Sierra Club Outings | Backpacking the Paria Canyon; Arizona and Utah

Backpacking Paria Canyon, Arizona and Utah
May 4-10, 2008

Highlights:

Hike the Southwest's premier slot canyon
Marvel at the delicate rock sculptures of Buckskin Gulch
Explore, write, take photographs, or just watch the clouds

Includes:

All meals
Shuttle transportation to the trailhead
A hike that is on just about everyone’s top ten list

A backpack trip down the Paria River Canyon should be on everyone's list of things to do. Unsurpassed in beauty, remarkable in color and form, it is an experience that you will savor forever. Unlike the Grand Canyon, which can be overwhelming in its vastness, the Paria is intimate and has a gentle subtlety in its beauty. The deep-red sandstone walls of the canyon, finely sculpted by the ages, offer a feast for the eyes and a healing quiet for the soul.

The Paria Canyon Wilderness begins in southern Utah and follows the Paria River for 38 miles to its confluence with the Colorado River at Lees Ferry. Shallow and wide at the beginning, the canyon narrows and its walls rise until they tower hundreds of feet over the river. At its narrowest, Buckskin Gulch -- one of the Colorado Plateau's most famous and beautiful "slot" canyons -- converges with the Paria River. The Paria will yield ancient petroglyphs, marvelous geological forms, natural springs, and a wonderful natural arch to those with the desire to explore.

Spring is a great time of year for this backpacking journey. The days are warm and the nights are cool. There will be a variety of wildflowers and long days will give us plenty of time to kick back and absorb this special place.

We will meet at the Lees Ferry long-term parking area prior to the start of the trip. Here, we'll get acquainted and distribute commissary gear. We will then board a van shuttle for the 65-mile ride to the White House Trailhead. The cost of the shuttle is included in the trip fee.

We will have lunch on the trail during our seven-mile first day. Following our four-hour hike, we'll find our camp for the next two nights at the confluence of the Paria and Buckskin Gulch. This may well be one of the most spectacular campsites you've ever seen. If water levels permit, we will explore the extraordinary beauty of Buckskin Gulch to the Rockslide.

We will then proceed through the Narrows and stop at the first open, safe camping area. Continuing, we will backpack downstream to Wrather Canyon, then to Bush Head Canyon, and finally to the confluence of the Paria and the Colorado. Our backpacking will usually be done in the mornings. Most days we will be in camp early, allowing participants free afternoons to enjoy the wonders of this special place. Depending on weather and water levels, we will have at least one layover day to explore, read, photograph, or just watch the clouds.

Except for a couple of hours, our trip will cover areas with no maintained trails. We'll follow the Paria River, crossing often and frequently hiking in the river itself. The water is seldom more than knee-deep, and quicksand is rarely more than an annoyance. Your feet, however, may be constantly wet: Lightweight hiking boots, made partially of fabric, or heavy athletic shoes make for a good footwear choice.

The outing will begin and end at Lees Ferry, Arizona. The nearest airports are Flagstaff, Arizona (130 miles), Las Vegas, Nevada (295 miles), Phoenix, Arizona (290 miles), and Salt Lake City, Utah (400 miles). Lodging at Lees Ferry or nearby Marble Canyon is available. Camping will also be available but is not included in the trip price. All participants must make their own travel arrangements to and from Lees Ferry, Arizona. Leaders will provide participants with rosters to help them to contact each other to arrange ride sharing.

The first meal will be lunch on day one, and the last will be lunch on day seven. Trip menus will feature easily prepared and hearty backpacking fare. We may be able to accommodate special dietary requirements -- please check with the trip leader. All foods and preparation equipment will be supplied. Participants will take turns preparing meals, under the guidance of and with the assistance of the leaders and will also help with clean-up and other camp chores on a rotating basis. Participants need to supply their own personal eating utensils.

Wherever possible, we'll get our drinking water from the numerous springs found along the river. Some water will be taken from the Paria. All water will be purified. Purification tablets will be provided. Please check with the leader before purchasing water purification equipment.

This trip is rated Moderate (M), due to negligible elevation change and short hiking distances (except possibly the first day). The river, however, could be deeper and faster than expected, multiple fordings are a necessity, and some boulder-hopping awaits us. In addition, the side canyons are steep and rocky in places. The BLM will close the canyon if flash floods are in progress or imminent. Should this happen, we will adjust our itinerary in a way appropriate to conditions.

A comprehensive list of recommended equipment will be mailed to each participant. Essentials include backpack, sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees, light tent or tarp, water bottles, well broken-in boots with good ankle support, and personal eating utensils (cup, bowl, and spoon). It is very important that all personal items be kept to a maximum of 25 pounds.

What is the value of wilderness? As we explore the Paria Canyon, we will each try to formulate a personal answer to this question. Doing so will help us become advocates for what remains of the once-vast wilderness on this continent.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Arthur Kuehne is currently the outings training coordinator and webmaster for the Dallas Group of the Sierra Club. He has been active in the club for almost 30 years and has served as Dallas Group chair and chair of the Lone Star Chapter. He has lead backpack and canoe trips in Texas and throughout the Southwest for over 25 years. In addition to backpacking and canoeing, Arthur�s interests include photography, green energy-efficient building, computers, and nature study. You can view many photos from his trips at http://www.akuehne.com.

E-mail: arthur@akuehne.com