Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vast sandstone escarpments, slot canyons, desert mesas, and California condor habitat demand route-specific planning in a largely roadless monument.
Artwork inspired by Ed Mell
Vermilion Cliffs is not one viewpoint. Paria Canyon, Coyote Buttes, the cliffs themselves, and House Rock Valley each involve different roads, permits, water, and hazards. The monument also supports the Southwest’s California condor recovery, visible around cliffs and nearby bridge sites without approaching birds.
Choose a named destination before leaving pavement. Many roads become impassable after rain, heat is severe, and navigation apps may recommend routes unsuitable for ordinary vehicles. Coyote Buttes North and South require permits; a monument boundary does not authorize entry.
- Area
- About 280,000 acres
- Agency
- BLM
- Allow
- Full day or expedition
Quick guide
- Begin
- Define the exact route, permit, and trailhead.
- Do not miss
- Bring extra water, fuel, tire, and offline navigation.
Read Vermilion Cliffs National Monument as a connected landscape
- Choose one
- Define the exact route, permit, and trailhead.
- Check roads
- Ask BLM about current House Rock Valley conditions.
- Carry margin
- Bring extra water, fuel, tire, and offline navigation.
- Watch ethically
- Observe condors without feeding or approaching.
Good to know
This is remote backcountry, not a scenic-drive park. Summer heat, flash flood, mud, and weak cell service routinely invalidate casual plans. A permit for one unit is not transferable to another.
Notice these
- Vermilion Cliffs
- Paria Canyon
- Condor country