Paria Canyon & Buckskin Gulch Backpacking Trip with Miss Rover!
May 17 - 24, 2024
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as Women Who Explore collaborates with the remarkable storyteller, photographer, and content creator, Miss Rover, for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Together, we invite you to join us on an incredible journey through one of the world's finest canyon-backpacking destinations, Paria Canyon, with an incredible bonus at the end – the world’s longest slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch, a tributary to Paria Canyon.
Over the course of five days and four nights, you'll have the chance to marvel at breathtaking views as we traverse a total of 40 miles through this awe-inspiring canyon. Along the way, we'll visit remarkable sites such as Wrather Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the region, and witness petroglyphs left behind by Native Americans, telling the tales of those who graced this land long ago.
With a daily limit of only 20 overnight visitors, this experience provides not only a challenge but also ample time to relish the solitude and immerse yourself in the pristine natural surroundings. This is a place where sisterhood meets the grandeur of nature, promising an an experience like no other.
However, it's essential to be aware of some special considerations for this trip. Please note that a significant portion of the journey will require you to walk directly in the Paria River. The river bottom's condition constantly changes due to weather and flash floods. After such events, mud and quicksand can make hiking more challenging for several days. For your safety, the months of April, May, and June are recommended, as they have the lowest chance of flooding. Nevertheless, flash floods can occur at any time of the year, and we will only venture into the canyon if it's deemed safe.
This is a very strenuous trip and requires a Class 3 scramble out of Buckskin Gulch on the last day, so it's not suitable for those with a strong fear of heights.
Total distance: 40 miles. Total elevation gain: 1,827’. Get ready for an adventure you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Meet Your Trip Host
Melissa - miss rover - photographer & storyteller
Hi! My name is Melissa and I’ve kind of made hiking, backpacking and road trips my whole personality these last 7 years haha. But I didn’t know a single thing about any of these things until my mid 20’s!
Growing up in a town of 700 in rural Michigan didn’t offer a lot of travel and outdoor opportunities for me. So, it’s truly wild that I get to travel for a living now, and I am beyond grateful. My outdoor love story started at 25 years old when I decided to quit my job, pack up my things, and road trip from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. This two month journey across 11 states and numerous National Parks completely changed me as a person. So much that now I spend my time planning trips and writing about them so that others can experience the joy and healing the outdoors can bring.
I think backpacking especially can be so intimidating, and I’m forever grateful for the women in my life that taught me. There’s so much pressure to get certain gear and be a certain way outdoors as women, and it’s taken me a long time (and a lot of learning the hard way) to find my place in all of it. So, I’m ecstatic that my first ever group trip is a backpacking trip where we can all come together with whatever experience we have and learn and grow in nature together.
Day 1:
Welcome to Page, Arizona!
Today you will meet the rest of your fellow backpackers! We will meet in Page, Arizona after 4:30 p.m. at our accommodations for the next two evenings. If you arrive early, we recommend stopping by and checking out some iconic spots like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, nearby Vermillion Cliffs National Monument or Grand Staircase Escalante.
If you are flying in to join us, there is a direct flight to Page’s Municipal Airport (PGA) from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) available on Contour Airlines.
If you are driving to join us, here are a few other nearby cities with airport options.
Flagstaff, Arizona - 129 miles, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes drive
St. George, Utah - 154 miles, approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes drive
Las Vegas, Nevada - 272 miles, approximately 4 hours 15 minutes
Phoenix, Arizona - 273 miles, approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes drive
We will meet at our cute, SW inspired home where we will spend the next two evenings and get settled in. Around 7:30 p.m. we will enjoy a welcome dinner where we will get to know each other followed by an evening of unwinding by the fire pit and relaxing in the hot tub.
Day 2:
explore Page, Arizona!
Wake up and enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee (maybe in the hot tub) while a hot tasty breakfast is prepared for you. After the rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose - explore or relax before our backcountry adventure.
In the morning your trip host, Melissa will offer a mini photography workshop, sharing some of her favorite tips and tricks to catch an epic, Insta-worthy shot.
If you opt for a free day to explore Page, take the opportunity to be captivated by the wonders of the American Southwest, where nature's artistry, cultural heritage, and adventure seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable experience that lingers in your heart and memory. Home to iconic places like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and so many more beautiful places to explore, you won’t be bored - that’s for sure!
For those who prefer to enjoy downtime, our home has a pool table, ping pong table, arcade games, and outdoor hot tub for your ultimate relaxation.
At 5 p.m. we will gather back at the house where we will meet with our local guides at 5 p.m. to review gear and our itinerary. A pizza dinner will be provided as we get to know each and prepare for our adventure.
