Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the big, wild country west of Page, a roughly 280,000-acre area of public land in northern Arizona whose elevations run from about 3,100 to 7,100 feet. It holds Paria Canyon, a three- to five-day wilderness backpacking route, and Coyote Buttes, famous for swirling, cross-bedded sandstone. It is also a place to see California condors, captive-bred birds that are released here each year. There are no paved roads in the monument, and most visitors see it from the highway, the Condor Viewing Site and the maintained dirt of House Rock Valley Road. It is a distinct destination from the individual permit hikes on this site: here the story is the landscape itself and the effort to restore a nearly extinct bird, which you can enjoy without a permit.
The monument's character is remoteness. The Bureau of Land Management notes there are no visitor centers inside it, so maps come from the Paria Contact Station, the Kanab Visitor Center or the interagency office in St. George, Utah. Roads are rough: House Rock Valley Road is maintained dirt that may be impassable when wet, and other tracks generally require four-wheel drive and high clearance because of deep sand. Hazards include flash floods, extreme heat, venomous reptiles and unmarked routes, so carry a full-size spare, plenty of water, food and fuel, and tell someone your plans.
Permits are required for Coyote Buttes North, which includes The Wave, Coyote Buttes South and overnight trips in Paria Canyon. Those have their own entries on this site, because they are distinct, competitive experiences. For most visitors, the easy way in is to drive US 89A past the cliffs, stop at the Condor Viewing Site and enjoy the view of the Vermilion Cliffs rising above the highway.
Condors are most visible when they use the thermals, and rangers or volunteers sometimes help visitors spot them; bring binoculars and patience. Camping options include two developed campgrounds outside the monument, Stateline and White House, as well as dispersed camping in disturbed areas.
If you are staying in Page, this makes a good half-day or full-day drive combined with Navajo Bridge, Lees Ferry and the North Rim route. Go with a realistic plan: pick one or two stops, check road conditions, and leave early. Photographers love the cliffs at golden hour, when the color deepens to the tone that gave the monument its name.
If you want a guided way into the backcountry, the White Pocket 4x4 tour on this site is the practical option. For a free, scenic introduction to the monument's scale, a drive, a condor stop and a picnic is a good day.
A last practical suggestion
Choose your stops before you leave Page and tell someone where you are going. Cell coverage is limited, distances are longer than they look on a map, and the best light comes late in the day when you may be tired. Bring a paper map, binoculars, a camera with a zoom and a sense of humor about dust. A day spent here makes the busier Page attractions feel even more distinct, and gives you a measure of how big this country really is.
What to expect
The experience
A drive-and-explore visit to a vast wilderness monument west of Page, with condor viewing and access to permit-only hikes elsewhere on this site.
Best time
Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures; summer is hot and storms can flood washes and roads.
How long
A half day for the highway and condor stops; longer for backcountry exploration.
Tips
Carry water, food, fuel and a full-size spare; check road conditions before you leave; bring binoculars for condors; remember there are no visitor centers inside the monument.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Drivers, photographers and wildlife fans who like remote landscapes.
- Families
- Best as a drive with condor stops; backcountry roads are rough.
- Couples
- Golden-hour views and a quiet picnic away from the crowds.
- Pair with
- Navajo Bridge, Lees Ferry, White Pocket or the Grand Canyon North Rim.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more.
Good questions
Do I need a permit?+
Not for the highway and condor stops; permits are required for Coyote Buttes North, Coyote Buttes South and overnight Paria Canyon trips.
Can I see California condors?+
Often, yes. Captive-bred condors are released here each year; bring binoculars and be patient.
Are the roads paved?+
There are no paved roads inside the monument; House Rock Valley Road is maintained dirt that can be impassable when wet.
Is there a visitor center?+
Not inside the monument; maps are at the Paria Contact Station, Kanab Visitor Center and the St. George interagency office.
Where can I camp?+
Stateline and White House campgrounds lie outside the monument, and dispersed camping is allowed in previously disturbed areas outside the wilderness.
