The best walks and hikes in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

Yes, permits are required for many areas to protect the fragile environment. A permit is mandatory for all overnight trips within Paria Canyon and for any day-use in Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South. These are managed via a lottery system due to high demand. For the most current information and to apply for a permit, visit the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website.

The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the temperatures are more moderate and pleasant for hiking. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), while winter can bring cold conditions and the possibility of snow and ice in the canyons.

The risk of flash floods is extremely serious, especially in the narrow slot canyons like Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon. A storm miles away can send a wall of water through the canyons with little to no warning. Always check the weather forecast for the entire watershed area before you enter a canyon, and do not enter if there is any chance of rain. Your safety depends on it.

While the wilderness is known for its challenging terrain, there are some more accessible options. Most trails are rated as moderate due to the sandy, uneven ground and exposure to the sun. For a shorter introduction to a slot canyon, the Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon is a popular choice that gives you a taste of the narrows without requiring a multi-day commitment.

For any hike, even a short one, you must be self-sufficient. Essential items include:

Water: Carry more than you think you'll need, at least one gallon (4 liters) per person, per day.

Food: High-energy snacks and lunch.

Navigation: A map, compass, and GPS device. Cell service is unreliable.

Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots. If your route involves river hiking, consider water shoes or sandals with good grip.

Safety: A first-aid kit and a headlamp or flashlight.

Yes, backpacking the full 38-mile length of Paria Canyon is a world-class trek, typically taking 3 to 5 days. The route involves extensive hiking and wading in the Paria River. You will need an overnight permit from the BLM, which is highly competitive. The primary trailhead for this journey is the White House Trailhead.

The trails in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness are very highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the otherworldly beauty of the slot canyons and the unique geological formations. The sense of solitude and adventure in a raw, protected landscape is a common highlight in reviews.

The primary access points are the White House, Wire Pass, and Lees Ferry trailheads. White House Trailhead is the main starting point for backpacking trips through Paria Canyon. Wire Pass Trailhead provides access to Buckskin Gulch and is the starting point for the hike to The Wave. Lees Ferry is the exit point for through-hikes of Paria Canyon.

Most routes in the canyons are out-and-back or one-way shuttle hikes. However, there are some loop options on the plateaus. The Top Rock Loop to The Wave offers a circular path in the Coyote Buttes North area, providing different perspectives of the stunning sandstone formations, though it still requires the elusive Wave permit.

Coyote Buttes North is home to the world-famous 'The Wave' formation and is therefore extremely popular, with permits being very difficult to obtain. Coyote Buttes South is a larger area that sees fewer visitors. While it doesn't have a single iconic feature like The Wave, it offers a more solitary experience with its own incredible collection of fragile sandstone fins, domes, and other geological oddities.

There are over 15 designated hiking routes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness available on komoot. These range from moderate day hikes into the mouths of canyons to strenuous, multi-day backpacking expeditions through the entire canyon system, offering a wide variety of ways to experience this unique landscape.