Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Rising abruptly from the Arizona strip like a Technicolor dream, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a geological masterpiece of swirling sandstone, deep canyons, and vast plateaus. This remote, otherworldly landscape rewards those who make the journey with some of the most dramatic scenery in the American Southwest. Here, you can hike to iconic slot canyons, witness the glowing Paria Plateau at sunset, and feel the profound silence of a place that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Highlights & What to See

• The Wave – The crown jewel of the monument, this surreal sandstone formation with undulating, striped walls requires a highly competitive permit, but even seeing photos doesn't prepare you for its ethereal beauty.
• Buckskin Gulch – One of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, offering a thrilling 13-mile (one-way) hike through twisting, narrow passages with towering walls.
• White Pocket – A lesser-visited gem with vibrant, swirling rock patterns reminiscent of melted Neapolitan ice cream; accessible only via high-clearance 4WD on sandy tracks.
• Coyote Buttes North & South – These areas feature the famous Wave and other sculpted rock formations; permits are required and can be obtained through a lottery system.
• Paria Plateau – A vast, elevated desert landscape offering panoramic views and solitude, with opportunities for photography and backcountry exploration.
• Vermilion Cliffs Overlook – A stunning viewpoint along US-89A where the escarpment glows in fiery shades of red and orange at sunrise and sunset.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Vermilion Cliffs, plan for a full day or more. A single day allows for a hike to Buckskin Gulch or a visit to White Pocket, but if you have a permit for The Wave, you'll want to dedicate an entire day to that hike alone. For those with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, two to three days let you explore the more remote areas like Paria Plateau and Coyote Buttes. Be prepared for unsealed roads, no services, and extreme weather — carry ample water, food, and a map.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Page, Arizona – A convenient base with lodging, dining, and access to Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – A vast, rugged landscape of canyons, hoodoos, and slot canyons, located just east along the scenic highway.
• Zion National Park – About 2 hours west, offering iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, plus dramatic canyon scenery.
• Bryce Canyon National Park – Famous for its hoodoos and amphitheaters, a 2.5-hour drive via scenic roads.
• Kanab, Utah – A charming town with a historic downtown, known as a base for visiting the Grand Staircase and Vermilion Cliffs.

Please check official sources for current details.