Paria Canyon & Buckskin Gulch Women’s Backpacking Adventure
October 18-25, 2026
Journey through the world’s longest slot canyon!
This adventure is rated 3 out of 5 with the hikes ranging from moderate to challenging in difficulty. You are required to carry your own camp gear, share food, personal snacks, water and personal items. While there is very little elevation gain over the course of this trip, it is not a market trail and sometimes requires scrambling, crossing rivers, walking upstream in water and through deep sand and/or mud. Please made sure to read the notes from our guides at the bottom of the page.
Join us for the ultimate 2026 Paria Canyon backpacking adventure, a journey through one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the American Southwest. This women-only expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs, where we’ll navigate the towering sandstone walls of Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in the world. Whether you're wading through the winding Paria River or camping under the desert stars, this trip is designed for women seeking a transformative outdoor experience. Experience the raw beauty of Arizona with a supportive community of female explorers on this world-class desert trek.
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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 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.
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.
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
Check in is at 4pm. 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.
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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.
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.
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Our guides will pick us up at our house 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. 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!
Our Paria Canyon Journey begins! This is our longest hiking day, but it’s best getting it done on day 1!
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
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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
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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
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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 set-up 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
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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 world.
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 hotel 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
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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.
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 October can be still warm or cooling down, so the water will hopefully 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.
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$2,595 double occupancy, single occupancy is not available for this trip.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• 2 nights in a Southwest themed Airbnb in Page. Amenities include hot tub, sauna, cold plunge pool, fire pit and game room.
• 5 days/4 nights backpacking in Paria Canyon/Buckskin Gulch
• 1 night at an airport hotel in Page
• 2 local female guides for Paria Canyon Backpacking
• 7 dinners, 7 breakfasts (including welcome and farewell dinners)
• 2 person tent and trekking poles if needed
• All park entrance fees, government taxes, and levies
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group.
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions.
• WWE Swag to sport on your adventure!
• Small group; maximum of 7 women + your trip host + 2 guides
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Flights to/from Page Municipal Airport PGA
Gratuities for guides and drivers (at the discretion of the client)
Airport transfers
Personal backpacking/camping gear: sleeping pad, sleeping bag, backpack, eating utensils, plate/cup etc.
Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and lunches
Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
Visa if applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
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7 dinners, 7 breakfasts, some camp drinks like tea/coffee
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. -
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 group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
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If this trip does not reach the minimum number of guests to be confirmed, your deposit and any payments will be 100% refundable or transferable.
Please see our Terms of Service.
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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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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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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.