Babbitt Proposes new Vermilion Cliffs

National Monument near Page, Arizona

293,000 acres

Vision:  A no fee, no entrance station, no fence monument that protects existing uses (except to retire a few old and inactive mining claims).   Secretary Babbitt is pursuing a 3rd type of recreation monumental.  The previous model for federal lands has been wide open do-whatever-your-want lands and the exclusive fenced off and stay out type.  The current vision is to create a National Monument that "honors and and encourages historic, traditional values" while at the same time removing potential uses that create problems (i.e. mining and rampant off-trail driving).

Key attributes:  Wild adventure, great views and 4-wheel drive exploring and camping atop a 6,500' plateau overlooking Lees Ferry and House Rock Valley.

Note:  The Spencer Trail is located in the Glen Canyon Recreational Area but it affords a view toward the Vermilion Cliffs, the cliffs that make up the Paria Plateau.  

On July 15, 2000 Bruce Babbitt organized a hike up the Spencer Trail from Lees Ferry inside the Glen Canyon Recreational Area to discuss his vision for the new National Monument.  He stated that there are currently no management issues on the Paria Plateau that warranty remedy.  His goal was to ensure that the open west experience that the Plateau presently (offers which includes 4 wheel access to rim view points) be saved for future generations to enjoy.  He was implicit that the experience in this national monument be different than than the traditional visitor experience offered in most National Park units.  He wants no entrance stations, no fees and he wants current land use activities to continue thereby preserving the heritage of this unique and historical landscape.

The hike up the historical Spencer Trail rises 1,500 above the Colorado River.

The cliffs in the distant background are part of the existing Paria Cliffs Wilderness Area which are likely to function as the borders of the proposed monument.

   
        Heading Up Towards Glen Canyon Dam                        Babbitt explains the historical significance of Lees Ferry

Overview of Lees Ferry with the Paria Plateau in the distance

 
           Top of the trail looking toward Echo Peaks                        Sharing a light moment with GCNRA personnel

                       Heading back down

Just like the Grand Canyon

Echo Peaks in background and rafts on the river

Want to learn more about the downstream river environment?

Beaver populations and the relationship with Glen Canyon Dam

The Colorado River 100 Years Ago

Arizona Daily Sun  article on Babbitt's Paria Plateau Proposal

Author:   Paul Ostapuk 7/15/2000

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