Once we finish dinner, we will head back to our rooms, snuggle into bed for the evening for a good night's sleep in preparation for a week packed full of fun!
Day 3:
Time to hit the Trail!
Rise and shine….it’s time to hit the trail! Our guides will pick us up at our hotel at 6am and drive us to Lees Ferry trailhead. At the trailhead we will enjoy a breakfast of yogurt, bagels and fruit to get us started. If you have any items you are unable to bring along in your backpack for the trip, they can be left in the guide’s vehicle and will be waiting for you at the end of the trip. We will finish loading our packs before we head off to explore one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world for the next 5 days!
Today we will begin our journey up Paria Canyon taking in the beautiful views and magical landscape that surrounds us. Tonight we will camp at Bushhead Canyon. Once we arrive, we will set up our tents, unpack our sleeping bags and get ready for our first evening camping under the stars. After camp is set up, we will gather to enjoy dinner and swap adventure stories.
Distance: 11.25 miles, Elevation start: 3,159’
Day 4:
Wrather Arch
Wake up and enjoy a warm cup of coffee as breakfast is prepared. Today our journey up Paria Canyon continues. We will make a detour today to visit Wrather Canyon where we will get to visit Wrather Arch, the 5th largest natural arch in the world. Here we will have a chance to take photos and take a break for snacks. After exploring this canyon, we will make our way back to the main trail and continue hiking until we reach our camp spot for the evening.
After setting up camp, we will enjoy a delicious dinner together followed by an opportunity to play cards or head to your tent to relax with a good adventure book!
Distance: 7 miles
Day 5:
Explore Abandoned Meander
Relax with your morning coffee as breakfast is prepared. On today’s journey we continue hiking upstream with a side hike through abandoned meander. We will take a mid-day break to enjoy snacks and lunch.
Afterwards we will continue on wandering through one of the world’s longest slot canyons until we reach Big Springs where we will set up camp for the evening. Dinner will be prepared for the group and the rest of the evening is yours to explore around camp, join in the group for a game of cards or unwind with a good book.
Distance: 7 miles
Day 6:
Day 5: Slide Rock Arch
Good morning sunshine, it’s time for another day of adventure! Today we will continue hiking through Paria Canyon until we reach the confluence of Buckskin Gulch. Lunch will be enjoyed along the trail.
We will make our way to camp and get everything setup and then take a short hike to visit Slide Rock Arch. We’ll spend some time taking photos and exploring before making our way back to camp to get settled in for our last night sleeping under the stars before sitting down to enjoy dinner together.
Distance: 6 miles
Day 7:
Buckskin Gulch
Adventure time! Wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee as a delicious breakfast is prepared. Today we will load our backpacks one final time before we head out to hike through and explore Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in the USA.
We will enjoy lunch along the way before exiting at the Middle Trailhead. Before arriving at our shuttle, we will take a little time to learn about the history of the area and see some of the oldest petroglyphs in the area.
Afterwards, our shuttle will be waiting for us and will transport us back to Page arriving in town around 4 p.m.
Once we are back in Page, we will check into our accommodations for the evening. There will be some down time to rest and shower before we gather to head out for a celebratory group dinner that evening.
Distance: 6.5 miles, Elevation end: 4,986’
Day 8:
Until the Next Adventure!
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we say our good-byes and head our separate ways. Check-out is at 11 a.m.
We encourage you to spend the rest of your day exploring the area with a hike, visit Glen Canyon Dam overlook, get your iconic photo of Horseshoe Bend, sign up for a tour of Antelope Canyon or explore one of the many other beautiful monuments in this area.
Ready to Book?
Ready to Book?
QUESTIONS? PLEASE REACH OUT TO LINDSEY EGAN AT LINDSEYEGAN@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM
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$2,395 USD with option to rent all necessary backpacking gear for $150 so you can travel light. Shared, double occupancy accommodations.
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• 6 days/5 nights guided backpacking through Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch
• 2 nights in a beautiful SW inspired home with a hot tub, fire pit, pool table, game room, and more. Everyone will have their own bed in a shared room.
• 1 night in a 3-star hotel; double occupancy in a double queen room. Everyone has their own bed.
• Two experienced local trekking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
• Private transportation to/from Page, Arizona to the trailheads
• All guide fees, permits and entrance fees
• Meals: 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners
• Water, tea, coffee, etc.
