PARIA RIMROCKS

The Paria Rimrocks are found along Hwy 89 in Utah, at mile markers 18-25 on the north side of the road, across from the Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Ranger Station. They expose some colorful multi-banded cliffs towards the road in hues of red and brown. They are made from Chinle shale, a soft material that erodes easily. Don't go there in wet weather as this material gets very slippery and muddy.

Park at Mile 19½ or at the Ranger Station. Explore the coves and the canyons along the Rimrocks and you will find many beautiful rock formations in spectacular colors. If you walk straight in for about ¼ mile at Mile 19½ you will come to a grey-colored cliff in front of which there is a bunch of hoodoos in various shapes and colors. One of them is a red cone-shaped hoodoo with an elongated head like ET. To the left of the hoodoos you will find an interesting area of rocks with grey and brown bands before you come to a steep dropoff with a great view of the multi-colored rocky valley below. If you go to the right and cross the hills you will find a creekbed that you can explore for quite a distance. It develops into a slot canyon with steep rocky walls. I once found three large horned owls perched on a ledge in there.

You can also explore the area on the south side of the road which is very colorful as well. If you follow the canyon across from the parking area at Mile 19½ you will eventually hit the Paria River Canyon. There is one steep dropoff along the way. Walk around to the left side (facing downstream) to climb down.

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The hoodoo "ET"

 

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Colorful Rocks near the hoodoo "ET"

 

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The Rimrocks around Mile 22

 

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Banded rocks on the south side of Hwy 89

 

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