Paria Canyon Traverse Guided Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
Paria Canyon Traverse Guided Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$1997
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Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
5 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate-Advanced
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Mileage:
38 miles
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Elevation change:
2700 Ft. Gain
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Season:
Spring (April/May)
Fall (September – November)
Adventure Details
Immerse yourself in the raw, breathtaking beauty of Paria Canyon on this carefully crafted 5-day guided backpacking adventure through the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
From the moment you drop into the canyon at Wire Pass, you’ll enter a world of towering sandstone walls sculpted into impossible curves and ribbons of red, orange, and cream. Hike beneath skies so narrow only a sliver of blue remains overhead, then emerge into wide, sunlit amphitheaters where the Paria River winds like a silver thread. Along the way, explore Buckskin Gulch (the longest slot canyon on Earth), marvel at swirling formations that rival the famous Wave, and pause at ancient Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan petroglyph panels etched centuries ago.
Daily mileage ranges from 6–10 miles over mostly gentle terrain, with plenty of time for photography and quiet reflection. Evenings bring comfortable riverside camps beneath a blanket of desert stars, with hearty, fresh-cooked meals prepared by your guides.
Our experienced team secures hard-to-obtain permits, handles navigation and group gear, and keeps packs light so you can focus on the experience. Limited to just 12 guests, this small-group trip ensures solitude in one of America’s most spectacular and protected landscapes.
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Into Paria Canyon
Mileage: ~7 miles
Elevation Loss: ~200–400 ft loss
Experience: After a scenic drive across Arizona into southern Utah, we’ll arrive at our trailhead and step into the Paria River for the first time. Our hike begins with wading and walking along the sandy riverbed, framed by red sandstone walls that mark the entrance to the Vermilion Cliffs. We’ll camp tonight at the confluence of the Paria River and Buckskin Gulch, setting the stage for tomorrow’s slot canyon exploration.
Highlights: First steps in the Paria River, Vermilion Cliffs scenery, riverside camp at Buckskin Gulch.
Day 2: Exploring Buckskin Gulch
Mileage: ~8–10 miles
Elevation Loss: 200 ft loss
Experience: Today we’ll spend much of our time exploring Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in the world. With its narrow passageways, sculpted sandstone walls, and swirling rock patterns illuminated by shifting sunlight, Buckskin is a photographer’s dream. After exploring, we’ll return to camp, resupply with fresh water, and continue downstream along the Paria until we find our second campsite.
Highlights: Buckskin Gulch, towering slot canyon walls, vibrant sandstone formations.
Day 3: Deeper into the Vermilion Cliffs
Mileage: ~8–10 miles
Elevation Loss: 200–400 ft loss
Experience: We’ll continue trekking downstream as the canyon deepens and narrows, winding through the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Along the way, we’ll pass lush hanging gardens, dripping springs, and remnants of historic homesteads that speak to the canyon’s human history. After meeting our mileage goal, we’ll camp near a fresh water spring, surrounded by towering cliffs.
Highlights: Hanging gardens, natural springs, historic canyon remnants, secluded campsite.
Day 4: Wrather Arch & Ancient Petroglyphs
Mileage: ~10–12 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~400–600 ft gain and loss
Experience: Today’s route offers opportunities for side explorations. We may detour to Wrather Arch — one of the largest natural arches in the Southwest—and stop at the Bighorn Panel, home to one of the most impressive collections of ancient petroglyphs in the region. Later, we’ll refill at “Last Reliable Spring” before climbing onto a bench above the Paria River. Tonight’s elevated campsite offers stunning stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the Southwest.
Highlights: Wrather Arch, Bighorn Panel petroglyphs, Last Reliable Spring, stargazing.
Day 5: Journey to Lees Ferry
Mileage: ~7–8 miles
Elevation Loss: ~200–400 ft loss
Experience: On our final day, we’ll follow the Paria River toward Lees Ferry, where the canyon opens and history greets us. Along the way, we’ll pass the historic Lonely Dell settlement, built by John D. Lee while overseeing the Colorado River crossing. Our trek concludes at Lees Ferry, where we’ll regroup, celebrate, and then drive back to Phoenix for well-earned rest and fond farewells.
Highlights: Lonely Dell settlement, canyon exit, scenic return to Phoenix.
Pickup Locations
Our Paria Slot Canyon hike and guided backpacking tours start and end in Phoenix, AZ; saving you travel time and money on your travel expenses compared to leaving from Flagstaff, AZ. Transportation from our Phoenix Hotel Partner is included in the cost of the tour. We do not pickup in Flagstaff, AZ as orientation is mandatory and takes place in Phoenix, AZ the night prior to the hike.
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include roundtrip transportation from our Phoenix hotel partner, all pro-quality gear, permit and entrance fees and all meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks.
We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks Grand Canyon Rim to Rim tours are all inclusive tours which include:- All meals from lunch day 1 through lunch day 4
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Backpacking Guide
- Transportation From Phoenix
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, single (solo hikers) or double occupancy (groups of 2 plus) tent
- All permits and fees
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.