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Backpack Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs

AdventureChallengingSpringFall

Embark on a multi-day backpacking adventure through a spectacular wilderness of towering cliffs, slot canyons, and the Paria River. Permits are highly competitive.

Itinerary tips

  • 1Plan for a 4-day, 3-night trek to cover the full 38-mile distance from White House to Lees Ferry without rushing.
  • 2Secure your overnight permit exactly four months in advance via the Recreation.gov lottery system, as they sell out instantly.
  • 3Carry dedicated neoprene socks and sturdy trekking poles to navigate miles of unavoidable walking in silt-heavy, knee-deep river water.
  • 4Pack a portable waste bag system (WAG bags), as human waste removal is strictly mandated and monitored throughout the canyon.
  • 5Arrange a commercial shuttle between the White House and Lees Ferry trailheads, which are separated by a two-hour drive.
  • 6Cache extra water or scout reports for the reliable Big Spring and Shower-Wall locations to avoid reliance on filtered river water.

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