Things to Do in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is a remote wilderness area spanning northern Arizona and southern Utah. It is known for its dramatic geological formations, including broad plateaus, towering escarpments, and deep canyons carved within the Colorado Plateau region. The area offers a primitive and undeveloped natural setting.

The wilderness offers opportunities for activities such as hiking and jogging. Hiking is the most common recreational activity, with options for canyon backpacking. Jogging routes are also available across diverse terrain, including slot canyons.

Key natural features include Paria Canyon, known for its towering walls and red rock amphitheaters, and the Vermilion Cliffs, a 3,000-foot escarpment. The area also contains extensive slot canyons like Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass, and the unique rock formations of Coyote Buttes, home to The Wave.

Yes, permits are required for both day hiking and overnight trips in certain areas. This includes Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and Coyote Buttes North, which is where The Wave is located. Special lotteries are often held for highly sought-after locations like Coyote Buttes North.

Paria Canyon is considered one of the best canyon-backpacking destinations globally. Popular entry points for hiking include the White House Trailhead and the Wire Pass Trailhead, which leads into Buckskin Gulch. More information can be found in the guide Hiking in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

While many trails offer challenging experiences, there are options for less strenuous hikes. Visitors seeking easier routes can consult resources like the guide Easy hikes in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. It is important to check specific trail conditions and requirements.

Yes, jogging is a unique experience in the wilderness, with routes across diverse terrain. The Wire Pass Trailhead – Wire Pass Slot Canyon loop is a popular option for jogging. For more details, refer to the guide Running Trails in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Routes in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness have an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on more than 900 individual ratings from over 16,000 visitors who have shared their experiences in the area.

The wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, porcupines, and beavers. Birdwatchers may spot golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and endangered California condors.

Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and Wire Pass combine to form one of the longest slot canyon systems in the United States. These serpentine canyons can narrow to just a few feet wide, with towering walls that reduce the sky to a ribbon of blue.

The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM Kanab Field Office can be reached at 435-644-1200. The Paria Contact Station, seasonally staffed, can be reached at 435-689-0801.

Official information about the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is available on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website. The official website URL is blm.gov/visit/paria-canyon-vermilion-cliffs-wilderness.