• Group campsite gear - water filters, cooking equipment, first aid kits, Garmin InReach, wag bags
• Pre-travel checklists, packing list and support
• Pre-Trip Q&A via Zoom
• Small group; maximum of 7 women plus your trip host and 2 local guides
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• Transportation to and from the meeting location in Page, Arizona
• Personal backpacking gear if selected to rent at booking (option to rent) - backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, mess kit (bowl/cup/utensil).
• Gear - Sleeping bag liner, pillowcase, water bottle/hydration bladder, camp shoes, clothing, toiletries/sunscreen/sun protection; optional/suggested gear includes hiking poles and neoprene socks (see below). Gear may be available for rent, please reach out with any specific gear requests.
• Alcohol, specialty beverages, snacks, lunches (5) and any other meals
• Guide tips (at the discretion of guest)
• Travel insurance (required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure)
• Medical expenses, immunizations and any Covid-19 required testing
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Daily permits are limited for Paria Canyon/Buckskin Gulch. This trip is NOT CONFIRMED until the permits have been secured. We will know roughly 4 months in advance of your trip date. Please do not book airfare until you have received confirmation from us to move forward.
If the permits are not secured we will work together to organize a new date OR offer a full refund of the trip. -
Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook/WhatsApp group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.
Notes From Our Guide
What You Need To Bring
Footwear — lightweight & breathable and able to withstand hiking through water and mud all day. Well worn sneakers are perfect. Most likely you’ll be throwing these away after the trip. Do NOT bring heavy, waterproof boots, as these will just slow you down. The Paria River is generally about 1 foot deep at most places (mid-shin), and in some places mid-thigh. Right after a flood event there is more water, and it will be deeper in spots
Neoprene Socks — The Paria River starts its journey up near Bryce Canyon at around 9,000’, so the water can be a little cold when in full flow. Weather in late May and early June will be toasty, so the water should feel refreshing. The water temperature can change drastically from morning to afternoon, depending on how much water is in the river and how much sun it’s getting. It could be 50° in the morning and 75° in the afternoon. Depending on your sensitivity to cold, you may want to consider hiking in neoprene socks. If the forecast calls for above average temps, you could leave them in the car. We’ve tested two brands in Paria so far and prefer this brand.
Hiking Poles — If you already own and use trekking poles, bring these to help with hiking in the river. You can also just pick up a sturdy branch on the first day and use it as a hiking stick (this is what we use). These are invaluable for stability and testing the riverbed for soft spots. If the river is low and/or clear you may not need poles at all.
Waste — Because the canyon is so narrow, there are limited places for human waste to decompose. That means we’re required to pack out our poop. This is not optional and we will lose our commercial permit here if we don’t abide by this rule. We’ve developed a unique system that is better than the traditional WAG bags.
Your Physical Preparation
Although this trip has only 1,800 ft of elevation gain, it is still a lot of miles in 5 days. Walking in the river slows down the pace significantly, so expect long, full days. You are required to train on trails with a weighted backpack, your shoes wet, and get some long days under your belt before coming on this trip. Your feet and legs will thank you for it, and so will the other members of the trip. Once we are in the middle of the canyon, there are no easy exits. Because the canyon is so deep and narrow, GPS communication is slow and unreliable after the 2nd day. Emergency evacuations are lengthy and difficult.
Important Considerations to Note Before Registering
Flash Flood Potential & Canyon Hazards
Hiking through narrow canyons naturally exposes us to flash flood risk. Flash floods are a very real danger at all times of the year, especially during monsoon season which runs from June 15th - September 30th. Rain or thunderstorms may require us to alter the itinerary.
Please be aware that the difficulty of the hike can vary with the time of year due to varying water levels and that the conditions in the canyon can change with each rainstorm. Wading is required throughout Paria Canyon and can sometimes be waist deep; quick sand is also occasionally encountered. The depth of the water will depend upon recent weather conditions.
Leave No Trace - Wag Bags Required
Participants will be required to follow Leave No Trace principles. Everything packed in will be packed out including all solid human waste (that means poop). Wag bags are sealed and contain a chemical compound to reduce odors. Wag bags will be provided and you will be responsible to carry out your own waste/garbage.
Other Notes
There is a large boulder jam just before the Buckskin Gulch reaches its confluence with the Paria River. There is a short climb here where a rope is affixed to a boulder with shallow steps cut into it. Please note that you will need to climb (15-20 ft) in order to complete the trail so please make sure you are comfortable with this. This is not for anyone with a strong fear of heights. Also, to exit Buckskin Gulch, it’s a Class 3 scramble for about 100 ft. If you have any concerns about either, we have photos we can share.
Please be aware that wildlife such as rattlesnakes, tarantulas, scorpions and other native desert species have been known to live in the Buckskin Gulch area.