About Vermilion Cliffs Highway
Vermilion Cliffs Highway embarks from the spectacular Virgin River Gorge, south of St. George, Utah, to the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in the east. The Vermilion Cliffs Highway traverses some of the most vast and picturesque landscapes in the West. You can follow 277 miles of paved highways, passing through small rural communities. Scenic overlooks and historic sites along the highways show how people explored and survived in this remote area of northern Arizona. In many cases, the highways follow historic transportation routes used for centuries by different cultures from American Indian tribes, Spanish explorers and pioneers to modern travelers.
How to Get There
Interstate 15, and Highway 9 - On the western end of the highways corridor is Interstate 15, and Highway 9. These segments breach what was once a formidable barrier to transportation created by the Beaver Dam and Virgin Mountains. These segments also graphically show the abrupt change from the more somber Basin and Range Physiographic Province in the west to the colorful, layer-cake geology of the Colorado Plateau Province to the east. The power of moving, folding land masses is evident everywhere, especially in the Virgin River Gorge where the Grand Wash Fault line plays a prominent role in the lay of the land.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Vermilion Cliffs Highway
Heading to Vermilion Cliffs Highway? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Vermilion Cliffs Highway?
No central reservation system listed for Vermilion Cliffs Highway. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1813) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Vermilion Cliffs Highway?
Interstate 15, and Highway 9 - On the western end of the highways corridor is Interstate 15, and Highway 9. These segments breach what was once a formidable barrier to transportation created by the Beaver Dam and Virgin Mountains. These segments also graphically show the abrupt change from the more somber Basin and Range Physiographic Province in the west to the colorful, layer-cake geology of the…
How do I contact Vermilion Cliffs Highway?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-688-3200 or email: blm_az_asdoweb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
