Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

The Vermilion Cliffs of Arizona are an outdoor adventurers’ paradise. Spilling over into southern Utah, the area boasts dramatic sandstone mountains and cliffs and deep, narrow slot canyons. Most people will experience the area driving along its southern perimeter on Highway 89A. A bit of exploring, however, will open up its true wonders. Buckskin Gulch is a popular multi-night hike for those wanting to see nature’s desert art. This lengthy canyon can be accessed via Lee’s Ferry on the southern end, or from Wire Pass on the north end. The latter is its own popular day hike where a slimming slot canyon squeezes you through enormous sandstone walls. The area is also home to the popular Wave, a unique sandstone feature, as well as being the site of the California condor reintroduction program.