Vermillion Cliffs

Question

dear all, is there any chance to somehow see Vermillion Cliffs without the need to participate in this very strange lottery system? Paria Canyon I saw is possible to be visited wit a simple permit (6 USD), however the other sites are really only to be seen as part of the lottery system?? Any other 'lawful' chances to visit the Coyote Buttes (either South or North) without this process? If not, what other similar sights are at Vermillion Cliffs that are similar to the Coyote but do not require such a difficult process to visit?

Answer

The Vermilion Cliffs area, especially the famous Coyote Buttes North (home of the Wave) and South, is highly regulated due to its fragile environment and popularity. Unfortunately, there is no legal way to access Coyote Buttes North or South without going through the official lottery system or guided tours that have permits. The lottery is strictly enforced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to limit daily visitors and preserve the area.

However, there are alternative ways to enjoy similar landscapes within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that do not require the challenging lottery process:

Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: While Coyote Buttes is restricted, Paria Canyon can be visited with a standard $6 permit. The canyon offers dramatic sandstone formations, slot canyons, and colorful cliffs.
White Pocket: Located in the Vermilion Cliffs, White Pocket features unique swirling rock formations similar in beauty to Coyote Buttes. Access is via a high-clearance 4x4 route, and no lottery is required. Many visitors hire a local guide if they do not have a suitable vehicle.
Lees Ferry and Vermilion Cliffs overlook: Scenic viewpoints along Highway 89A and the Glen Canyon area provide excellent vistas of the cliffs without special permits.
Paria Plateau and Buckskin Gulch: Accessible via trailheads with regular BLM permits. Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest slot canyons in the area and provides stunning rock formations without needing the lottery.

Other notes:

Guided tours: Some commercial guides offer access to Coyote Buttes South with reserved permits, which can be easier to obtain than the lottery.
Photography and day hikes: Several areas around House Rock Valley Road and the Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Byway allow exploration of colorful sandstone formations without special permits.
Timing and preparation: If you aim for White Pocket or Buckskin Gulch, a high-clearance vehicle or guided tour is strongly recommended for safety.

In summary, there is no lawful way to access Coyote Buttes North or South without a permit through the lottery or guided system. However, White Pocket, Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and scenic drives in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument provide similarly stunning landscapes that can be visited with minimal permits or standard fees.

Vermillion Cliffs

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