Vermilion Cliffs National Monument — Attraction in Page City Limits

We had a fantastic time roaming about this wonderful national monument! Everything was a highlight! White Pocket (high clearance 4x4 ONLY) is a beautiful, otherworldly landscape which you will have nearly to yourself, due to the difficulty in getting there. We found a tranquil perch with a fantastic view overlooking the formations, with Zion and Bryce off in the distance. No permit is necessary, so if you can't get one for The Wave, no worries, White Pocket awaits. Easier to visit is Buckskin Gulch (rough road, but any type of car can handle it when dry), which is believed to be the world's longest slot canyon. It is not as delicately beautiful as Antelope Canyon, but is extremely impressive and is not packed tight with people like Antelope. You can wander and enjoy at will and only encounter humans occasionally. We entered via Wire Pass Trailhead that heads down Coyote Wash and really enjoyed the petroglyphs on the enormous cliff wall to the right at the confluence of Coyote Wash and Buckskin Gulch. They are at eye level. Check weather conditions with the BLM before entering, even if sunny on site. One other thing we really enjoyed was the condor release site on House Rock Valley Road. We were lucky to arrive when biologists had place a cow carcass atop the cliffs. We were able to watch them feed (scope is best), as well as enjoy having one soar right over our heads! Everyone watching was so excited! There is a great sign there demonstrating their enormous wingspan. Kids might be especially amazed. We also enjoyed seeing the condors at Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center, which is just outside the monument. We watched a father condor preen his nestling on a cliff side (scope was set up by Peregrine​ Fund staff), while the mother perched right below us on a bridge girder. What an incredible opportunity! House Rock was an oddity worth stopping to explore, but the Dominguez-Escalante Historic Site was a big disappointment, as all but one interpretive display was destroyed. Sad! Still, I am a history buff, so I enjoyed being in the vicinity of one of the explorers' camps. Jacob Lake Inn was our favorite place to eat, but there are other options. There are a variety of lodging options, as well. The night skies are very dark at the monument, so go prepared to enjoy shooting stars and the Milky Way. Moonrises are...

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a breathtakingly beautiful and remote destination that offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in Northern Arizona, this monument is renowned for its stunning geological formations, including towering red cliffs, winding slot canyons, and vibrant rock formations like The Wave and White Pocket. One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to hike to The Wave, a surreal rock formation known for its swirling patterns in red, orange, and white sandstone. While it requires a permit and a challenging 6.4-mile roundtrip hike, the experience is truly worth the effort. The scenic drive along Highway 89A, which follows the base of the Vermilion Cliffs, offers breathtaking views and is a great way to explore the area. For those interested in exploring more, the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness offers some of the most spectacular slot canyons, including Buckskin Gulch, which is the longest slot canyon in the world. The Wire Pass Trail is another must-visit, providing a unique hiking experience through narrow passages and towering walls. The monument's remote location and rugged terrain ensure a peaceful and unspoiled wilderness experience. While there are no developed campsites within the monument, the nearby Stateline Campground offers a great place to stay...

Just driving through this marvelous area was enough for us. The road is in great shape after some resurfacing and the drive is smooth. The cliffs change colors along here, so Vermillion is an apt name. Vermilion Cliffs is just past Marble Canyon on Hwy. 89 toward Jacob Lake. This is the main entrance road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, but it was empty enough for us this day. I did learn that the gray layer on top of many rock formations is called 'Navajo Concrete'. That is exactly what it looks like. Seasonal rain storms coming out of nowhere can pop up quickly and without warning. Flooding from one of these is what was responsible for the washout of Hwy. 89 a few years ago. People in this area, especially those who are hiking and/or camping, and everyone who hikes down into a wash or canyon, need to be aware and watchful during the summer monsoons. Nature moves quickly. You will not be able to outrun a running wash and nature is unforgiving. Slow down. Take out the camera and enjoy the colors...