Vermillion Cliffs in Utah

Utah's Vermillion Cliffs are a national treasure covering over 290 thousand acres, which cross over into Arizona. They are very remote and can only be accessed via a long hike. They have attracted visitors for over 12 thousand years and are well worth the time and effort to visit them.

Given the time and a good long hike, the Vermillion Cliffs in Utah are a national wonder that should not be missed. They cover thousands of acres, providing some unique and awe inspiring scenery.

Though the area is very remote, humans have been visiting the site for well over twelve thousand years now. Ancient peoples flocked to nearby grasslands, a refuge from the harsh desert that surrounds them. These early hunter/gatherers have left behind archaeological remains, including Pueblo style villages, houses, granaries, encampments and even grave sites, all of which have attracted attention from both scientists and tourists alike.

Hiking there is the only way to reach this region. It takes a full day, there and back, from Jabob's Pool to reach them, and the trail is not the easiest one to keep to, so hikers are advised to follow the many footprints of previous hikers to avoid getting lost. Despite this, the views are very rewarding; House Rock Valley is clearly visible.

The cliff hike becomes interesting when it reaches the cliffs' base. It appears as if someone has painted stripes of varied oranges, reds and creams across the ground, almost like looking at the ripples on a sandbar. Finding footprints may be a little bit more challenging!