About Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area
Overview The 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness lies approximately 10 miles west of Page, Arizona in Coconino County, Arizona and Kane County, Utah. Nationally known for its beauty, the Paria Canyon has towering walls streaked with desert varnish, huge red rock amphitheaters, sandstone arches, wooded terraces, and hanging gardens. The 3,000-foot escarpment known as the Vermilion Cliffs dominates the remainder of the wilderness with its thick Navajo sandstone face, steep, boulder-strewn slopes, rugged arroyos and stark overall appearance. Some of the best slot canyon hiking opportunities on the Colorado Plateau are found here. Deer and desert bighorn sheep inhabit the area. The wilderness also provides opportunities for backpacking, photography, and solitude. In the northwest portion of the wilderness lies Coyote Buttes, an area of spectacular scenery displaying domes, aprons, fins, corridors, and a variety of small fragile rock sculptures carved in colorful swirling cross bedded sandstone. The variety of colors and textures in the rock formations within the wilderness constantly change with variations in light and weather. This colorful sandstone area creates a feeling of wonder and amazement. A permit is required for overnight trips within Paria Canyon. Learn more about Paria Canyon permits. The Paria River is subject to periodic and seasonal flooding. The US Geological Survey collects Paria River streamflow data at their gauging station on the Paria River at Lees Ferry, Arizona. View Paria River conditions near the Paria Contact Station, UT. View Paria River conditions at Lees Ferry, AZ.
How to Get There
Arizona Strip Field Office345 E. Riverside DriveSt. George, UT 84790-6714Hours:7:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SaturdayClosed SundayFrom Page, AZ drive west on Highway 89 for 30 miles (48 kilometers). From Kanab, UT drive east on Highway 89 for 43 miles (62 kilometers). Look for the BLM Contact Station sign on the right. The Paria Contact Station is 200 yards (218 meters) off Highway 89.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area
Heading to Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area?
No central reservation system listed for Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253998) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area?
Arizona Strip Field Office345 E. Riverside DriveSt. George, UT 84790-6714Hours:7:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SaturdayClosed SundayFrom Page, AZ drive west on Highway 89 for 30 miles (48 kilometers). From Kanab, UT drive east on Highway 89 for 43 miles (62 kilometers). Look for the BLM Contact Station sign on the right. The Paria Contact Station is 200 yards (218 met…
How do I contact Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area?
You can reach the park at phone: (435) 688-3200 or email: blm_az_asdoweb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
