Utah offers miles on end of natural beauty and wilderness, and the Paria Canyon is no exception. Nestled in the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, it is one of the best and most spectacular canyon-backpacking destinations in the world. Red rock walls that soar for hundreds of feet above the canyon floor, rainbow-colored rock layers, and hanging gardens provide a unique experience for any hiker. Backpacking through the lower Paria Canyon is a bucket list item for many desert explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. The traditional route covers 38 amazing miles of remote trails that will introduce you to all the wonders of backcountry travel. Challenge the status quo and make forays into the world of mountaineering in an all-female environment. With each mile, you’ll feel more confident and get a more refined sense of self than you had before. Combine the best of both worlds by learning how to navigate ever-changing conditions as you explore the never-ending beauty of Utah. Push your boundaries in the outdoors and slowly but steadily step into the big mountain realm!
Experience the thrill of off-trail adventures on this 7-day all-female hike through the Paria Canyon, UT! The White House to Lee’s Ferry route that you’ll explore during the week covers 38 miles of canyon-floor ground with plentiful river crossings, diverse rock formations, and miles of mandatory wading. Let your seasoned, naturalist, female guide show you the basics of a backcountry adventure. Learn all about camping and navigating through the wilderness while you meet like-minded women, gain more self-confidence, and make lifelong memories!
After you arrive at Kanab, meet your guides and the group you’ll share this experience with over a welcome dinner. Kanab is a true Western Classic. It will transport you back to a time when small-town charm and cattle ranching was a mainstream way of life. Relax and energize for tomorrow, and spend the night in the Canyons Collection.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, head to the trail with your guides. You’ll be transferred to Dreamland Safari Tours around 9am and shuttled to the White House Trailhead about an hour and a half away. Have lunch and enjoy the fresh air before embarking on your adventure! Follow the Paria River south and prepare for some wading. You’ll backpack for 5-7 miles before enjoying a delicious dinner and setting camp where you’ll spend the night.
Make your way along a long and deep slot canyon named Buckskin Gulch before you reach the Paria Canyon — one of the best canyoneering locations in the world. Follow the steps of early Mormon pioneers and the seasonal migration patterns of the area’s native Paiute and Anasazi people and enjoy the historical sites and stunning geologic formations along the way.
Spend your day adventuring and discovering the natural wonders and wildlife of Utah. Your seasoned and professional guide will show you the fundamentals of adventuring in the backcountry as you hike through the Judd Hollow valley packed with exciting historical sites and marvellous panoramas.
Learn how to navigate ever-changing conditions and explore the neverending beauty of the Canyon! Wrather Arch is a natural cave-like arch made of dramatic, picturesque Navajo sandstone. It is the least accessible among the major natural bridges in the Southwestern US, making the approach even more exciting! Once you reach the arch, take some pictures and enjoy the rocky environment that only few will experience!
Today is your last day of exploring the Canyon before returning to civilization. Hike the last section of the trail to a place where old meets new! Lee’s Ferry, a natural corridor between Utah and Arizona, took an important role in the exploration and settlement of northern Arizona. Rich history, beautiful nature, and clear, cold waters make this area great for a break and relaxation before reaching the endpoint. Once you return to Kanab, enjoy a celebratory dinner with your all-female group and spend the night at the Canyons Collection.
After 6 days of getting to know your group and exploring the Canyon, share stories over breakfast and say your goodbyes! This adventure might be over, but the friendships and memories will last forever!
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!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
During your time on the trail, you can expect standard nutritious backpacking breakfasts, light lunch, and fortified “just add water” freeze-dried dinner. If you have any special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and celiac, dairy-free), please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
Equipment is available to rent directly from the guide. If you would like assistance with gear rentals or purchase recommendations, please contact us.
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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.
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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!!!