St. George, UT
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Utah on Open Canyon: 2 permit areas, with permit details for each. Set an alert for when a permit cancels.
Nationally known for its beauty, the Paria Canyon has towering walls streaked with desert varnish, huge red rock amphitheaters, sandstone arches, wooded terraces, and hanging gardens. The 3,000-foot escarpment known as the Vermilion Cliffs dominates the remainder of the wilderness with its thick Navajo sandstone face, steep, boulder-strewn slopes, rugged arroyos and stark overall appearance. Some of the best slot canyon hiking opportunities on the Colorado Plateau are found here.Deer and desert bighorn sheep inhabit the area. The wilderness also provides opportunities for backpacking, photography, and solitude.In the northwest portion of the wilderness lies Coyote Buttes, an area of spectacular scenery displaying domes, aprons, fins, corridors, and a variety of small fragile rock sculptures carved in colorful swirling cross bedded sandstone. The variety of colors and textures in the rock formations within the wilderness constantly change with variations in light and weather. This colorful sandstone area creates a feeling of wonder and amazement.
Park · Near St. George, UT
Experiences
Hikes
Explore 1 hikes location in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
Experiences
Wilderness Areas
Explore 1 wilderness areas location in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
What are the main activities in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness?
The wilderness offers slot canyon hiking, backpacking, and photography opportunities. The area features towering canyon walls, red rock amphitheaters, sandstone arches, and the 3,000-foot Vermilion Cliffs escarpment with its distinctive Navajo sandstone formations.
What wildlife might I encounter in the wilderness?
Deer and desert bighorn sheep inhabit the area. You may encounter these species while backpacking or hiking through the canyon and cliff environments.