Trail Guide & Maps for Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, Coyote Buttes, and the Wave
by Joseph A. Sprince – Photography by Gerald B. Allen
The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, encompasses one of the finest canyons in the American Southwest and one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world, the Buckskin Gulch. It also includes the scenic Coyote Buttes, North and South Districts. Coyote Buttes North includes the famous Wave formation, one of the world’s most well-known and surreal landscapes.
Enjoy the unparalleled wondrous beauty found throughout the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Please view the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) video “Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, A Lasting Legacy” by clicking on the video, right.
This Trail Guide offers detailed information for hikers and backpackers wishing to visit Paria Canyon, the Buckskin Gulch, Coyote Buttes North and the Wave, and Coyote Buttes South. It includes printable maps and trail guides, road access information, links and information for permits, and detailed narratives from my personal experiences in each place.
“Keeping It Wild” interpretive sign at the Wire Pass Trailhead:
You’ll find no designated trails, developed campsites, signs, or facilities inside the wilderness boundary. The terrain is rugged and hiking conditions can change with the weather. Hikers should be in good physical condition and know how to navigate in a primitive backcountry setting.
“May your trails be crooked, winding, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” – Edward Abbey
Photo, left: The author strolling through the Wave.
Trail Guide Links
Guide for Coyote Buttes North and the Wave, and Coyote Buttes South
Guide for Paria Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch
Area Map for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (PDF)
Shows the area roads and locations of the trailheads for White House, Buckskin Gulch, and Wire Pass.
Traveler Services
There are complete traveler services (food, lodging, camping, gas, tourism services) in Kanab, Utah (40+ miles north of the area on US-89) and Page, Arizona (30+ miles south on US-89). Page is a larger town with more services and attractions (such as Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon). Kanab is the site of the main BLM office which manages the wilderness area. It is open year-round and handles the permitting, including the daily lottery for the Wave. (Permit details are covered elsewhere.)
The only service provider close to the trailheads is the Paria Outpost and Outfitters which is on US-89 just west of the Paria River. It offers limited food, lodging (one room), and camping but has hiker services such as car shuttles, guided hiking trips, and other tours which also cover the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. There is also a VRBO owner vacation rental available in nearby Big Water, Utah.
Search VRBO to find the perfect property for you.
Click on any of these hotel links to check for availability or to reserve any room(s).
Lodging for Page, Glen Canyon NRA, and Lake Powell Area
Best Western Inn at Lake Powell
208 N Lake Powell Boulevard, Page, Arizona, 86040 Phone: 928-645-5988
Hotel Rating: AAA-3 Diamonds
132 Guest Rooms on four floors (elevator). Expanded continental breakfast, heated outdoor pool open April through October, exercise facility, 24-hour front desk, safe deposit box, free parking, 100% non smoking, interior corridor, High-speed Internet access.
Best Western View of Lake Powell
716 Rimview Drive, Page, Arizona, 86040 Phone: 928-645-2466
Hotel Rating: AAA-2 Diamonds
103 Guest Rooms on three floors (elevator). Deluxe continental breakfast, heated outdoor pool & spa open April through October, exercise facility, 24-hour front desk, safe deposit box, free parking, 92 non-smoking rooms, interior corridor, High-speed Internet access.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Page
643 South Lake Powell Blvd., Page, Arizona 86040 Phone: 928-645-9900
Hotel Rating: AAA-2 Diamonds
90 Guest Rooms on three floors (elevator). Free buffet breakfast, complimentary newspapers, and coffee/tea makers, in-room microwaves and refrigerators, outdoor pool, exercise facility, free parking, 100% non-smoking, interior corridor, free wireless high-speed Internet access.
Quality Inn at Lake Powell
287 N. Lake Powell Blvd., Page, Arizona 86040 Phone: 928-645-8851
129 Guest Rooms on three floors (no elevator). Expanded continental breakfast, heated outdoor pool, exercise facility, free parking, some non-smoking rooms, interior corridor, High-speed Internet access.
More Accommodations in the Page-Lake Powell Area
Lodging for Kanab, Utah
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kanab
217 South 100 East, Kanab, UT 84741
Hotel Rating: AAA-3 Diamonds
When you are traveling in Southern Utah, stay with Holiday Inn Express and enjoy our spectacular scenery. Our hotel in Kanab, Utah is close to seven major national parks and Lake Powell. Leisure travelers looking for lodging near Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon will find our location ideal. 80 Standard one-bedroom units, some with whirlpools, on three stories. Smoke free premises. Heated Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Health/Fitness Center On-Site, Complimentary breakfast, Free wireless internet.
Best Western Red Hills
125 W Center Street, Kanab, UT 84741
Hotel Rating: AAA-2 Diamonds
This great Southern Utah hotel is perfect for outdoor sports enthusiasts and traveling families!
When visiting through the crossroads of Southern Utah, travelers know to stay at the Best Western Red Hills! This clean, comfortable inn boasts amenities such as an outdoor heated pool, on-site spa and a daily continental breakfast. Comfort and quality extend to every comfortable guest room that features cable television, a refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker. 75 units on 2 floors. Heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, free high-speed internet, free continental breakfast.
More Accommodations in Kanab, Utah
Lodging and Dining Options for Lees Ferry/Marble Canyon Area
There are three lodges located on Highway 89-A within ten miles of the turnoff to Lees Ferry. Hotels range from rustic to modest with limited amenities. Their restaurants serve modest and inexpensive fare.
- Marble Canyon Lodge
1 mile west of Colorado River, at turnoff to Lees Ferry. Center of activity in the area. 60 rooms, 8 suites, apartments with kitchen for up to 6 people. Restaurant is modest. Has a fly shop, grocery store and gas station. Also, Camper Services, such as showers, phones, and laundry. Phone is (928) 355-2225 or (800) 726-1789.
- Lees Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs
4 miles west of turnoff to Lees Ferry. 10 rooms, no TV. Restaurant is the best of the three. Bar stocks about 100 different types of beer and is lively in the evenings. Phone is (928) 355-2231. The Flyshop is adjacent and is best local source of fishing supplies.
- Cliffdwellers Lodge
9 miles west of turnoff to Lees Ferry. Locale is a little quieter and is famed for spectacular views. New section has very nice rooms which are slightly more expensive. Restaurant is modest but has a very nice outdoor patio. The lodge has a fly shop, grocery store and gas station. Phone is (800) 962-9755 or (928) 355-2261.