Paria Canyon

Few canyon hikes in the Southwest feel as immersive as walking up Paria Canyon from the White House Trailhead. This gorgeous hike leads through wide sandy washes before the walls slowly begin to rise and narrow around you. By the time you reach the deeper sections of the canyon, towering red sandstone walls glow above the winding Paria River, creating one of the most beautiful canyon corridors in the Southwest.

While the early miles of the hike are exposed and open, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as the canyon narrows. Once the walls close in, the deep red color of the sandstone is especially striking — some of the most beautiful canyon walls anywhere in the region. Petroglyphs can be found along portions of the canyon, reminders of the long human history tied to this landscape. Reaching the confluence with Buckskin Gulch is a particularly magical moment. The meeting of the two canyons creates a place that feels both quiet and powerful, and it’s worth lingering here before turning around. If time allows, it’s fun to wander a short distance up Buckskin Gulch or continue exploring a bit farther up Paria Canyon.

This hike is not technically difficult, but it can be physically demanding. Much of the route follows the Paria River itself, and once the canyon narrows you’ll be walking directly in the water with no dry path along the sides. Water levels typically range from ankle to calf deep, and the constant walking through water and sand can make the miles feel longer than expected. Because of this, it’s best approached as a full-day hike taken at a relaxed pace.

Despite the effort, the journey to the Buckskin Gulch confluence is incredibly rewarding. The sense of solitude, the towering canyon walls, and the quiet rhythm of walking upstream create a wonderful setting for an intentional awe walk. It’s not uncommon to have complete solitude in this canyon. It eventually continues all the way to Lee’s Ferry as one of the classic backpacking routes of the Southwest, but even a day hike to the confluence offers a memorable experience and a deep immersion into the landscape.

A long but rewarding canyon walk following the Paria River through towering red sandstone walls to the magical confluence with Buckskin Gulch.

Awe Rating (1-5):

4 Length:

5-8 miles, > 8 miles

Difficulty:

Moderate

Trail Type:

Out & Back

Time Needed:

Full Day

Highlights:

Creek/River Walk, Solitude

Landscape:

Canyon

Solitude Potential:

High

Trailhead Access:

Dirt Road

Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:

Best in cooler months. Much of the hike involves walking directly in the Paria River, often with water up to your ankles or calves, and the wide early sections of canyon can be very hot and exposed in summer.

Things to Know

• Permit required: Day hiking in Paria Canyon requires a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. These can typically be obtained at the White House Trailhead or online in advance.

• Expect to walk in water: The route follows the Paria River. Once the canyon narrows, you will often be walking directly in the water with no dry trail alongside it.

• Hot and exposed early on: The first several miles of the hike are wide and exposed with very little shade. Start early and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.

• Check weather conditions: Flash flooding is a serious concern in canyon environments. Always check the forecast before entering the canyon.

• Petroglyphs along the canyon walls: Watch for rock art panels along sections of the canyon. Please observe respectfully and never touch or disturb these cultural sites.

• A classic backpacking route: Paria Canyon continues all the way to Lee’s Ferry and is one of the most famous backpacking routes in the Southwest, though many visitors enjoy shorter day hikes from White House.