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.
Everything. Sunny Stroeer is truly remarkable, and is the reason I applied for the summit scholarship and eventually summited Komo Kulshan (Baker) in the Cascades. She beautifully brings together women from different backgrounds, age, mountaineering, and professional experiences and creates an inclusive, exciting, and supportive environment for all. I always felt included, and never felt like I had to prove myself or my physical strength, like I do so often in male-dominating outdoors environments. I learned so much from Sunny, as well as the other female guides about glacial mountaineering, safety, and other skills useful for trekking across snow covered peaks. The women I barely knew day 1 quickly became friends and strong team members I look up to in so many ways. I cannot recommend AWE enough, and any individual wanting to venture into the mountains with the incredible group of women Sunny brings together, will truly be in AWE of the world, your team members, and all that you are capable of too. I can’t wait for many more adventures with AWE! Thank you Sunny!!!