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.
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
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!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
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:
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:
Min. age requirements:
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!
Registration for an adventure with your guide requires a $100USD deposit. The balance of program fees will generally be due 90 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 $100 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.
