Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Wild country west of Page

⏱ Half day to full day👤 All agesFree

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.