Vermillion Cliffs
The Vermilion Cliffs are one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the Southwest, home to world-class landscapes and hikes like Buckskin Gulch and The Wave. This is one of my absolute favorite places, and I return again and again because even repeating the hikes here never gets old.
The landscape is remarkable—towering red cliffs rising above a maze of sculpted sandstone hills, colorful badlands, and narrow canyons carved over millions of years. Beyond the dramatic cliffs themselves, the surrounding terrain feels almost like a natural sandstone playground, filled with rolling slickrock domes, swirling rock patterns, and hidden drainages. This is the kind of place where wandering across the sandstone often reveals something beautiful just beyond the next rise.
Exploring and Hiking
If you are able to secure a permit for The Wave, whether through the advanced lottery or the daily lottery, that is the very best option here. The Wave is worth every bit of effort required to see it. The fragile, sculpted rock swirls in colors unlike anything else in the Southwest. It feels completely otherworldly, and even beyond the Wave itself, the surrounding hills and formations are fascinating to wander through.
Buckskin Gulch is another world-class experience and is widely considered the longest continuous slot canyon in the world and one of the deepest. Unlike The Wave, permits here are not competitive and can typically be purchased the day of your hike.
There are two primary ways to access the canyon. The Buckskin Gulch Trailhead requires about four miles of driving on a rough dirt road that is generally best for high-clearance vehicles. Starting here gives you several miles of open canyon walking before reaching the narrow sections and is often quieter, especially if you hike farther down canyon. This route also provides access to Edmaier’s Secret, a remarkable area of fragile red rock formations, fins, and swirling sandstone patterns that feel almost like a natural sculpture garden.
The more common access point is the Wire Pass Trailhead, which requires about eight miles of driving on the same rough road but provides almost immediate access to the slot canyon. This route also includes Wire Pass, a beautiful slot canyon in its own right and a great introduction to the deeper sections of Buckskin Gulch.
Because Buckskin Gulch can hold mud or standing water after storms, it is always wise to check recent weather and road conditions before heading out.
Featured Hikes
Things to Know
• Permits are required for both The Wave and Buckskin Gulch. Wave permits are extremely competitive, while Buckskin permits are easy to obtain but might need to be purchased online before driving to the trailhead as there often is no cell service.
• Road conditions can vary. The road to the trailheads is often rough and can become difficult or impassable after storms. The Paria Contact Station has helpful information on current conditions, it opens seasonally every mid-March.
• Flash floods are a serious risk in slot canyons like Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass. Always check weather conditions before entering narrow canyons.
• Fragile landscapes: Many formations in this area, including the sculpted sandstone hills and hoodoos, are extremely delicate. Please avoid climbing on formations and stay on established paths whenever possible.
• Remote desert travel: Cell service is limited and shade is minimal. Bring plenty of water and plan accordingly.
When to Visit
Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit the Vermilion Cliffs. Temperatures are more comfortable and conditions are usually ideal for longer hikes.
Summer can be extremely hot, and the monsoon season introduces the additional risk of flash flooding in slot canyons. Winter can be a wonderful time to visit as well, with cooler temperatures, quiet trails, and far fewer visitors — as long as the weather is dry and road conditions are good.
Where to Stay
Camping is available throughout much of the Vermilion Cliffs area on surrounding BLM land, and there are also a few first-come, first-served camping near the Wire Pass trailhead at the Stateline Campground.
Meanwhile the beautiful and larger White House Campground sits above the Paria Canyon at the start of that hike, making it a great base for the long day hike to the confluence of Paria and Buckskin, and for really any hike in the area.
For those who prefer a bed, the Rodeway Inn in Big Water is the closest lodging and is usually very reasonably priced. Many visitors also stay in Page or Kanab, both of which offer a wide range of accommodations and are within easy driving distance of the trailheads.