In the spring of 2023, I spent three nights and four days hiking over 40 miles in Paria Canyon with my family. We went from White House to Lees Ferry, and the trip was amazing! The canyon walls and rock formations were some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Plus, only a limited number of people are allowed to stay in the canyon each day, so you rarely see others.
Permits for Paria Canyon
To protect the area, advance permits are required if you plan on staying overnight. Only 20 spots across four major trailheads (Buckskin, Wire Pass, White House, and Middle Route) are available daily. Day-use permits, however, are available via self-serve envelopes at each trailhead.
There is no lottery for getting permits; it’s first come, first served for online reservations. Permits are available four months in advance on recreation.gov. So, if you want to plan a trip in April, you would need to get your permit in January. Reservations are accepted at noon (12:00 Mountain Time) on the 1st of each month. For more information on permits, click here.
Choosing A Route
Three main trailheads lead into Paria Canyon. Each trail begins at a different location but ends at the confluence. It is 31 miles from the confluence to Lee’s Ferry. When choosing a route, you should consider what you want to see, how far you want to hike, and how much time you have. Each trailhead and its distance to the confluence are listed below.
- White House Trailhead to The Confluence: 7.3 miles
- Buckskin Trailhead to The Confluence: 16 miles
- Wire Pass Trailhead to The Confluence: 13.2 miles
- The Confluence to Lee’s Ferry: 31 miles
The Hike From White House to Lee’s Ferry
Before embarking on your hike, be sure to pick up your permit from the Paria Contact Station, conveniently situated just off Highway 89 near the White House Trailhead.
The journey begins by tracing the river’s path, which you’ll follow closely throughout the entire hike. The scenery evolves into four distinct sections. The initial stretch leads you through a magnificent canyon with towering walls and narrow passages that offer shade alongside the flowing river.
Around 10 miles past the confluence, the landscape undergoes a transformation. The canyon gradually widens, the shade diminishes, and lush greenery lines the riverbanks with tall grasses and trees.
As you continue, the landscape transitions again. Soon, the grass and trees fade out, and you come to a desert landscape with huge rocks inhabiting the river. Some of the rocks become obstacles you have to bypass. The walls become narrower once again, but they do not look the same as the high walls at the beginning of the trip.
Eventually, the canyon gives way to an open desert expanse, marking the beginning of the “high water route.” Here, the trail hugs the mountain cliffs, winding through narrow, rocky terrain that demands careful navigation and occasional climbing. From this vantage point, you’re treated to great views of the Vermillion Cliffs near Lee’s Ferry, guiding your path alongside the river until you reach your journey’s end.
Springs and Water Availability in Paria Canyon
The Paria River flows year-round. However, it is always brownish and very silty, so make sure to bring a water filter with you. There are also springs along the way, but you should be prepared to filter water from the river if you have to. We were able to find the last reliable spring, but we still had to filter water from the river on our last day.
*If you put water from the river in a container (we used a dry bag) and let it settle overnight, the water will be clear by the morning. Once all the sediment fell to the bottom, we were able to filter clear, clean water from the top of the bag.
In addition to the river, there are a few reliable springs along the hike. The locations will be available on the map you receive from the Rangers Station, but they can be hard to find. The best way to find a spring is to look for green, hanging gardens on the rocks and clear flowing water entering the river.
Reliable Spring Locations
- Wall Spring: Approximately 2.2 miles from the Confluence on the canyon’s right side.
- Big Spring: Approximately 4.9 miles from the Confluence on the canyon’s right side.
- The Hole: Approximately 11.7 miles from the Confluence in a rock alcove on the canyon’s right side.
- Shower Spring: This spring is approximately 14.5 miles from the confluence. It is located on the Canyon’s left side, across from a campground on the right side.
- Last Reliable Spring: Approximately 18.2 miles from the confluence
How Many Days Do You Need to Hike Paria Canyon?
We spent four days and three nights in the canyon, which was doable. However, I think it would have been better to add an extra day. There are some cool places to check out along the way, but finding energy after hiking ten or so miles with a 45-lb pack was not easy. On day 3, we camped near Wrather Arch, and I somehow found the energy to hike it, but no one else in my group did. Either way, it’s a great trip!
