Travel Information, Tours and Lodging
Driving Distance from Vermilion Cliffs, AZ to Grand Canyon
- Vermilion Cliffs to Grand Canyon North Rim is 89 miles, a 1 hour 45-minute drive.
- Vermilion Cliffs to Grand Canyon East Rim is 6 miles, a 10-minute drive.
- Vermilion Cliffs to Grand Canyon South Rim is 148 miles, a 2 hour 50-minute drive.
- Vermilion Cliffs to Grand Canyon West Rim is 346 miles, a 5-hour 35-minute drive.
Tours near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
The most popular activity in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is hiking and backpacking, which are great additions to a Grand Canyon Tour. Day hikes to North Coyote Buttes and the Wave are extremely popular and permits are required in advance. A backpacking trip through the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, which also requires a permit, is another world-class hike in Vermilion Cliffs. You can also enjoy a scenic drive along the base of Vermilion Cliffs, or some off the grid camping along one of many back roads in the monument. Check out some recommended Vermilion Cliffs tours below.
Best Vermilion Cliffs Hotels and Lodging
There are several places along the border of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument with accommodation options. Along the Southern boundary is Grand Canyon’s East Rim (Marble Canyon), where you’ll find several lodging options on our east rim hotels guide, as well as a campground at Lee’s Ferry. You can also check out popular hotels near Vermilion Cliffs here. This area has many places to camp without services or fess. Near the North End of the Monument is Kanab Utah, which has quite a few hotels, RV parks and a hostel. There are also a few campgrounds in and outside of town, including Whitehouse Campground. This area is in between Page and Kanab off highway 89 and is where you’ll find the Wire Pass and White House trailheads, for Coyote Buttes and The Wave, as well as Paria Canyon. The Paria Outpost is the only lodging option in this area and offers a restaurant, shuttles, and bed & breakfast style accommodations. At large camping is the free option for people who want to get away from the crowds.
Area Car Rental Options
Vermilion Cliffs Car Rentals: There are car rental at the airport in Page, AZ but your best bet is to rent a vehicle in Las Vegas or whatever major airport you fly into.
Vermilion Cliffs Shuttles: There are several different shuttle companies that hikers use for trips in the Monument especially for trip through Paria Canyon. To get to Vermilion Cliffs there are also shuttle services, but they’re pricey, and it’s a good idea to have your own vehicle to really explore this area.
Closest Airports to Vermilion
There is a small private runway at Marble Canyon that is open to the public and a municipal airport in Kanab, UT both of which are very close to the monument if you have your own plane. Page, AZ has a small airport with commercial flights from Denver and Phoenix and is about an hour from the northern or southern entry points to the Monument. Las Vegas is the closest international Airport at about 3.5 hours.
Best Restaurants and Dining Options
The small lodges at Marble Canyon have some great Grand Canyon Restaurants, and there is a small store at the gas station. Kanab has a number of restaurants, coffee shops, and a grocery store where you can get any supplies you need. The Paria Outpost near the trailheads for the Wave and Paria Canyon also has a restaurant.
Weather and Climate
Vermilion Cliffs is an arid desert environment that varies in elevation from 3100 to 7300 feet. Near Marble Canyon along the base of Vermilion Cliffs are the lowest elevations where you’ll find the hottest temperature, especially in the summer when they can exceed 100 degrees. Near the upper reaches of the monument summer is still quite warm, and monsoon rains fall throughout Vermilion Cliffs from July through August. Like most areas along the Colorado Plateau spring and fall have the best weather especially for hiking. The winter can bring snow-fall and freezing temperature above 4,000 feet, as well as heavy winds.
