Vermilion CliffS

In northern Arizona and southern Utah, this National Monument has some of the most stunning rock formations you get to see in the southwest, from fossilized dunes best illustrated by “the Wave” in the North Coyote Buttes area, to teepees, to the amazing slot canyon of Buckskin Gulch. The terrain is rugged, the access challenging, the camping primitive. There are no trails but permits are required and winning at the lottery can be as exciting as exploring this magnificent land.

The Wave, the erosion has carved through a fossilized sand dune to form a geological wonder.

Less prized than its norther neighbour, South Coyote Buttes offers some of the most most visually striking geologic sandstone formations in the world. A permit is required to explore this wilderness area, where you will unlikely meet another soul.

Exploring the Paria canyon requires a permit and a few days to descend the 38 miles down to the Colorado river junction at Lees ferry.

Light bouncing off of adjacent rock walls creates softer colors of mineral rich sandstones.

The Little Wave, a sister to the famous one in the North Coyotte Buttes

The sun sets over White Pocket.