Vermillion Cliffs - November climate

Winston Wolfe · 09-08-2006, 06:51 AM

Wanting to take a trip to VC in Nov. What kind of weather/climate can I expect. Does anyone know if the Cliff Dweller Lodge is a good base camp for traveling around the area. Any recommendations. Debating driving from Alabama. Thanks in advance.

AZFJ40 · 09-08-2006, 09:07 PM

I have driven by the Vermillion Cliffs many times on my way to Southern Utah. I have stopped and taken a lot of photographs of the rock formations, cliffs, river and the Navajo Bridge on those trips.

What are your intentions for your stay, how long will you be staying there and are you planning on seeing other parts of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah? It seems geared mostly for summer visitors to the river and Lee's Ferry and you should have the place pretty much to yourself at that time of year. Your elevation at the lodge is about 4,100 feet and depending upon the winter, Northern Arizona can get quite cool by November.

I have not been four wheeling in that area, but according to my topo, there appear to be some 4 wheel drive roads around the lodge. I will take a look at my trail book for Northern Arizona and see what is listed. Others from AZ may have a lot more first hand experience to the area.

Some of my best pictures that I have taken in Northern Arizona were during the winter months when the air seems to be a lot clearer. Northern Arizona, Monument Valley, Jacob's Lake, the North Rim of the GC and the areas around Lake Powell are great places to visit. The road to the North Rim may be closed by then depending upon snow. They normally keep it open until mid November, but the services at the North Rim are closed by mid October. There are year round services at Jacob's Lake.

If you head out this way, enjoy your trip and enjoy Arizona, there is a lot to see and do.

Winston Wolfe · 09-09-2006, 03:35 PM

First two weeks in November. The idea was to tour the N. AZ and S. UT. I am weak, as I only have the 2wd, so do you think it is pass-able at that time of year? Call me crazy but I think it would be worth it!

Temperature is not an issue, more concerned with getting snowed in. Thanks for your info and hope someone else will throw a bone this way.