This National Monument in Arizona Takes You to Another World

What if you could be in a magical place with colorful swirls of Slickrock as its main features? Imagine being there at night with your beau leaning on you as he or she takes a quick nap. You’ll be stunned by the place’s starry silence as you look up the sky. You can make that beautiful vision a reality by visiting the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument right here in Arizona!

What makes this destination a sight to behold? Read on to find out!

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona is a 293,689-acre wonderland filled with fantastic colorful rock formations. It is about three times the size of Las Vegas and also considered a million times as wild.

The water erosion from millions of years ago sliced deep into the rock layers, forming these remarkable canyons. It is also worth noting that the Paria River exposes the red and white layers of rocks just beneath the Paria Plateau. This is the Vermilion Cliffs.

The unmatched beauty of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona

There are no developed campgrounds inside but you can find plenty just outside the monument. But come to think about it. It’s not at all bad. You’ll see 3,000-foot cliffs, pulled-taffy rock formations, sandy slot canyons, and miles of unmarked paths that will wow you with its rawness. All you need to do is embrace and appreciate the raw beauty of this place.

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona has a unique charm to its remoteness and rugged terrain. So if you prefer starry silence overcrowded campsites or grounds, this is the best place to be in Arizona! As for the elevation, it sits from 3,100 feet to 6,500 feet above sea level.

Tip: Head over to the interpretive viewing area to get a good chance of seeing the famous California condor perched on the rock walls. The area is located along the House Rock Valley Road.

Ready for some activity?

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona has a lot in store for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! Here are some of the best and magical hiking and viewing trails you can enjoy, ranging from 1.4 to 25 miles:

• Wave Trail – 10.1 km
• White Pocket – 2.4 km
• Coyote Buttes South – 40.2 km
• White Pocket Petroglyphs – 4.3 km
• Coyote Wash Trail – 8.0 km
• Sun Valley Mine Trail – 3.9 km
• Maze – 2.3 km

What you should know:

• Visitors should secure a permit before hiking in the Coyote Buttes South and Coyote Buttes North. There are only 20 people allowed in each area per day, and the permits to be given depends on the size of groups that are with these 20 people. The daily permits are awarded by the Bureau of Land Management via online and in-person lottery. Do you have questions and clarifications regarding the permits? Visit the Coyote Buttes Permit Website for detailed information about the permitting process.
• Paria Canyon trips (hiking and overnight) also require special permits. You may proceed to the trailhead, fill out the permit and deposit it together with the $6 payment at the self-pay station.

Dreamy astronomical escape

The sky’s the limit at this National Monument in Arizona. It doesn’t matter whether you’re just a camper or an astronomical self-starter, you’ll find that the nighttime splendor is a prized experience you can keep for a long time! Be in awe of the mind-expanding celestial beauty as you sip your coffee or juice and share stories with your loved one. This is an extraordinarily romantic moment you have to take in.

In fact, check out this impressive video of the red rocks and psychedelic skies by photographer Gavin Heffernan. Don’t you just agree that the Tempest Vermilion is such a stunner?

Going to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona soon? We can’t stress how excited we are for you! Well, don’t forget to appreciate the beautiful skies!