of remote beauty, dark skies, and untamed wilderness at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona.

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Discover a million acres of rugged and remote beauty at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. Co-managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, this monument offers solitude, dark night skies, and a chance to explore the untamed landscapes of the Arizona Strip.

A brief summary to Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of water, food, and extra fuel, as there are no services within the monument.
  • A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended due to the rugged and unpaved roads.
  • Carry at least two spare tires and a repair kit, as flat tires are common on the rocky roads.
  • Download offline maps and bring a GPS device, as cell service is unreliable within the monument.
  • Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go, and be prepared for extreme temperatures and flash floods.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most common approach to Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is by car, as there is no public transportation available. From St. George, Utah, take I-15 south to Exit 8, then follow River Road south, which becomes BLM 1069 upon crossing the Arizona border. This road leads to various access points within the monument. Be aware that BLM 1069 is an unpaved road, and conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. There are no entrance fees or parking fees within the monument. Parking is available near trailheads and points of interest, but there are no designated parking lots. Be sure to park in a manner that does not obstruct roadways or damage vegetation.

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Discover more about Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, located in the northwest corner of Arizona, is a hidden gem offering a unique and remote experience for adventurous travelers. Established in 2000, the monument protects over a million acres of land, nearly equal in size to the neighboring Grand Canyon National Park, but receives far fewer visitors. This vast and wild landscape, co-managed by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management, lies at the junction of three major ecoregions: the Colorado Plateau, the Mohave Desert, and the Basin and Range Province. The monument's name, "Parashant," comes from an early Paiute translation meaning "elk or large deer standing in water". The monument encompasses the lower portion of the Shivwits Plateau, an important watershed for the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Elevations range dramatically, from 1,230 feet near Lake Mead to over 8,000 feet at Mount Trumbull, contributing to the diverse plant and animal life found within its boundaries. Visitors can explore remnants of early ranching, mining, and timber cutting at sites like Tassi Ranch and Nixon Sawmill. Thousands of archaeological sites, including petroglyphs and agave roasting pits, document the cultures and lifestyles of Ancestral Puebloan and Southern Paiute peoples. The monument's rugged terrain, including deep canyons, mountains, and buttes, provides opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and dark sky viewing. Be prepared for challenging conditions, including unmarked roads, extreme heat, and limited cell service. A high-clearance vehicle, spare tires, and plenty of supplies are essential for exploring this remote and rewarding destination.

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