January 26, 2022

By Tim Briese

4.8 miles, 800’ elevation gain, 6:00 roundtrip time

In the last few years my wife Teresa and I have discovered that the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona is a spectacular place to visit. Last year we visited the section of South Coyote Buttes in the monument that is accessible from the Cottonwood Cove Trailhead, as well as nearby White Pocket. We were so enamored with the incredible rock formations and colors that we went back now to visit another section of South Coyotes Buttes which is accessible from the Paw Hole Trailhead.

We left Page early in the morning for the hour and a half drive to the trailhead. From US 89 we went south about 17 miles on the dirt House Rock Valley Road and then turned left onto BLM 1079. We followed this 4WD road about two and a half miles through deep sand to the trailhead.

driving on blm 1079

This road is much shorter but otherwise similar to the roads to Cottonwood Cove and White Pocket, but a little more winding so somewhat slower speeds are needed. We were prepared again with a shovel, traction boards, and a tire pump but had no problems getting here with our Tacoma.

Only 20 people per day are permitted to visit South Coyote Buttes and I had obtained our permit online a few days before. Permits seemed readily available at this time of year but are very likely harder to get in busier seasons. Paw Hole is the lesser visited of the two access points into South Coyote Buttes and we saw no one else here today.

It was exciting to be here! We embarked in the brilliant early sun on this chilly morning and began exploring.

There are no trails, just random paths through the sand affording freeform exploration.

We headed northeast and circled around into a big beautiful sandstone basin.

Then we continued northeast and curved back around west over a ridge, where we had lunch at a nice overlook. We saw a mountain goat with her youngster run away over the rocks. Then we headed north and explored another area of beautiful colors, shapes, and layers.

Then we returned back south toward the parking area, exploring more along the way. Our route today consisted of a big irregularly shaped loop.

What an amazing place! And what a beautiful day to be here, with perfectly clear and calm air, a temperature of about 45 degrees, and a deep blue sky. We noted several times today that the complete silence was incredible. With exhilarated spirits we walked back to the parking area at mid afternoon, and after relaxing on our camp chairs in the sun for a little while we headed back to Page for the evening.