Not many trails start with a warning about quicksand and end with sandstone narrows tight enough to touch both walls at once, but Paria Canyon backpacking does exactly that. Over five days, we hike upstream through the Paria River, past towering cliff walls, hidden petroglyphs, and Wrather Arch, before dropping into the dark, twisting confines of Buckskin Gulch, the deepest slot canyon in the world. Guides handle the permit, the food, and the gear, so wet boots are the only real inconvenience. Join an adventure where solitude is guaranteed by law: just 20 hikers are allowed in per day.
Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch come together on this 5-day trip along the Paria River, finishing inside the longest, deepest slot canyon in the world. An orientation and gear check in Page, Arizona kicks things off the evening before hiking starts, and riverside camping follows, with stops at Wrather Arch, ancient petroglyphs, and towering sandstone narrows along the way, covering 40 miles (64 km) in total. The guide team handles the permit, meals, and group gear for the entire route. Expect wet boots, long river miles, and a pace suited to fit seasoned backpackers.
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This is a strenuous, demanding trip, so excellent fitness is required. Total elevation gain is a modest 1,827 ft (557 m), but you’ll cover up to 11.25 miles (18 km) in a single day, much of it wading directly through the Paria River, which slows the pace and makes for long, full days.
A bit of training goes a long way here: hiking with a weighted backpack, breaking in your shoes wet, and building up a few long days on trail beforehand will make a real difference in how much you enjoy the trip.
Because the canyon runs deep and narrow, there are no quick exits once you’re inside. GPS communication becomes unreliable after the second day, and emergency evacuation takes time, so this is best suited to hikers who are comfortable being fully off-grid for a stretch.
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Mostly, yes, with one exception worth knowing about. The final day involves a Class 3 scramble to climb out of Buckskin Gulch, a fun, hands-on finish with a few exposed sections that call for careful footing and steady nerves.
If heights aren’t your thing, it’s something to think about before departing, but for most hikers, it’s one of the more memorable moments of the trip.
Hiking through narrow canyons naturally comes with flash flood risk, especially since the trail follows the Paria River directly for most of its length. Your guides monitor weather and water conditions closely throughout the trip and will only enter or continue through the canyon when it’s safe to do so. If conditions change, the itinerary may be adjusted, or in rare cases, delayed.
Because the canyon is so narrow, there’s limited space for human waste to break down naturally, so all solid waste needs to be packed out. This isn’t optional, it’s part of maintaining the permit that allows guided trips into the canyon at all. Your guides walk you through the system during the Day 0 gear check.
Very, but that’s exactly what your guides are there for. Only 20 overnight permits are issued for the entire canyon each day, and your guides secure yours as part of the trip, so there’s no scrambling for a reservation on your end.
Permits are released on the first of the month, four months out, which means booking early gives your guides the best shot at locking in your preferred dates. Since this trip only runs once a permit is confirmed, the earlier you reserve, the smoother the whole process goes.
The dates are confirmed pending permit approval and subject to change, and though it’s rarely an issue, it’s something to keep in mind.
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Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Paria Canyon backpacking trip can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A single occupancy tent is not available on this Paria Canyon backpacking trip.
The starting point of your Paria Canyon backpacking trip is Page, Arizona. To get there, most people fly into Las Vegas Airport (LAS) or Phoenix Airport (PHX). From there, you can rent a car to reach Page.
You will meet your guide at 5 pm in Page the evening before the hike on Day 0.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
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We had a fantastic time and loved the support and attitude of our guides. It was difficult but worthwhile and the scenery was beyond what we could’ve imagined!!