What you get on this adventure: Hotel and dinner in Kanab the night before your trip, and on the final night (double occupancy. Contact us for single occupancy upcharge) One to two experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area (the number of guides will depend on the group size) 5 days of hiking Overnight permits for the Buckskin-Paria corridor Trailhead transport from & to Kanab Group cooking equipment and water purification Breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on the trail (possible to accommodate dietary restrictions) Lightweight backpacking tent Team first-aid kit and at least one Wilderness First Responder guide Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency Human waste bags Pre-trip gear & training advice as desired What’s not included: Transportation to Kanab Personal backpacking gear (gear is available to rent, if needed) Snacks on the trail Alcoholic beverages Guide gratuities

How fit do I need to be?

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.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Personal trail snacks — bring a minimum of 2,500 calories Plastic mug, bowl, and spork Fire matches, lighter, or tinder Knife Lightweight hiking boots or shoes that can get wet Weather-appropriate clothes for layering Fast-drying base layer (no cotton) Long sleeve shirt Warm layers: fleece or down jacket Lightweight wind/waterproof jacket 4 pairs of hiking socks Neoprene socks — optional Dry bag for electronics — optional Waterproof rain jacket Buff or bandana Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Small quick-dry towel First aid kit Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 4:1, with groups of up to 8 people. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. Cost is per person. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Covid measures in Paria Canyon, Utah

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!

A group of women hiking through the Paria Canyon

Panoramic view across the swirling sandstone and dry desert landscape of the Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and Coyote Buttes, location of the famous Wave formation on the Arizona Utah border of the Southwest USA.

PARIA CANYON │ UTAH

Hiking Through the Paria River Canyon

5.00 ()

Season

September through November and March through May

Duration

5 days

Difficulty

Guide

Dreamland Safari Tours

Book a call

From $1,995 () / 7 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Nestled in the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs in Utah, Paria River Canyon boasts immense beauty overflowing with rainbow rock layers and narrow gorges. Hiking the canyon is the best way to reach the hidden gem of this varied landscape famous for its hanging gardens and red rock walls that soar for hundreds of feet above the canyon floor. The trail follows the steps of early Mormon pioneers and the seasonal migration patterns of the area’s native Paiute and Anasazi people. This incredible 38 miles long desert route is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts stepping into the world of backpacking. Find out more about backpacking through the Paria Canyon from Sunny Stroeer, Owner of AWExpeditions, and her former adventure participant Elysia Cook McDermott.

Adventure highlights

Discover spectacular sandstone arches and towering walls of red rock
Learn all about camping and navigating through the wilderness
One of the most spectacular canyon-backpacking destinations in the world

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Embrace the challenge and join your guides for a 5-day hiking adventure along the twisting gorges of the Paria Canyon. Spend your days exploring seldom-seen parts of the canyon and discover Native American history along the way. Hike the incredible, 38 miles long desert route and learn all about camping and navigating in the backcountry terrain.

Spend your first day getting to know your guides and other outdoor enthusiasts that you’ll share the next 5 days with. Around noon, you’ll check your gear and head to the trailhead where you’ll share lunch with your group. Hike for about 8 miles through the magnificent Paria Canyon Narrows before reaching the best place for establishing camp for the night.
Spend three full days adventuring and discovering the natural wonders and wildlife of Utah. You’ll hike 10-12 miles per day along the length of the Lower Paria River. Weather permitting, you can visit Buckskin Gulch, Wrather Arch, and more. Enjoy the wonderful environment made of spectacular sandstone arches and towering walls of red rock.
Today is your last day of exploring the Canyon before returning to civilization. Hike out to Lee’s Ferry for 7-10 miles before reaching the end of the trail. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred back to Kanab. This adventure might be over, but the friendships and memories will last!

Hiking Through the Paria River Canyon

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guide

5.00

Dreamland Safari Tours

Dreamland Safari Tours have been guiding outdoor enthusiasts along Utah’s most spectacular trails since 2001. Through the last 20 years, Dreamland received customer accolades and grew to become the largest and most comprehensive tour company in the Kanab Area. Paul and Sunny, current owners of Dreamland, are lifelong backcountry adventurers with a long history of exploring the Southwest. They are excited to introduce you to the secrets of the spectacular desert landscapes in Dreamland’s backyard.

5.00 (1 reviews)

5-day Paria Backpack

Diantha W (source: TripAdvisor)

We had a phenomenal winter adventure walking the length of the Paria canyon with some side canyon explorations. This was major bucket list check off! Sunny did a fantastic job as the lead guide. Our meals were plentiful and excellent. She had some great tips and tricks for comfort for winter camping. I enjoyed learning about the Paria from her and getting to know her better. She is a great steward of Leave No Trace ethics and safe backpacking practices. I also really enjoyed hiking with Maddi and Andrea who also guide with Dreamland.

Sunny was great about pre-trip communication. She developed a thorough pre-trip packet and answered my emails promptly. I really appreciate the extra time she took to give me gear, day hike, and reading recommendations. Booking was easy and I think the price is spot on for all that is included and her service. Her itinerary included hotel stays before and after the trip with associated meals. This was a huge perk that other groups do not routinely offer. It was great to have a “home base” in Kanab at either end of the trip.I highly recommend this multi-day backpack excursion with Dreamland as well as their other day trips.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - Hotel and dinner in Kanab the night before your trip, and on the final night (double occupancy. Contact us for single occupancy upcharge)
  - One to two experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area (the number of guides will depend on the group size)
  - 5 days of hiking
  - Overnight permits for the Buckskin-Paria corridor
  - Trailhead transport from & to Kanab
  - Group cooking equipment and water purification
  - Breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on the trail (possible to accommodate dietary restrictions)
  - Lightweight backpacking tent
  - Team first-aid kit and at least one Wilderness First Responder guide
  - Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency
  - Human waste bags
  - Pre-trip gear & training advice as desired
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Kanab
  - Personal backpacking gear (gear is available to rent, if needed)
  - Snacks on the trail
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Guide gratuities
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.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Sleeping bag
  - Sleeping pad
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Personal trail snacks — bring a minimum of 2,500 calories
  - Plastic mug, bowl, and spork
  - Fire matches, lighter, or tinder
  - Knife
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes that can get wet
  - Weather-appropriate clothes for layering
  - Fast-drying base layer (no cotton)
  - Long sleeve shirt
  - Warm layers: fleece or down jacket
  - Lightweight wind/waterproof jacket
  - 4 pairs of hiking socks
  - Neoprene socks — optional
  - Dry bag for electronics — optional
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Buff or bandana
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Small quick-dry towel
  - First aid kit
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 4:1, with groups of up to 8 people.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  - Cost is per person. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
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!
Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
You can secure one of the set dates with a $500 deposit upon booking. The remaining amount is to be paid 30 days prior to departure, at the latest. Should your guides be unsuccessful in obtaining permits for your trip, you are entitled to a full refund of your deposit minus the booking fees. If the client cancels the booking…
- - 91+ days prior to departure, your deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another tour by your guides within 24 months of your booking date.
  - 61-90 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 20% of the full trip price.
  - 31-60 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 30% of the full trip price.
  - 8-30 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 40% of the full trip price.
  - 30 days to 48 hours prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 70% of the full trip price.
  - Within 48 hours of departure, the client forfeits 100% of the full trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.