WARNING: There were multiple 50-100 year floods between April and November of 2010 through Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass and Paria Canyon that have removed high water campsites, added obstructions (trees, stumps, or boulders) and changed the river bed. It is highly suggested your party brings rope in case you come across an obstruction that has not been mapped. Do not depend on high water campsites downstream from your location if anyone in your party is tired as the campsite may no longer exist; for example, the big campsite at the confluence of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch is gone as is the one across from the confluence. The only safe site remaining is the one further downstream from the confluence just before it narrows up again. Road Conditions: BLM Road 1065-House Rock Valley from Highway 89 to Stateline Campground is not maintained. High clearance 4-wheel drive or AWD vehicles are suggested to navigate rough, rocky and sandy roads. Impassable when wet. Invasive species removal work is scheduled from March 21 to April 10, 2011. Crews will continue removing tamarisk and Russian olive from downstream from Big Spring to Wrather Canyon |
Before highways and railways, before pioneers, even before Columbus.....the land we know as the United States was truly a vast wilderness. To protect these last remaining areas, in 1984 Congress created the Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Paria Canyon's outstanding scenery, desert wildlife, colorful history, and opportunities for primitive recreation will remain free from the influence of man and are protected in this condition for future generations. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world.
Things you should know before starting your hike:
- Advance permits are required for overnight use. There is a limit on overnight use in the canyon to 20 persons per day.
- Paria Canyon day use permits are available via self-serve envelopes at each trailhead. There are no visitor use limits for day use for the Paria Canyon. This does not include Coyote Buttes North or Coyote Buttes South day use areas.
- Day users must display the permit on their vehicle windshield. Overnight users must display the permit on the outside of their backpack, and on the dashboard of their vehicle.
- Campfires are prohibited.
- Dogs are allowed. They must be kept under control at all times.
- Human waste bags will be provided free of charge at the Paria Ranger Station, Kanab Field Office and Arizona Strip District Office. Their use is not mandatory, but helps to preserve the pristine canyon environment. Their use will be mandatory in 2010.
- Use existing campsites at least 200 feet from a water source.
- No camping on or adjacent to any archaeological site.
- Wrather Canyon is closed to camping.
- Group size cannot exceed ten in the same permit area on the same day.
- All trash must be packed out, including toilet paper and human waste bags.
- Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.
- Wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment.
- If during your hike, your permit is inspected by BLM representatives, you may be asked to present a government issued I.D. for permit verification.
- Permits are non-transferable.
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