National park · United States
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
No entrance fee and no gate: drive US 89A for the cliff views and condors, but the famous formations (The Wave, White Pocket, Paria Canyon) need advance permits and 4WD — skip them on a whim.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,133 km² (437 sq mi)437 sq mi (1,133 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
Apr–May, Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 1,133 km² (437 sq mi)437 sq mi (1,133 km²)
- About 280,000 acres (roughly 1,133 km²); the monument boundary is a patchwork around the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness (check).
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Vermilion Cliffs is a 280,000-acre BLM monument of red sandstone cliffs along US 89A between the Grand Canyon's North Rim and the Utah line. The paved highway and Lees Ferry area are open to anyone; everything else is dirt and sand roads that need high-clearance 4WD, and the headline sites — The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, Coyote Buttes South, Paria Canyon — are permit-only with lotteries that fill months ahead. Come for the drive, the condors and the river history; treat the backcountry as a separate, planned trip.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2000.
Size and age
1,133 km² (437 sq mi)437 sq mi (1,133 km²) · national park since 2000
About 280,000 acres (roughly 1,133 km²); the monument boundary is a patchwork around the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness (check).
Why go
- A free, drive-through red-rock landscape on US 89A — no gate, no ticket, no queue.
- California condors soar over Navajo Bridge and Marble Canyon; the release site is in the monument.
- Lees Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch put Colorado River and Mormon pioneer history within a short walk of the road.
- The Wave, White Pocket and Buckskin Gulch are here too — if you win a permit and have a 4WD.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanCold, short days; backcountry roads may be icy or closed
- FebCold; occasional snow on the plateau
- MarMild days; wind; wildflowers after a wet winter
- AprWarm, clear; the classic hiking window opens
- MayWarm and dry; long daylight
- JunHot; 35°C (95°F)+ afternoons in the valleysHot; 95°F (35°C)+ afternoons in the valleys
- JulMonsoon: flash-flood risk in slot canyons and washes
- AugMonsoon peak; lightning and sudden downpours
- SepStorms taper; still flash-flood risk after rain
- OctDry, mild, stable — best all-round month
- NovCool and clear; quiet
- DecCold nights; some services closed
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California condorsAll year · Reintroduced here since 1996; most often seen soaring over the cliffs and Marble Canyon. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Raptors (bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons, hawks)Mar–May, Sep–Oct · Migration and nesting season give the best odds. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Desert bighorn sheepOct–Apr · Look on rocky slopes in the cooler months. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Desert wildflowers (mallow and others)Mar–May · Best after a wet winter. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Page, Arizona
Drive US 89A west; the closest car rental is in Page.
45 min–1 h
From Kanab, Utah
Drive US 89A east along the base of the cliffs.
1–1.5 h
From Grand Canyon North Rim
Drive via Jacob Lake and US 89A east; the monument is en route.
2–2.5 h
From Flagstaff
US 89 north to US 89A, then west.
3–3.5 h
From Las Vegas
I-15 to St George, then US 89A east; the nearest big airport.
4.5–5.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| US 89A corridor | Paved highway along the cliff base: viewpoints, Cliff Dwellers Stone House, gas and lodges. | Open to all; no fee. |
| Lees Ferry and Marble Canyon | Colorado River crossing, Navajo Bridge, Lonely Dell Ranch, boat launch and campground. | Open; inside Glen Canyon NRA, some fees. |
| Coyote Buttes North and South | The Wave and neighbouring sandstone formations. | Permit only; 4WD and high clearance for access roads. |
| Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness | Long, deep slot canyon and the Paria River. | Permit only; flash-flood risk. |
| White Pocket and House Rock Valley | Remote sandstone and dirt-road country north of the highway. | No permit, but 4WD and deep sand; no facilities. |
Sketch map
- 1Navajo Bridge · Viewpoint≈36.818, -111.632Condor viewing and river crossing on US 89A.Map ↗
- 2Lees Ferry · Ranger station≈36.865, -111.588Boat launch, campground and river access.Map ↗
- 3Lonely Dell Ranch · Village≈36.868, -111.596Historic homestead and orchard.Map ↗
- 4Cliff Dwellers Stone House · Town≈36.746, -111.751Roadside historic building west of Navajo Bridge.Map ↗
- 5Condor Viewing Site · Viewpoint≈36.771, -112.056Off House Rock Valley Road, north of US 89A.Map ↗
- 6The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) · Trail≈36.996, -112.006Permit-only; 4WD access.Map ↗
- 7White Pocket · Viewpoint≈36.956, -111.898Deep-sand 4WD route.Map ↗
- 8Wire Pass Trailhead · Trail≈37.019, -112.025Start of the Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch route.Map ↗
Take the points offline
8 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along US 89A and the backcountry roads, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument entry (US 89A, viewpoints, Lees Ferry area) | Free | person | No entrance fee for the monument itself; some trailheads and campgrounds inside Glen Canyon NRA charge separately. |
| Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) permit | US$7 | person | 2026 estimate; per-person permit fee, lottery required, day use only (check). |
| Coyote Buttes South permit | US$5 | person | 2026 estimate; day use only, no overnight camping (check). |
| Paria Canyon permit | US$6 | person | 2026 estimate; required for day use or overnight in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness (check). |
| Lees Ferry Campground | US$20 | night | 2026 estimate; inside Glen Canyon NRA (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) permit or guide
Coyote Buttes South permit or guide
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness permit or guide
Monument entry by car on US 89A no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$7
- US$5
- US$6
- US$20
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on BLM — Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) lottery before you go.
