Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is a desert area in Arizona and Utah with red sandstone, narrow canyons, and a prominent rock wall. The landscape covers 112,500 acres (45,547 hectares) with formations that glow from pink to deep red.

Anasazi and Paiute tribes used the canyon for centuries as a travel route between different regions. The federal government declared the area an official wilderness in 1984.

The name Paria comes from a Ute language and refers to muddy water flowing through the canyon. Hikers encounter narrow passageways with towering walls shaped by wind and water over thousands of years.

Hikes through the canyon require permits that should be requested several months in advance. Visitors must carry enough water since there are few reliable sources on the terrain.

Some sections of the Paria River remain dry throughout the year while others swell suddenly after rainfall. The rock walls display layers from more than 200 million years of Earth history.

Location: Coconino County

Location: Kane County

GPS coordinates: 36.89610,-111.82700

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30