United States·September 9 - 14 2023

Paria Canyon

White House Trail to Lee’s Ferry.

Highlights

Overview

A world renowned route through one of the longest slot canyons in the stunning desert southwest. This hike starts in an exposed wash and continues until you are surrounded by tight, towering sandstone walls. Walk through the serpentine canyon looking for hanging gardens, natural springs, and campsites with red walls and bright green cottonwood trees.

Schedule

Previous

Next

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Day 1

  • 8 am: Pickup in St. George, gear distribution and packing demo
  • 9 am: Drive from St George to White House trailhead, 2.5 hours
  • 10:30 am: Arrive at White House trailhead and begin hike
  • If you prefer to drive on your own and meet us at the trailhead, please note we are on
  • Mountain Daylight Time (Arizona and Nevada are on a different time zone)
  • Hike 7-9 miles with lunch break
  • 7-8 pm: Dinner, set up camp at confluence

Today we'll get our feet wet early on as we walk through the exposed, sandy wash of the Paria River. After a few miles of hiking the canyon walls will start to narrow. Notice the "swiss cheese rock" walls and expect to walk through thigh-deep water (deeper if flash floods happened recently). We will make our way to the narrows where three slot canyons converge. From there, we'll hike a quarter mile up Buckskin Gulch and you'll get your first taste of the majesty of deep time.


Included

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 2

  • 8:30 am: Breakfast, pack up camp
  • Hike 5-8 miles
  • 7 pm: Dinner, set up camp

Today we'll have an optional morning hike of 1-2 miles into Buckskin Gulch– one of the longest, deepest slot canyons in the world. Expect dark alcoves and beautiful wavy sandstone walls carved by centuries of flash floods. Afterward we'll grab our backpacks and hike downriver through the Paria most of the day. Look forward to hanging gardens and our guide's favorite freshwater spring gushing out of the red rock walls. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 3

  • 8:30 am: Breakfast, pack up camp
  • Hike 7-10 miles
  • 7 pm: Dinner, set up camp

Today we'll continue hiking through the serpentine river. Look for giant alcoves and notice as the canyon starts to widen. Today we will visit a secret oasis in the desert when our guides lead you to Shower Spring. This will be our last night in the canyon before we exit and hike overland the next day.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 4

  • 8:30 am: Breakfast, pack up camp
  • Hike 8-10 miles
  • 7 pm: Dinner, set up camp

Say your goodbyes to the beautiful canyon walls because today we will be leaving the river (for a time) to hike over a fairly exposed high-route. We will gain and lose a few hundred feet of elevation as we boulder-hop around prickly pears and pass through popcorn-like bentonite layers. We will also stop by an awesome petroglyph panel featuring bighorn sheep, spirals, and human figures. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Day 5

  • 8 am: Breakfast, pack up camp
  • Hike 4-6 miles
  • Exit hike at Lee’s Ferry, drive to White House trailhead 1.5 hours
  • Drive 2.5 hours to St George
  • 7-9 pm: Drop off in St. George (We cannot guarantee an exact arrival time in St. George, so please do not schedule a flight close to this time. All times on this itinerary are estimates and dependent on group hiking pace)

Today we'll cross the river several times and continue on sandy, overland social trails as we make our way to the end of the canyon. We'll pass abandoned uranium mines from the cold war days as well as ranches settled by Mormon pioneers. Finally we'll walk past a tiny pioneer cemetery and beautiful orchards in the desert before reaching the end of the Paria Canyon.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

What's Included

What's Included

All meals and snacks

Two female guides trained as wilderness first responders

Transportation to and from St George, Utah

Permit, camping, and entry fees

First Aid Kit and Satellite communications

Shuttle from Lee’s Ferry to White House trailhead

Backpack, Tent, Sleeping bag (or you can bring your own), sleeping pad, pillow, trekking poles, water filter, cooking system and utensils, wag bags

Accommodations in St George before and after hike

Travel insurance

Gratuity for guides

Clothing, rain gear, footwear, headlamp, water bottle and water bladder (3 liter capacity)

Sunscreen, toiletries, and personal items

Trip Tips

Level of Difficulty

Level of Difficulty

Moderately strenuous: must be able to hike up to 10 miles per day while carrying 35-45 lbs, through sections of cold water. Beginner backpackers are welcome as long as you have experience hiking at a moderately strenuous level.

Don't Forget to Purchase Travel Insurance

Don't Forget to Purchase Travel Insurance

This is not required in order to travel with us but it is recommended to protect you if anything were to happen on the trip. Here are a few options, however please purchase wherever you prefer. https://www.travelinsurancecenter.com/ https://sevencorners.com/ https://www.travelguard.ca/ https://www.travelguard.com/

Paria Canyon

United States· September 9 - 14 2023 · 5 nights

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