National Monuments in Arizona

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Enchanting stone worlds

According to Acronymmonster, Vemilion Cliffs National Monument is located in central northern Arizona – USA, near the Utah border. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is located on a high plateau. There is a desert-like climate. The sanctuary was established in 2000. The size of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is about 1,200 km². Vermilion Cliffs National Monument can be reached via Highway 89 and 89A from Page. The sanctuary is also easily accessible from Kanab in Utah.

Toadstool Hoodoos – Vermilion Cliffs near Coyote Buttes North

The site is not economically usable and is not inhabited; nevertheless, the Anasazi – Native Americans – settled in the region 12,000 years ago. Settlement finds are available in the protected area. Typical of the region is the strong red rock, which comes from a mineral in the stones.

The nature of the Vermilion Cliffs

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument consists essentially of high cliffs, spectacular sandstone formations and deep canyons. The National Monument includes the Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, Paria Plateau and Paria Canyon. The sanctuary is home to pronghorn, mouflon, numerous species of birds of prey, reptiles and smaller mammals. The California condor has been reintroduced to the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument area.

“White Pocket” region in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Recreational activities in the protected area

Recreational activities within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are limited to hiking, backcountry backpacking, camping, and wildlife and bird watching. A permit is required to hike in the sanctuary. The danger when hiking is the loose rock on steep slopes and the extreme heat during the summer months. Therefore, autumn and spring are the most pleasant seasons for visitors.

Campsites in the protected area

  • Stateline Campground
  • Whitehouse Campground

Vermilion Cliffs – Hiking Trails

  • Buckskin Gulch Trail
  • Coyote Buttes Trail
  • Paria Canyon Trail
  • Soap Creek Trail
  • Whitehouse Trail
  • Wire Pass Trail

Wupatki National Monument – Arizona

Pueblo and Anasazi

The Wupatki National Monument is located in the state of Arizona – USA, north of the city of Flagstaff. The size of the protected area is 143 km². Several thousand prehistoric sites and Pueblo buildings from the Anasazi era are protected by the Wupatki National Monument.

Ruins in the desert – Pueblo of the Anasazi – Wupatki

The heyday of the Anasazi probably took place there in the 12th century. The people subsisted on farming and hunting. Pottery finds show the artistry of the Anasazi. Thanks to Arizona’s dry climate, the ruins and finds were found in fairly good condition.

Native American ruins

Within the Wupatki National Monument Conservation Area is the largest Pueblo ruin site in all of Arizona, an Anasazi building complex that once consisted of about 100 rooms. Guided tours of Wupatki National Monument are available. Among other things, visitors are led to five pueblos from prehistoric times. The Doney Mountain Trail and Lomaki Pueblo Trail hike through Wupatki National Monument. On the way there are always spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Anasazi cult place – Wupatki National Monument in Arizona

Blowhole as a physical highlight

In any case, the visitor should look at the “Blowhole”. This opening in a rock is connected to naturally formed cavities underground. Depending on the air pressure in the area, the hole noticeably sucks in air and noticeably air flows outwards. For protection, the air hole was surrounded by a small brick pedestal.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Enchanting stone worlds

Vemilion Cliffs National Monument is located in central northern Arizona – USA, near the Utah border. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is located on a high plateau. There is a desert-like climate. The sanctuary was established in 2000. The size of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is about 1,200 km². Vermilion Cliffs National Monument can be reached via Highway 89 and 89A from Page. The sanctuary is also easily accessible from Kanab in Utah.

Toadstool Hoodoos – Vermilion Cliffs near Coyote Buttes North

The site is not economically usable and is not inhabited; nevertheless, the Anasazi – Native Americans – settled in the region 12,000 years ago. Settlement finds are available in the protected area. Typical of the region is the strong red rock, which comes from a mineral in the stones.

The nature of the Vermilion Cliffs

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument consists essentially of high cliffs, spectacular sandstone formations and deep canyons. The National Monument includes the Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, Paria Plateau and Paria Canyon. The sanctuary is home to pronghorn, mouflon, numerous species of birds of prey, reptiles and smaller mammals. The California condor has been reintroduced to the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument area.

“White Pocket” region in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Recreational activities in the protected area

Recreational activities within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are limited to hiking, backcountry backpacking, camping, and wildlife and bird watching. A permit is required to hike in the sanctuary. The danger when hiking is the loose rock on steep slopes and the extreme heat during the summer months. Therefore, autumn and spring are the most pleasant seasons for visitors.

Campsites in the protected area

  • Stateline Campground
  • Whitehouse Campground

Vermilion Cliffs – Hiking Trails

  • Buckskin Gulch Trail
  • Coyote Buttes Trail
  • Paria Canyon Trail
  • Soap Creek Trail
  • Whitehouse Trail
  • Wire Pass Trail

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument