Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Hikers come from all over the world to explore the stunning rock formations at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The Wave in Coyote Buttes North and White Pocket in the Paria Canyon are two must-see landmarks in this area. However, keep in mind that both places demand permits for camping and hiking. These permits, which Arizona's Bureau of Land Management issues to as few as 20 persons per day (depending on the region and type of visit), ensure that visitors can enjoy the monument without having to mingle with throngs of other tourists.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), covers 280,000 acres in the Colorado Plateau near the Arizona-Utah border. Without even realizing it, you've probably seen pictures of the monument or at least its most well-known aspect. The Wave spreads across the desert floor in a striated pattern of red, rust, and gold. The most popular activity is hiking, but camping, photography, and animal viewing are also popular among locals and tourists.
The Wave, one of the most exclusive hikes in the nation, draws the majority of guests. Alternatives can be found on other trails within the monument, but some of them also need permits. You'll need to be an expert map and compass user because the trails are unmarked. There can be snow on the ground in the winter and temperatures that top 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) in the summer. Generally speaking, April, May, September, and October are the greatest months to travel.
Rankings:
- #3 in Best Places to Visit in Arizona
Location:Arizona
