St. George to Vermilion Cliffs & Marble Canyon

The iconic swirling sandstone formation in Coyote Buttes North features undulating bands of Jurassic-age Navajo Sandstone in vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and whites. The 6-mile round-trip hike crosses open desert with no marked trail — GPS navigation is essential. Only 64 people per day are permitted.

Wave permits are allocated through two systems: an advance lottery (apply 4 months ahead at recreation.gov) for 48 daily permits, and a day-before online lottery for 16 additional permits. Competition is fierce — apply for multiple dates to improve your odds. Permits are non-transferable and strictly enforced.

Beyond The Wave itself, the Coyote Buttes North area contains numerous other stunning formations including Second Wave, Top Rock, Dinosaur Tracks, and colorful sandstone mounds. Permit holders can explore the entire area. Allow 4-6 hours for a thorough visit.

Essential gear includes a GPS device or phone with downloaded coordinates (there is no marked trail), 1+ gallons of water per person, sun protection, sturdy hiking shoes, and a camera. The trailhead (Wire Pass) has a vault toilet but no water or shade. Cell service is nonexistent.

Surreal brain-like rock formations of swirling white and orange sandstone that look like they belong on another planet. The formations are smaller in scale than The Wave but equally photogenic and no permit is required. A hidden gem for photographers and geology enthusiasts.

White Pocket is accessed via approximately 20 miles of rough, sandy dirt road from House Rock Valley Road. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is absolutely required — the deep sand sections will strand 2WD vehicles. Many visitors hire guided tours from Kanab or Marble Canyon to avoid vehicle trouble.

Several outfitters in Kanab offer guided 4WD tours to White Pocket, typically full-day excursions that include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, lunch, and photography tips. Recommended for those without proper 4WD vehicles or backcountry driving experience.

White Pocket is a photographer's paradise. The brain-like rock patterns, color contrasts, and textures work beautifully with wide-angle and close-up lenses. Overcast skies can actually enhance the subtle color variations. Morning and evening golden hour light creates dramatic shadows in the formations.

Twin steel arch bridges spanning Marble Canyon at 470 feet above the Colorado River. The original 1929 bridge is now a pedestrian walkway offering vertigo-inducing views into the canyon and serving as one of the best California condor viewing locations in the world. A small interpretive center has exhibits on the bridge's history and the condor program.

The historic river crossing where the Colorado River emerges from Glen Canyon is the launch point for Grand Canyon river trips and one of the West's premier fly fishing destinations. The 15-mile stretch below Glen Canyon Dam produces trophy rainbow trout in clear, cold water. Boat ramp, campground, and historic buildings.

The tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam maintains a consistent 46°F temperature year-round, creating ideal conditions for large rainbow trout. Wade fishing and drift boat fishing are both productive. Multiple guide services operate from Marble Canyon Lodge and Lees Ferry. Fish average 16-20 inches.

The 710-foot concrete dam creating Lake Powell is visible from various viewpoints near Lees Ferry and Page. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center at the dam offers tours and exhibits. The dam's cold, clear water releases create the trout fishery at Lees Ferry.

California condors — with wingspans exceeding 9.5 feet — frequently soar at eye level from the Navajo Bridge pedestrian walkway. The Vermilion Cliffs are one of three reintroduction sites for these critically endangered birds. Numbered wing tags help identify individuals. Rangers are sometimes present with spotting scopes.

The Vermilion Cliffs condor release area along House Rock Valley Road is where biologists first reintroduced California condors to Arizona in 1996. The high cliff faces provide ideal nesting habitat. Condors are sometimes visible from the road soaring along the cliff face.

California condors were reduced to just 22 individuals in 1982 before a captive breeding program saved them from extinction. The Vermilion Cliffs population now numbers around 90 birds and continues to grow. The recovery program is one of the greatest conservation success stories in North America.

A historic lodge at the base of Navajo Bridge offering comfortable motel-style rooms, a restaurant, a fly shop, and guided fishing trips. The remote location and stunning setting make it feel like a genuine outpost. The restaurant serves solid American fare with Colorado River views.

A National Park Service campground at Lees Ferry with 54 sites along the Colorado River. No hookups but paved sites, picnic tables, grills, and flush toilets. The setting among tamarisk trees with canyon walls rising on both sides is spectacular. Open year-round.

A small lodge along US-89A beneath massive boulders at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs. Motel rooms, a restaurant, and a bar in an unforgettable setting. The original building was constructed beneath a massive boulder. A good base for Coyote Buttes and White Pocket.

Free dispersed camping is available on BLM land along House Rock Valley Road and other backcountry areas. No facilities — pack everything in and out. The remote setting offers incredible stargazing with no light pollution for miles. Check current fire restrictions before building campfires.