Map and Directions: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Last updated on May 12, 2026.

Directions & Travel Information

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is one of the most remote and scenic outdoor destinations in Northern Arizona, known for colorful sandstone cliffs, dramatic desert landscapes, White Pocket, The Wave, Paria Canyon, and rugged backcountry adventure routes. Located between Page Arizona and Kanab Utah, the monument attracts hikers, photographers, off-road explorers, campers, and sightseeing travelers looking to experience one of the Southwest’s most spectacular wilderness areas.

White Pocket rock formations at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Northern Arizona

White Pocket. © Mike Koopsen

Why Visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Visitors travel to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument to experience extraordinary desert scenery, towering red rock cliffs, remote wilderness landscapes, slot canyons, and unique sandstone formations found nowhere else in Arizona. The monument offers outstanding photography opportunities, scenic drives, hiking adventures, and access to famous attractions including White Pocket, The Wave, Paria Canyon, Marble Canyon, and the nearby Navajo Bridge area.

Best Time To Enjoy Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Spring: Mild temperatures and colorful desert landscapes make spring one of the best times for hiking and photography.
Summer: Early morning visits are recommended because summer temperatures can become dangerously hot.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and excellent lighting conditions create ideal sightseeing and camping weather.
Winter: Winter offers lighter crowds and dramatic scenery, although some backcountry roads may become difficult after storms.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is primarily located in Northern Arizona although a small portion is situated in Southern Utah. It is bordered on the west by the Kaibab National Forest and to the east by the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which includes Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Scenic Vermilion Cliffs sandstone formations in Northern Arizona

Getting To Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

From Page, Arizona. Take Highway 89 south to the 89A turnoff. Take 89A north and cross the Navajo Bridge. There are no paved roads in the National Monument.

From Flagstaff, Arizona. Travel north on Highway 89 to Highway 89A. Then cross the Navajo Bridge. There are no paved roads in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

From Kanab, Utah. Take Highway 89 to the east of Highway 89A to the south. There are no paved roads in the National Monument.

Things To Do Near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Visit White Pocket: Explore colorful sandstone formations and unusual rock patterns deep within Vermilion Cliffs wilderness areas.
See Horseshoe Bend: Visit the famous Colorado River overlook near Page Arizona.
Explore Lake Powell: Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing at Lake Powell.
Drive Through Marble Canyon: Discover scenic canyon views and historic Navajo Bridge crossings near Marble Canyon.
Tour Antelope Canyon: Visit one of Arizona’s most photographed slot canyons near Page.

Driving Distance To Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

From Phoenix: Approximately 290 miles, about 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on route and destination area.
From Flagstaff: Approximately 135 miles north, about 2.5 hours driving time.
From Page: Approximately 45 miles depending on the access point within the monument.
From Sedona: Approximately 165 miles, about 3 hours driving time.
From Prescott: Approximately 200 miles, about 4 hours depending on route.
From Tucson: Approximately 410 miles, about 6.5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and destination area.

Vermilion Cliffs Location Map

Map and directions to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona

GPS Coordinates For Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Latitude: 36.7783
Longitude: -111.7361

Visitor Tips For Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Visitors should bring extra water, food, emergency supplies, paper maps, and a high-clearance vehicle when exploring remote areas of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Cell phone service is limited throughout much of the monument and many roads become difficult or impassable after rain or snow. Travelers visiting The Wave or White Pocket should review permit requirements and current road conditions before departure.

Permit Information For The Wave

Visitors planning to hike The Wave in the Coyote Buttes North area of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument must obtain a permit through the Bureau of Land Management lottery system. Because access is extremely limited, permits are highly competitive and often sell out months in advance. Both advance online lotteries and limited daily lotteries are available. Visitors should review current rules, permit availability, weather conditions, and hiking requirements before making travel plans because the remote desert terrain can become dangerous during extreme heat, storms, or flash flooding conditions.

FAQ

Where is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument located?
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is located in Northern Arizona between Page Arizona and Kanab Utah.

Do you need a permit to visit The Wave?
Yes, permits are required to hike The Wave and are distributed through a limited lottery system managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Are there paved roads inside Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Most roads inside the monument are unpaved backcountry roads and some areas require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles.

What is White Pocket?
White Pocket is a scenic sandstone formation area known for colorful layered rock formations and unique desert landscapes.

What is the best time to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
Spring and fall are usually the most comfortable seasons for hiking, camping, sightseeing, and photography.

How far is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument from Page Arizona?
The monument begins roughly 45 miles from Page depending on the access point and destination area.

Popular Northern AZ Destinations

Sedona AZ
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Flagstaff Arizona
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