Photo: John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA / CC BY 2.0

Parks 5,387 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

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.

Near Fredonia, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

The right gear turns potential problems into non-issues. Here's what Vermilion Cliffs Highway demands.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Climate Gear

Layering system (wide temp swings) — Desert and mountain environments can swing 40+ degrees between dawn and midday; layers let you adapt without overheating or freezing.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Vermilion Cliffs Highway draws visitors for hiking, but the 7 available activities mean there's more here than most expect.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

Awareness is the best safety tool at Vermilion Cliffs Highway. Here are the wildlife considerations for this area.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (176mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (37N), Elevated (5,387ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include . They're most active during warm months.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

10 bird species have been documented near Vermilion Cliffs Highway, alongside 5 mammals and a rich variety of native plants.

Trees (2)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures.
Gambel Oak — It often grows in dense thickets, spreading by underground sprouts to form large colonies.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Shrubs (2)

Roundleaf buffaloberry — A thorny shrub with silvery round leaves and small yellow flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Ribbed stems grow close to the ground and may form tight clusters over time. Spines range from straw-colored to reddish brown, offering protection from herbivores.

Other Plants (5)

Whipple Cholla
Spinystar
Kingcup Cactus
Utah Juniper
Plains Pricklypear

Mammals (5)

Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Chipmunk-like rodent with golden shoulders and white eye ring.
Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings.
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — A small desert squirrel with tan fur and white stripe along sides.

Birds (10)

Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Horned Lark — Pale brown with black facial mask
California Condor — Large black body
Bald Eagle — Adult with white head and tail
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (9)

Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.

Insects (7)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Hunt's Bumble Bee
Pandora Pinemoth
Anicia Checkerspot
Painted Lady

Nature Bingo at Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

California Condor (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Desert Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Whipple Cholla (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The weather at Vermilion Cliffs Highway follows a Arid pattern — here's the monthly breakdown.

Climate type: Arid

Annual avg temp: 54.9°F

Annual precipitation: 10 in

With an average annual temperature of 54.9°F and 10 inches of precipitation, Vermilion Cliffs Highway has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 78°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.

Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

Winter 34°

1.0"

Spring 52°

0.5"

Summer 78°

0.8"

Fall 56°

1.1"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	34°F	1.0 in
Feb	39°F	1.1 in
Mar	46°F	0.9 in
Apr	52°F	0.5 in
May	61°F	0.5 in
Jun	72°F	0.3 in
Jul	78°F	0.8 in
Aug	75°F	1.2 in
Sep	68°F	1.1 in
Oct	56°F	1.1 in
Nov	44°F	0.7 in
Dec	34°F	0.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5 hours.

Summer: 5:08 AM – 7:47 PM

Winter: 7:33 AM – 5:13 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:33 AM, Sunset 5:13 PM Golden hour from 4:33 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:08 AM, Sunset 7:47 PM Golden hour from 7:09 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Vermilion Cliffs Highway — here's the practical information you'll need.

From Las Vegas, Vermilion Cliffs Highway is a drive covering 176 miles.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (176 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $44.07 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 142.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

Here's what else is nearby if you want to expand your itinerary beyond Vermilion Cliffs Highway.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

Vermilion Cliffs Highway sits under Bortle class 1 skies — Excellent dark-sky site for stargazing in Arizona.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Vermilion Cliffs Highway, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Vermilion Cliffs Highway.

Vermilion Cliffs Highway is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character and highlights.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 5387ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Vermilion Cliffs Highway sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Glen Canyon Group
Formation: Navajo Sandstone; Kayenta Formation; Moenave Formation
Lithology: Major:{sandstone}, Minor:{siltstone,sandstone mudstone}
Age: Jurassic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 8
Unique Species: 7
Oldest: 192.9 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 3
Richness: Low
Minerals Found: Uranium, Copper, Molybdenum, Sand and Gravel, Construction

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 104°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low: -12°F (2007-01-14)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 24
Largest Fire: Warm Wfu (19,514.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Corral Valley
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 8/100

Vermilion Cliffs Highway, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check these official resources for current conditions at Vermilion Cliffs Highway before you go.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: MARBLE CANYON 3.7 SW, AZ US (19.93 mi)