The Sierra Club says “A backpack trip down the Paria River Canyon is so special that it should be on everyone’s list of things to do before they leave this world.”  And we agree. 

The Paria River is a stunning slot-canyon and major tributary to the Colorado River at the border of Utah and Arizona.  Our canyon backpack trip is a 5-day, 38 mile journey to the mighty Colorado River.

Imagine an experience of walking into and through “mother nature” and you can imagine what a trip through the Paria is like.  The hike itself is in the riverbed which is filled with water for most of the trip.  It meanders in a flowing pattern, starting in the open scrub desert and flowing down through 1600’ walls of Navajo Sandstone (the narrows section) and then back out into open scrub desert.   We will be crossing and walking in the riverbed itself for most of journey. 

We’ll meet on Day One at Lee’s Ferry, Arizona, where we will split up our group gear and travel by shuttle to our trip start location at the White House Trailhead in Utah.  We spend 5 days in the canyon, camping on sandbar ledges and enjoying the beauty and stillness of the experience.  Our trip will run expedition style with participants contributing to the camp experience.  We’ll offer yoga sessions to stretch our bodies physically and evening circles to help integrate the experiences of the day.

Despite hiking in a riverbed, the journey is moderate due to the remoteness, the possibility of deep water crossings, the overall mileage and the need to carry extra water throughout most of the trip.  Hiking and camping in this beautiful canyon is a trip of a lifetime – and we will take time to appreciate the natural history and the peacefulness it invokes in us.

On our final day we anticipate leaving the canyon at Lee’s Ferry by 3 PM allowing time for you to travel to Flagstaff for hot showers and restaurant food.  You may also camp at Lee’s Ferry or stay at the local lodge.