Utah offers miles on end of natural beauty and wilderness, and the Paria Canyon is no exception. Nestled in the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, it is one of the best and most spectacular canyon-backpacking destinations in the world. Red rock walls that soar for hundreds of feet above the canyon floor, rainbow-colored rock layers, and hanging gardens provide a unique experience for any hiker. Backpacking through the lower Paria Canyon is a bucket list item for many desert explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. The traditional route covers 38 amazing miles of remote trails that will introduce you to all the wonders of backcountry travel. Challenge the status quo and make forays into the world of mountaineering in an all-female environment. With each mile, you’ll feel more confident and get a more refined sense of self than you had before. Combine the best of both worlds by learning how to navigate ever-changing conditions as you explore the never-ending beauty of Utah. Push your boundaries in the outdoors and slowly but steadily step into the big mountain realm!
One of the best canyon-backpacking destinations in the world
Walk away stronger and with a more refined sense of self than you had before
Towering walls of red rock, spectacular sandstone arches, and beautiful hanging gardens
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Paria Canyon, UT, please refer to the official Government of Utah website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
During your time on the trail, you can expect standard nutritious backpacking breakfasts, light lunch, and fortified “just add water” freeze-dried dinner. If you have any special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and celiac, dairy-free), please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Hiking in Paria Canyon does not require a lot of skill but all participants must be in good physical condition and have some previous hiking experience. You have to be able to comfortably hike 8-10 miles on uneven terrain (and not feel utterly exhausted at the end of it) in order to enjoy this hike. Previous backpacking experience is helpful.
The Paria Canyon Backpack is not a mountaineering adventure, but it is an excellent introduction into remote backcountry travel, endurance, safety, and camping. There is no elevation change along the Paria River, but there is a lot of uneven footing as well as long stretches of mandatory wading. October typically sees the Paria flowing all the way from White House to Lee’s Ferry, and we’ll have wet feet for at least 70% of our trip (if not more). Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a backpack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout your trip.
You will receive a detailed packing list in your expedition handbook after reserving your spot. The guide will provide the team cooking and emergency gear for this adventure, while you are responsible for your personal backpacking gear including the following items:
Selected gear items such as sleeping bags, pads, tents and trekking poles are available to rent directly from the guide.
A broad selection of rental gear is also available through national brands such Kit Lender. If you would like assistance with gear rentals or purchase recommendations, please contact us.
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Registration for an adventure with your guide requires a $500 USD deposit. The balance of program fees will generally be due 120 days prior to the starting date of the program. It is your responsibility to adhere to the fee payment schedule. Late payment will result in cancellation of program reservations and forfeiture of all fees paid.
The $500 deposit is non-refundable. All other program fee payments are refundable upon request unless the expedition has already incurred costs on behalf of the applicant.
In some cases, if you are required to forfeit your spot, you may find an acceptable replacement in which case your deposit and fees would transfer to your replacement without penalty.
Participants agree that beginning on the first date of the program itinerary, there will be no refunds of program fees for any reason whatsoever.
Though unlikely, an expedition may be canceled for any reason prior to departure. In that event, the deposit and expedition fees pay by the participants will be refunded. In circumstances where the expedition has already made payments to foreign agencies (climbing permits / logistics support) for a program, some portion of program fees may not be fully refundable.
In the event of cancellation of a program and upon refund to participants of all program fee payments, the expedition organizer shall be released from any further liability to participants, including but not limited to liability for additional costs participants may have incurred.
Expedition participants acknowledge that during the program, certain events may occur which may necessitate certain additional costs not contemplated at this time, including but not limited to the cost of evacuation during any part of the program, medical treatment, body recovery and/or repatriation, and other related matters. Participants agree that those additional costs are not responsibility of the expedition organizer and that the participant is responsible for payment of those costs.
To get to Paria Canyon, most people fly into Salt Lake City (SLC), about a five-hour drive, Las Vegas (LAS) just over a two hours away, or St. George Regional Airport (SGU) about 90 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus ride to Kanab, UT, where you will meet your guides.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The guide will take you from Kanab to Paria Canyon and choose the appropriate terrain depending on conditions and the ability of the group.
