There are not many parts of Arizona that have not been touched somehow by commercialism in some vein. However, the Grand Canyon's Parashant National Monument has been able to remain, so far, virgin land. It has only been 6 years since its inception, and even now the numbers of visitors has doubled each year. Even researchers come to study its geology, plant life, wildlife and incredible history.

The monument is fairly isolated and embryonic in nature. Managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, the monument has not yet been incorporated with proper roadways or tourism amenities. Its over twenty thousand acres are located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Its name's origins come from a native phrase meaning 'elk hide softening' or 'elk hide tanning'. In fact, it is ironic really because with time more and more will be discovered about it. However, thus far, just two years ago, an expedition into nearby caves revealed new insect species, a barklouse and completely new species of the ever loving cricket.

At present the best recreation in the monument region is hiking, camping, fishing and quiet walks. Despite this, the numbers of people that discover its joys are still fewer than at other places, simply because the road into the monument is rough, and no special tourist facilities have been constructed.