General information about the National Monument
The National Monument was established in 2000. It protects a plateau with numerous canyons and cliffs that slope down to the Colorado River.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open daily 24h
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Our visits: So far 5 visits in November 2009, October 2011, October 2012, October 2014 and February 2016
Vermilion Cliffs NM
Description: The National Monument is only barely developed. The tourism concept allows visitors to explore the solitude and remoteness of the area. Access to some areas is restricted to just a few visitors a day by means of permits. This is to enable a real wilderness experience. You will be rewarded with spectacular hikes and locations. If you want to visit the National Monument, you should come well prepared because, on the one hand, there is no infrastructure whatsoever and, on the other hand, all roads are unpaved and mostly very sandy. A vehicle with high ground clearance and 4×4 drive are often very helpful here.
Our rating: The Vermilion Cliffs are great, spectacular, fun and definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult to get permits for the Coyotte Buttes in recent years, but the other areas are also worth exploring. If you don't want to put your car through the sometimes really bad roads, there are a few companies, especially in Kanab, that offer various tours to the area.
Highlights in the Vermilion Cliffs NM area that we have visited and described in more detail.
Since all locations are on dirt roads, it is always important to keep an eye on the road conditions as well. Even though the conditions on the dirt roads can change almost every hour, you can check here the road conditions in the region.
