The Beauty And History Of Northern Arizona

Right on the northern border of Arizona, you will find an area unique and spectacular from anywhere else in the world. Located near to some of our nations most well known and popular National Parks, this area called Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness is not far from the Grand Canyon as well as Zion National Park. A vast wilderness area, it was designated by Congress as a Wilderness area in 1984 and then proclaimed and incorporated into the Vermilion Cliffs National monument in 2000 by the President Bill Clinton.

About The Area

The Vermillion National Monument is almost 300,000 acres in size and protects the paria Plateau, Vermillion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes and the Paria Canyon. Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, it is considered remote and unspoiled, a geologic treasure. A wide variety of activities offer visitors unique and enjoyable ways to explore the area features. Scenic drives, sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, camping, birdwatching or animal viewing and photography are just a few of the popular activities in the region.

Features that set Vermillion National Monument apart from other areas around the world are the geologic features for which it is named. It is the vast sandstone formations such as “the wave” in Coyote Buttes that draw visitors to this otherwise rustic and harsh environment. Aside from the ancient Puebloan people who are not believed to have actually lived in the area but rather roamed it hunting and gathering, not many people ever called this area a good place to establish. However, historical sites can be found throughout the surrounding area including not only ancient tribes but sites of farmers, ranchers, miners and even the CCC can be found throughout, adding to the need to protect the history of this area.

Good for the area and its wildlife, the only people who come to the area today are those looking to see the beauty of the area and appreciate its harshness. Bird species including many hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, sparrows, swallows and flycatchers, just to name a few, call this area home today. As for the mammals of the area, many mammals such as coyotes, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats and mountain lions, foxes, rabbits, and others call this home as well as many reptiles and amphibians.

Tips For Visiting

If you choose to visit this area of Arizona and explore its beauty, it is important that you visiting the Bureau of Land Managements website in order to learn more about what you should expect. Permits, fees and certain limitations permits may be required for entry. Camping is allowed in some areas, no first aid is available, so make sure you have a first aid kit and information about survival as this is a harsh wilderness. In short, do your research and make sure you are prepared when exploring this or other wilderness areas, your safety is in your hands.