Vermilion Cliffs

The Vermilion Cliffs stretch along the Colorado Plateau with red and orange sandstone layers stacked above each other rising into the air. The walls show horizontal bands of rock shaped by wind and water over long periods of time.

The federal government protected large portions of this terrain in the 1980s as wilderness to limit development and preserve natural processes. Before that, ranchers used the land for grazing while earlier inhabitants left traces in the form of rock art.

The colored rock faces draw photographers who walk out before dawn to capture light shifting across stone layers and sand. Many visitors carry water containers and navigation tools, as routes cross open ground without marked trails.

Visitors should start early to avoid extreme heat and carry several liters of water per person. Some areas require permits with limited daily quotas, so planning ahead is necessary.

Biologists release young condors hatched in captivity here and monitor their movements with transmitters. The large birds circle above the rock faces and use warm updrafts to glide through the air.

Location: Mohave County

Location: Coconino County

Location: Kane County

Location: Washington County

Elevation above the sea: 1,707 m

GPS coordinates: 36.92528,-112.84194

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28