What to Pack
In addition to your camping and personal items, bring comfortable footwear for the trail, such as water sandals or a lightweight hiking shoe. You will also want to bring some camp shoes – lightweight and comfortable shoes to wear around camp. Don’t forget the sunscreen! And I highly recommend hiking poles. I don’t always like to use hiking poles, but they were very helpful in the water. Gauging how deep my next step would be before taking it was very helpful! Speaking of water, don’t forget your water filter! You need to stay hydrated while walking through the desert!
Shuttle Options
Because this is a one-way hike, you must arrange a shuttle or bring two cars to shuttle yourself. Various hiking companies will provide shuttle services (for a fee, Of Course). I recommend using Paria Outfitters if you go this route, but there are others as well. Typically, the shuttle service meets you at the Lee’s Ferry parking lot (where your hike will end) and drives you to the start of the trailhead. It’s a pretty straightforward process.
The shuttle options are expensive, so if you have more than one car in your group, it’s probably better to do your own shuttling.
Paria Canyon Day Hikes
If you can’t get a Paria Canyon permit or simply don’t have the time or availability to stay overnight, you can do a day trip. The BLM does not limit the number of day-use access passes. You just need to get a day-use permit and leave it in your car. Day-use permits can be accessed via self-serve envelope stations at all trailheads.
Whitehouse Trailhead To The Confluence (And Back)
One day hike option for Paria Canyon is to hike from the Whitehouse Trailhead to the Confluence and return the way you came. It is slightly over 7 miles to the confluence, making it a 14.5-mile round-trip hike. However, if you don’t want to go the entire 7 or 14 miles, you can turn around before reaching the confluence and still see a ton of beautiful scenery. Just do what’s best for you!
You can also do day hikes from any of the other trailheads, but in doing so, you will spend most of your time in Buckskin Slot Canyon.
Wrather Arch
“Wrather Arch…I’d weather not!” That was my family’s motto when we reached the Wrather Arch trailhead. The arch is distinguished as being the least accessible among the major natural spans in the Southwestern United States. Wrather Arch is not a day hike; you must have a Paria Canyon Permit to hike to it. It is located in the heart of Paria Canyon, approximately 18 miles from either entrance. Even though I was exhausted when I reached the Wrather Arch Trailhead, I still hiked to it, and it was worth the work! The arch is amazing!
Wrather Arch was first spotted by a pilot while flying over Glen Canyon. After seeing the arch, the pilot and a National Geographic staff man, Walter M Edwards, flew a helicopter to the arch to check it out. They calculated its height as 165 feet and about 250 feet across. A news bulletin from National Geographic, dated February 4, 1966, states, “Tall as a 15-story building, Wrather Arch (named for a past National Geographic Trustee)… The Taj Mahal would fit comfortably into the arch…”
Wrather Arch is definitely worth exploring. So make sure you spend enough days or store enough energy to do so on your trip!
The Best Time to Hike Paria Cayon
The best time to hike Paria Canyon typically falls within the spring and fall seasons. The weather is generally more temperate during these periods, with milder temperatures and a lower risk of extreme heat. Spring, from March to May, offers pleasant temperatures and the possibility of blooming wildflowers, while fall, from September to November, boasts similar conditions.
Additionally, these seasons tend to coincide with lower water levels in the Paria River, making river crossings easier and safer. Summer months can bring high temperatures, posing significant challenges for hikers, while winter may bring colder weather and potential snowfall, particularly at higher elevations.
Ultimately, the best time to hike Paria Canyon depends on individual preferences and comfort levels with weather conditions. Always check weather forecasts, water levels, and trail conditions before planning your hike to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. If flash flooding is possible, do not enter the canyon!
Things to Know Before You Go
- Flash floods are extremely dangerous and frequent in this area. Check the weather before you go–even if it’s not raining when you leave. If there is a potential for rain in surrounding areas, don’t go into slot canyons. Flash flooding is especially dangerous in Buckskin Slot Canyon.
- You will not get a cell signal until you begin to approach Lee’s Ferry.
- GPS devices don’t always work well in the canyon. Make sure you have a map.
- We never stepped in quicksand, but I have heard it’s there, so be cautious of where you step and keep track of the people in your group. Use the buddy system.
Leave No Trace
Do your part to keep the Paria Canyon beautiful by packing out everything you pack in and not changing the landscape. Respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!