Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Waterfall in a side canyon
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 American Antiquities Act of 1906 to protect wildlife areas, forests, and scenic lands he thought should be preserved for all Americans.
American Antiquities Act
Many of our major national parks and much of the national forest system were first protected by presidents using the American 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 Presidents have used their power to create national monuments so wisely and effectively that Congress has never rescinded a presidential national monument.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.
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (NPS website)
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (BLM website)
The name of my Band is Cedar Band of Paiutes. My last name, Parashonts, means Elk or large deer standing in the water. I think the spelling of the Paiute word goes something like Pah-duee'. That is my family name on my grandparent's and mother's side. She was Paiute from Shivwits, as was my grandmother, Catherine Bonapart was from Shivwits also. My grandfather is Woots Parashonts, a Paiute born in Beaver County and lived in the Cedar area. I am registered under my grandfather's name with the Cedar Band of Paiutes. Our name comes from the newly created Parashonts National Monument down along the BLM Arizona Strip. That’s where my family comes from. That is a little history on my name. Thanks for thinking of me and my family. You have honored me in a good way. -Travis Parashonts