Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
Attractions in Arizona
Photo: Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it! / CC BY-SA 2.0
Part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Near Marble Canyon, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.
Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry — Desert terrain, Continental, and local wildlife.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
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First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
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Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
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Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
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Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
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Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
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Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
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Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
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Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
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First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.
Climate Gear
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — A base layer, insulating mid-layer, and wind shell cover the full range of temperatures you might encounter in a single day.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
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Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Outdoor recreation at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry centers on hiking, with the May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep months offering the best conditions.
With a photography score of 65/100, Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
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hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
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photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
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picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
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rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
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sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
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walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
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wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.
Wildlife Safety at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.
A danger score of 45/10 means Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry requires high preparation compared to the average trail.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (200mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear inhabit the forests around Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.
Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.
If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.
- 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
Watch your step — are present in the Desert habitat around Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry.
- 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 Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The plant life here ranges from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak in the canopy to Stansbury's Cliffrose along the trail edges.
Trees (2)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — The tree is highly fire-adapted and thrives with periodic low-intensity burns. -
Gambel Oak — Leaves turn shades of yellow to reddish-brown in fall.
Wildflowers (1)
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Stansbury's Cliffrose — Creamy white five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.
Shrubs (2)
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Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer. -
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — The plant rarely exceeds a foot tall but can spread outward in mounded colonies. Its vivid blooms contrast sharply against arid landscapes.
Other Plants (5)
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Whipple Cholla
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Spinystar
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Kingcup Cactus
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Utah Juniper
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Plains Pricklypear
Mammals (5)
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Abert's Squirrel — White underside and bushy tail edged in white. -
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Two bold stripes run along the back but none on the face. -
Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — White underside and underside of tail.
Birds (10)
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Common Raven — Broad wings with fingered primaries -
Horned Lark — Small black feather tufts -
California Condor — White wing patches -
Bald Eagle — Dark brown juvenile without white head -
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Gray back
Reptiles (9)
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Desert Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue patches on the underside. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly. -
Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings.
Insects (7)
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Convergent Lady Beetle -
Hunt's Bumble Bee -
Pandora Pinemoth -
Anicia Checkerspot -
Painted Lady
Nature Bingo at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA Climate & Sun
Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry.
With 6.4 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 62°F, Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry has Continental conditions.
Climate type: Continental
Annual avg temp: 62°F
Annual precipitation: 6.4 in
With an average annual temperature of 62°F and 6.4 inches of precipitation, Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry has warm, arid conditions. Summer highs average around 87°F, while winter lows drop to 39°F.
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 0.5 in |
| Feb | 44°F | 0.6 in |
| Mar | 53°F | 0.4 in |
| Apr | 61°F | 0.3 in |
| May | 70°F | 0.4 in |
| Jun | 81°F | 0.1 in |
| Jul | 87°F | 0.7 in |
| Aug | 84°F | 1.0 in |
| Sep | 76°F | 0.7 in |
| Oct | 62°F | 0.9 in |
| Nov | 49°F | 0.4 in |
| Dec | 39°F | 0.4 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5 hours.
Summer: 5:06 AM – 7:46 PM
Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:11 PM
Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA Trip Planning & Access
Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.
Trip planning for Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry starts with the 200-mile route from Las Vegas.
Visitor Friendliness
Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).
- 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 Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.
From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 14 destinations surround Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry.
Nearby Trails
Nearby Campgrounds
- Lees Ferry Campground, Glen Canyon NRA 2.6 mi
- Colorado River Primitive Camping Between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA 3.74 mi
- Beehives Campground, Glen Canyon NRA 10.77 mi
- Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area, Glen Canyon NRA 13.78 mi
- Lone Rock Campground, Glen Canyon NRA 13.78 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.
For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 1 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.
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Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north. -
Cassiopeia — This constellation represents a mythological queen and lies opposite the Big Dipper across Polaris. -
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.
Meteor Showers
For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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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 Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
Each season brings something different to this area.
From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry rewards visitors in every season.
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 3444ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: April - May
Fall peak: September - October
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA
Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.
This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute).
Territories
Languages
2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Southern Paiute, Diné Bizaad.
Data from Native Land Digital
Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry 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
- Chinle Formation
- Formation
- Chinle Formation
- Lithology
- Major:{mudstone}, Minor:{sandstone,conglomerate}
- Age
- Late Triassic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 18
- Unique Species
- 14
- Oldest
- 283.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 34
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Uranium, Copper, Silver, Bentonite, Molybdenum, Lead, Zinc, Iron
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 120°F (1997-07-26)
- Record Low
- -11°F (1963-01-13)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 2
- Largest Fire
- Marble Cyn (553.9 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2005
- Fire Risk
- Low
Watershed
- Watershed
- Cathedral Wash-Colorado River
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0.347%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 4 (NUFORC)
- Eeriness Score
- 8/100
Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA Safety & Conditions
Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.
The data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening at Vermillion Cliffs at Lees Ferry right now.
Coordinates: 36.833479, -111.640484