Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, Arizona / Utah -

The Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, encompasses one of the finest canyons in the American Southwest and one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world, the Buckskin Gulch. It also includes the scenic Coyote Buttes, North and South Districts. Coyote Buttes North includes the famous Wave formation, one of the world's most well-known and surreal landscapes.

Info on Coyote Buttes including "the Wave"

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hiking permits are required to visit the popular Coyote Buttes, including "the Wave" (official BLM website for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument). Permits are issued for twenty individuals per day for both Coyote Buttes North (site of the Wave) and Coyote Buttes South. It is extremely difficult to get a North permit, as many people want to see the Wave. BLM holds an online lottery for half the permits (ten per day) several months in advance. The other ten per day are reserved for walk-ins. An on-site lottery is held for these permits one day in advance. Permits are generally available for the more remote Coyote Buttes South, a very beautiful area which generally requires a high-clearance, four-wheel drive to access.
  
  
• Useful contacts: Main office, St. George, Utah (435-588-3200 - direct permit questions), Kanab, Utah, field office (435-644-4600), Arizona Strip field office (435-688-3246). Paria Contact Station (closest to trailheads, where you should check in) is on US-89 about ten miles west of Big Water, Utah. It is open mid-March to mid-November. Alternate contact is Kanab, Utah BLM field office.
  
  
• Our narrative for Coyote Buttes North and the Wave.
  
  Keeping It Wild interpretive sign at Wire Pass: You'll find no designated trails, developed campsites, signs, or facilities inside the wilderness boundary. The terrain is rugged and hiking conditions can change with the weather. Hikers should be in good physical condition and know how to navigate in a primitive backcountry setting. "May your trails be crooked, winding, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." – Edward Abbey
  
  
• NEW MAP! Road Access and Highlights, Coyote Buttes, North and South (PDF file)
  
  This fully-printable, color map combines information from several BLM maps and handouts onto one convenient page. Includes the entire unpaved road network between US-89 and AZ-89a, accessing both the North and South units. Also, all mileages, landmarks, access points, and other helpful information. In particular, it shows the exact, preferred route to Cottonwood Cove with access to the most interesting scenery in Coyote Buttes South (the Cottonwood Teepees).
  
  The map includes the official BLM numbers for the remote roads accessing Coyote Buttes South. As of our last visit, all intersections were correctly signed, and navigation was easy.
  
  NEW AREA MAP! Area map for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (PDF file)
  
  
• Our narrative for Coyote Buttes South.
  
  

Info on Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon

• For an introduction to the area read our Paria Canyon Overview.
  
  
• Detailed information, including permits and reservations, can be obtained at the official BLM Paria Canyon site.
  
  
• Phone number for the Paria Canyon Permits Desk is (435) 688-3331. Other phone numbers: Main office, St. George, Utah (435-588-3200), Kanab, Utah, field office (435-644-4600), Arizona Strip field office (435-688-3246). Paria Contact Station (closest to trailheads, where you should check in) is on US-89 about ten miles west of Big Water, Utah. It is open mid-March to mid-November. Alternate contact is Kanab, Utah BLM field office.
  
  
• NEW AREA MAP! Area map for Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (PDF file)
  
  
• Special Note: In 2010, a series of powerful flash floods caused changes in Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon. There may new obstructions which are not yet fully documented. Some campsites have been washed away. The BLM is recommending you bring rope along for possibly bypassing obstructions. When you arrive locally, be sure to question a ranger closely on current conditions!
  
  
• Detailed narrative of our experiences in the Buckskin Gulch and Paria River: The Dive of the Buckskin.
  
  
• See below for our Buckskin Gulch / Paria Canyon hiking guide, which includes an interactive map, trailhead access, and key points on the hike.
  
  
• A complete printer-ready version, combining the narrative and guide, is available on our download page: Paria Canyon Map and Trail Guide.
  
  

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any item number (in black) on the map. A brief description will appear.

Map of Paria Canyon Wilderness Area

Access / Trailheads (All sections keyed to map)

• Always make advanced inquiry with the ranger:
  • What is the current Weather Forecast?
    Always get a weather forecast before going in the Buckskin Gulch or Paria Narrows! If you get caught in a flash flood there, it can potentially be fatal.
    
    
  • Are floatation devices needed to negotiate deep pools?
  • Are ropes needed at the rock jams?
  • Is drinking water available from known springs?

Buckskin Gulch

1. The start of the "Dive of the Buckskin". The Buckskin Gulch is 3 to 15 feet wide for the next 12 miles and roughly 400 feet high. There are only two safe areas in the event of bad weather. (3 miles from starting point B)
2. Access to the top of the canyon. Recommended for first night's camping. There is a second safe area about 2 miles downstream. (mile 11.6 from B)
3. Major rock jam. Primary obstruction in Buckskin Gulch. Degree of difficulty varies with changes from flash floods. At present (2000) it is a 12 foot dropoff which you can scramble down. Rope is recommended to hand down packs. (mile 15.1 from B)

Start of Paria River

4. The start of the Paria River Narrows which extend for about five miles downstream. Extremely hazardous when high water threatens. During some years there may be deep pools requiring swimming. (mile 4.2 from starting point D)
5. Site of Sliderock Arch. The much photographed landmark is actually a huge rockfall which formed a bridge over the river. (mile 6.2 from D)

Confluence of Paria River and Buckskin Gulch

6. Confluence of Paria River and Buckskin Gulch. A shorter trip starts at point B or C, then ends at D. The Buckskin is never hiked going upstream. (mile 6.8 from D)

Confluence of Paria River and Buckskin Gulch to Lee's Ferry

7. Spring on south side of river. It is important to be aware of where springs may be found as the river water is extremely muddy and not drinkable. Most of the springs in the area are found on the south side of, and adjacent to, the river. (mile 8.7 from D)
8. First good campsite after Paria Narrows. Spring nearby. Good campsites and springs the next few miles. (mile 9 from D)
9. Free-flowing spring. Side canyon just downstream has lush riparian vegetation and fresh water. (mile 11 from D)
10. Excellent campsite on a wooded bench. (mile 13.3 from D)
11. Following a short rough stretch, there are remnants of a water station used by early settlers. Downstream there are numerous springs and good campsites for the next several miles. (mile 15 from D)
12. Wrather Canyon is a scenic side canyon with a clear stream. The 200 foot Wrather Arch is 1/2 mile up the canyon. Very scenic. No camping allowed in Wrather Canyon. (mile 18.5 from D)
13. Good spring on north side of river. This is the last really obvious spring along the river before Lee's Ferry. The canyon becomes narrower and very boulder-strewn for the next three miles, and progress is slow. (mile 20 from D)
14. Last side canyon with last spring before Lee's Ferry. Paria Canyon starts to widen, and there is a trail of use on the south side for several miles, bypassing the boulder filled river. (mile 24 from D)
15. The canyon broadens widely into open desert terrain. No shade or drinking water. Very warm. Least interesting part of the trip although the canyon walls become very steep and scenic as you approach the Colorado River. (miles 28-38 from D)

For information on services and facilities at Lee's Ferry and Page, refer to our Lake Powell Travel Guide.