Explore Further, Be Wild, See Through Time
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New Mexican Continental Divide
An Ultimate Experience
Trip Details
Type: Backpacking
Trip Code:
Duration: 5 Days
Distance: 38 mi/61 km
Fitness:
Comfort:
Solitude:
(Ratings Overview)
Origin: Flagstaff, AZ
Cost: $1299
Trip Description:
The Paria Canyon/Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness is a playground for the adventurous. It’s home to varied geologic features and numerous narrow canyons, including the world’s longest slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch. A Paria Canyon backpacking tour explores a deep, narrow canyon carved by the force of water into smooth sandstone walls, towering well over 1000 feet above the streambed. This hike covers approximately 38 miles of canyon in a wilderness of 112,500 acres. As you make your way through the canyon, the beautiful red sandstone cliffs rise ever higher with every mile. You will marvel at the beautifully sculpted walls, natural springs, ancient petroglyphs and a natural arch. Towards the end of the hike, the canyon opens to spectacular views of Lee’s Ferry and the Colorado River, the endpoint for this incredible journey. Paria Canyon is a secret wonder of the Southwest and this hike is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
The Paria Canyon Backpacking tour starts at the White House Trailhead near the Arizona/Utah border. After final preparations, you will begin your hike along the Paria River. The wide, shallow canyon quickly narrows as the sandstone walls begin to rise overhead. There are frequent stream crossings as you make your way deeper and deeper into this stone labyrinth. Eventually you will arrive at your first night’s camp near the confluence with world-famous Buckskin Gulch, considered the longest slot canyon in the world. Kick back and relax as your guide sets up camp and prepares a delicious dinner.
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Distance & Elevation: 9 miles, 160 foot descent
Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2:
Today’s adventure starts with a breathtaking stroll up Buckskin Gulch, made all the more enjoyable without your backpack! Bring your camera…this canyon is outstanding. Returning to camp, we’ll pack up and head further into the depths of Paria Canyon. Expect another day of frequent creek crossings, towering canyon walls and “out-of-this-world” scenery.
Distance & Elevation: 9 miles, 160 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Your third day offers beautiful sandstone walls, freshwater springs and world-class hiking. A short side hike will take you to Wrather Arch, a natural sandstone feature spanning over 200 feet. It is one of the most secluded natural arches in the Southwest. Tonight’s camp will be in the vicinity of Shower Spring.
Distance & Elevation: 9 miles, 350 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Today’s hike will see Paria Canyon begin to open up as you leave the narrows and enter its wider downstream reaches. Keep your eyes open for ancient petroglyphs, etchings left in the rocks and boulders by ancient civilizations traveling through the area. In warmer weather, you will find some nice pools to cool off in on your way to camp near Wilson Ranch.
Distance & Elevation: 12 miles, 600 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Our final day on the trail is a relatively short one but offers the great reward of completing a truly wonderful journey. Soak in the scenery of 2500 foot cliffs surrounding the wide open valley of the lower Paria River and the multi-colored rock layers. The trail ends at Lonely Dell Ranch, a historic homestead and lush orchard a short walk from the Colorado River and Lee’s Ferry, the official beginning of Grand Canyon. Your shuttle driver will meet you here and prepare a tasty lunch by the banks of the river before packing up and heading back to Flagstaff.
Distance & Elevation: 5 miles, minimal descent
Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: 2 hours
6-Day Option:
This longer itinerary allows for a slower pace and some shorter backpacking miles each day. It will also allow for more time to explore side canyons and just take time to relax and enjoy your amazing surroundings. The 6-day itinerary requires a minimum of 4 people to book a custom tour.
*Final itineraries are occasionally subject to change due to permit/campsite availability, park restrictions/closures, weather conditions and/or road closures.
Details
What’s Included:
A professional, licensed and medically trained guide
All necessary gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
All cooking/eating gear: bowls, cups, utensils (your guide will prepare all meals)
All meals from a light breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
Roundtrip Transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, AZ to Paria Canyon
Entrance fees, camping fees and backcountry permits
All necessary gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
All cooking/eating gear: bowls, cups, utensils (your guide will prepare all meals)
All meals from a light breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
Roundtrip Transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, AZ to Paria Canyon
Entrance fees, camping fees and backcountry permits
What’s Not Included:
Transportation to/from Flagstaff, AZ
Lodging the night before/after the trip
Clothing, raingear, and footwear
Personal toiletries, sunscreen
Water bottles/hydration bladder
Headlamp or flashlight
Guide gratuity (suggested 10-15% of trip cost)
Lodging the night before/after the trip
Clothing, raingear, and footwear
Personal toiletries, sunscreen
Water bottles/hydration bladder
Headlamp or flashlight
Guide gratuity (suggested 10-15% of trip cost)
*Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet
How many people are in the group?
Most backpacking trips in Paria Canyon will accommodate 5 people plus one guide. On occasion, a group may be as large as 8 people plus 2 guides.
Are there age restrictions?
Children under the age of 13 are generally not permitted on backpacking trips. This restriction may be negotiable on private tours. Please contact us with any questions regarding this policy.
How do I sign up?
In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $250 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.
Your deposit is payable over the phone by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover. Checks by mail are fine as well, as are bank transfers ($35 transfer fee). Call our office Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Arizona time. 1-602-904-2536
Travel Logistics
Where does the trip begin/end?
This trip will begin/end in Flagstaff, AZ and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure in Flagstaff. You will want to fly into either Phoenix (2 hour drive) or Flagstaff. Please visit our Travel Resources page for information on airports, shuttles/rental cars and recommended hotels.
Where do you meet our guides?
We will hold a pre-trip orientation at 4:30pm the evening prior to your trip’s departure at the Four Season Outfitters shop in Flagstaff. Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation.
Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation. Most trips will depart between 4:30am and 7am. *This meeting is not mandatory, but highly recommended, as we will depart early the next morning. If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so that we can make alternate arrangements.
What do we do with our car and extra stuff?
We will provide all transportation to/from trailheads for the duration of the trip. We will pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and return you there at the trip’s conclusion. Guests staying at the Embassy Suites (recommended) or Hampton Inn & Suites can leave their cars at the hotel. These hotels will often store your luggage for you, as well. If not, we are happy to store extra luggage at our shop for the duration of the trip. If you are staying at a different hotel, you will need to check with them as to whether you can leave your car there.
What time will we get back on the last day?
Expect to be back in Flagstaff by 5pm at the latest on the last day of the trip. Some trips will return earlier but we cannot make any guarantees. In general, it is recommended that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.
Trip Dates
2016 Dates
October: 3-7
2017 Dates
May: 8-12, 15-19
More dates to come soon…
Don’t see your dates? Custom dates may be available!
Call 1-602-904-2536 or
email us
for details.