Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Waterfall in a side canyon. Click on the image for a larger view.
If you want to explore a place that is well off the beaten path, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is your destination. Encompassing a large portion of the Arizona Strip country north of the Grand Canyon, the monument includes the volcanic Uinkaret Mountains, the dramatic Hurricane Cliffs, and a portion of the northwest rim of the Grand Canyon. Four wilderness areas are included in the national monument; Paiute, Grand Wash Cliffs, Mount Trumbull, and Mount Logan wildernesses.
Former Grand Canyon National Monument
Not to be confused with the old Grand Canyon National Monument, which was incorporated into Grand Canyon National Park by Act of Congress in 1975, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument was created by presidential proclamation on January 11, 2000. President Theodore Roosevelt first used the Antiquities Act of 1906 to protect wildlife areas, forests, and scenic lands he thought should be preserved for all Americans.
Antiquities Act
Many of our major national parks, as well as the national forest system, were first protected by presidents using the Antiquities Act. Although the president and the Congress may both create national monuments, only Congress can create or rescind a national park, or rescind a national monument. Presidents have used their power to create national monuments so wisely and effectively that Congress has never rescinded a presidential national monument.
Location
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument lies about 30 miles southwest of St. George, Utah, and is only accessible via long dirt roads. There are no services of any kind within the national monument. Visitors planning to explore the national monument should be experienced and equipped for remote desert travel. Most of the monument's roads are not maintained for passenger cars. It is recommended that you have a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Carry plenty of food and water.