4.6
(72)
549
hikers
27
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area traverse a diverse landscape characterized by massive Navajo Sandstone walls, deep canyons, and high forested plateaus. The region features dramatic slot canyons, including sections of Buckskin Gulch, alongside numerous rock formations, arches, and domes. Hikers can explore multi-colored badlands and follow the narrow waters of the Paria River, which marks the eastern edge of the Grand Staircase. This protected area offers varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
1
hikers
2.62km
00:40
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(8)
57
hikers
4.11km
01:06
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(5)
17
hikers
5.14km
01:26
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
3.14km
01:07
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
5.63km
01:26
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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It is really beautiful to walk between the cliffs.
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Ghost Town Paria trail can be sandy and muddy after heavy rains. The trail does not offer any coverage from the sun, so make sure to bring ample water. The trail is open to vehicles and there is a parking lot close to the ghost town but the road is often washed out beyond Paria Cemetery. This trail leads to the abandoned western outpost that is Paria. The ghost town has since become the set for many western films, including Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales.
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Yellow Rock Trail has a steep and strenuous climb on the way in. It is more or less a giant, multicolored hill of slick rock. From the top, hikers get great views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. Be sure to take caution on the way down, the rock can have smaller loose rocks and the descent is very steep.
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Willis Creek Narrows is a relatively flat path that is easy to follow, especially compared to other popular slot canyon trails. Hikers follow Willis Creek as it winds through a slot canyon, sometimes crossing it or hiking in the creek itself. The creek is usually only an inch or two deep. The canyon starts more narrow and short, with widths of no less than 8 feet and walls as tall as 25 feet. However, as hikers move deeper into the canyon, it widens and the walls grow to over 100 feet. After the canyon ends at around 1.3 miles in, the trail continues along Willis Creek as it flows through the desert.
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Cottonwood Canyon Narrows is a short hike through the narrow gorge of the Cottonwood Creek.
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The Narrows North Trail Head allows to discover the canyon hiking from north to south.
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Cottonwood Narrows South entrance along the 45 miles Cottonwood Canyon scenic road.
2
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Do not ask Jeep and courage . The entry is great at about 30% to about 200m but when you are up there only the view speaks for itself.
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There are over 18 easy hiking trails in the Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area, offering a variety of landscapes from slot canyons to historical sites. In total, the area features 26 hiking routes across different difficulty levels.
Easy hikes in this area showcase stunning natural features. You can explore massive Navajo Sandstone walls, deep canyons, and dramatic slot canyons. Keep an eye out for unique rock formations, arches, and domes. The Willis Creek Narrows Trail, for example, leads through an impressive slot canyon, often involving walking in the creek bed. The Yellow Rock Trail also offers unique geological sights.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. The region's diverse terrain, including slot canyons and historical sites, provides engaging experiences for all ages. Trails like the Willis Creek Narrows Trail, with its unique creek bed walking, can be particularly fun for children.
While the guide focuses on easy trails, specific regulations for dogs can vary within wilderness study areas. It's generally advisable to check the latest rules from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Paria-Hackberry WSA to ensure compliance. For general information, you can visit the BLM website.
The Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area offers hiking opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summers can be very hot, and some trails may involve walking in creek beds, which could be affected by flash floods during monsoon season. Winters can bring cold temperatures, but clear days are often excellent for hiking.
Yes, you can explore historical sites on easy hikes. The Trail Through Ghost Town Pahreah is a notable route that leads through historical sites and open terrain, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The highlight Paria is also a historical site worth exploring.
The easy trails in Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique geological formations, the immersive slot canyon experiences, and the sense of wilderness exploration.
While many trails in the Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area are out-and-back, some routes can be combined or explored in sections to create a circular experience. It's best to review individual tour details on komoot to identify specific circular options that match your desired length and difficulty.
Access to the Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area is primarily via Cottonwood Canyon Road for the eastern portion and Nipple Lake Road for the western part. Specific trailheads, such as Cottonwood Narrows South Trailhead, typically have designated parking areas. Always check the starting point of your chosen route for parking information.
The diverse landscapes of the Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area support a variety of wildlife. Observant hikers might spot elk, black-tailed deer, and various bird species like canyon wrens and golden eagles. More elusive animals such as mountain lions and black bears also inhabit the area, though sightings are rare.
Easy hikes in the Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area vary in length and duration. For example, the Willis Creek Narrows Trail is about 4.1 km and takes approximately 1 hour 7 minutes, while the Cottonwood Narrows Trail is 5.1 km. The Ghost Town Pahreah Trail is shorter at 2.6 km. You can find specific duration estimates for each route on komoot.
Yes, the Paria-Hackberry Wilderness Study Area is renowned for its slot canyons, and some are accessible via easy trails. The Willis Creek Narrows Trail is a prime example, offering an immersive experience through a scenic slot canyon where you often walk in the creek bed. Other notable slot canyons include Round Valley Draw Slot Canyon.


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