Park rules
- Permits
- Coyote Buttes North and South and the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness are permit-only; day use only in Coyote Buttes.
- Vehicles
- Backcountry routes need high-clearance 4WD; deep sand and rock outcrops stop ordinary cars. There are few route markers.
- Camping
- No overnight camping in Coyote Buttes South; use designated campgrounds such as Lees Ferry or established sites (check).
- Flash floods
- Never enter a slot canyon or wash when rain is forecast, including upstream; storms arrive fast in July–September.
- Drones and wildlife
- Do not approach or fly near condors or nesting raptors; keep distance and do not feed wildlife (check drone rules).
- Fires and litter
- Campfires are restricted in the backcountry; carry out all rubbish and human waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Marble Canyon Lodge
Rooms and a restaurant on US 89A near Navajo Bridge.
Near the park
Cliff Dwellers Lodge
Basic rooms, restaurant and gas west of Navajo Bridge; no Wi-Fi (check).
Near the park
Lee's Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs
Lodging and a bar-and-grill on US 89A.
Near the park
Lees Ferry Campground
Campground inside Glen Canyon NRA near the river; fee per night.
Near the park
Page
Full range of hotels and the nearest car rental, about 45 minutes east.
Safety
Flash floods in slot canyons and washes high
Heat and exposure medium
Getting stuck on backcountry roads high
Remote terrain and route-finding medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The US 89A corridor, Navajo Bridge walkway and Lees Ferry area are reachable by car with short, mostly level walks.
- Backcountry trails and 4WD routes are rough sand and rock; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on existing routes and slickrock to protect fragile soils and cryptobiotic crust.
- Pack out all waste, including human waste in the Paria corridor; use wag bags where required.
- Keep your distance from condors and other wildlife; never feed animals or leave food scraps.
- Buy fuel, food and supplies in Marble Canyon, Cliff Dwellers or Page so the small communities benefit.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Nothing. There is no entrance fee and no gate for the monument or for driving US 89A. You pay only for permits (The Wave, Coyote Buttes South, Paria Canyon), for campgrounds and for services inside Glen Canyon NRA such as Lees Ferry.
What are the best hikes in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
For most visitors: Cathedral Wash to the Colorado River (about 3 miles round trip) and the Spencer Trail above Lees Ferry, both inside Glen Canyon NRA and needing a permit. Wire Pass into Buckskin Gulch is the classic slot canyon and needs a day pass. The Wave is the famous one but needs a lottery permit and route-finding over sand and slickrock.
When is the best time to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
April, May and October. Days are mild and dry, roads are usually passable and the light on the cliffs is good. Avoid July and August, when monsoon storms bring flash-flood risk in every slot canyon and wash, and expect cold, short days in December and January.
Do I need a 4WD to visit?
Not for the main experience. US 89A is paved and the Lees Ferry, Navajo Bridge and Marble Canyon areas are fine in an ordinary car. Every backcountry route — The Wave, White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South — is deep sand and rock and needs high-clearance 4WD.
Can I see a California condor?
Sometimes. Condors were reintroduced here from 1996 and range across the cliffs and Marble Canyon. Navajo Bridge and the Condor Viewing Site off House Rock Valley Road are the usual spots, but the birds move widely and sightings are never guaranteed.
Is there anywhere to stay or eat nearby?
Yes, but it is limited. Marble Canyon Lodge, Cliff Dwellers Lodge and Lee's Ferry Lodge offer rooms and food along US 89A, and Lees Ferry Campground sits near the river. Page, about 45 minutes east, has the full range of hotels and the nearest car rental.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialBLM — Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- officialBLM — Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) lottery
- officialBLM — Paria Canyon permits
- officialNPS — Lees Ferry history (Glen Canyon NRA)
- officialNPS — Cathedral Wash at Lees Ferry
- officialNPS — Spencer Trail wayside
- secondaryWikipedia — Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- secondaryWikivoyage: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, revision 5336083 (CC BY-SA 4.0)