Vermilion Cliffs
Vermilion Cliffs are a spectacular expanse of towering, caramel-colored sandstone and deep slot canyons straddling the Arizona-Utah border, known for challenging hikes and iconic formations like The Wave.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Arizona-Utah border |
| Subregion | Southwest US |
| Country | United States |
| State | ArizonaUtah |
| County | Mohave County |
| District | Vermilion Cliffs National Monument |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 36.971 |
| Longitude | -112.811 |
| Maps |
12:54 PM LOCAL TIMELocated on the Arizona-Utah border, Vermilion Cliffs form a dramatic stretch of multicolored, erosive sandstone and narrow slot canyons that serve as a gateway to the surrounding _Colorado Plateau_. They’re renowned for the Wave, a globally famous striped vista accessible by lottery-permitted hike, and serve as a trail-junction for multi-day routes, wildlife viewing, and rockhounding. The monument’s landscape covers hundreds of square kilometers of desert varnish, slickrock, and sparse desert flora, linked by gravel roads and unmarked paths and viewed best from overlooks, guided tours, and backcountry travel. Nearby amenities are limited; access rules for permits and camping vary by zone—check current NPS guidance. Visitors come for awe-inspiring vistas, remote solitude, and access to strenuous hikes and photographic landscapes.
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