About Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
OverviewThis remote and unspoiled, 294,000-acre monument is a geologic treasure, containing Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon. Visitors will enjoy scenic views of towering cliffs and deep canyons. Paria Canyon offers an outstanding three to five day wilderness backpacking experience. The colorful swirls of cross-bedded sandstone in Coyote Buttes are an international hiking destination. There are also opportunities to view wildlife, including California condors. There are two developed campgrounds just outside the monument: Stateline and White House. Dispersed camping is allowed outside the wilderness area in previously disturbed areas. You must have a permit to hike in Coyote Buttes North (the Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and for overnight trips within Paria Canyon. Learn more about permits for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.There are no visitor centers on the monument. Visits to the area require special planning and awareness of potential hazards such as rugged and unmarked roads, poisonous reptiles and insects, extreme heat or cold, deep sand, and flash floods. Bring a spare tire and plenty of water, food, and gasoline. Arizona Strip visitor maps are available at the Paria Contact Station (open seasonally), BLM-Kanab Visitor Center, and the Interagency Information Center in St. George, Utah.
How to Get There
Located on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument includes the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The monument borders Kaibab National Forest to the west and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the east. From Flagstaff, travel north of U.S. Highway 89 or 89A. From Kanab, Utah take U.S. Highway 89 to the east or 89A to the south. There are no paved roads within the monument.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Heading to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument? 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 Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
No central reservation system listed for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3111) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Located on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument includes the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The monument borders Kaibab National Forest to the west and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the east. From Flagstaff, travel north of U.S. Highway 89 or 89A. From Kanab, Utah take U.S. Highway 89 to the east or 89A to the south. There are no paved r…
How do I contact Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
You can reach the park at phone: (435) 688-3200 or email: BLM_AZ_ASDOWEB@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
