2024 TRIP SCHEDULE*

*Dates are dependent on permit availability and subject to change.

WHAT WE’RE PROVIDING

Permit, group gear (water filters, cooking equipment, first aid kits, InReach, etc.), breakfasts, dinners, hot drinks (tea, coffee, etc.), tents, and wag bags (see below). We’ll also provide transportation to/from Page and the trailheads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Backpack, lunches, snacks, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, bowl/cup/utensil for eating, water bottles/hydration bladder, camp shoes, neoprene socks (optional, see below) and toiletries/sunscreen/sun protection.

Footwear — lightweight & breathable and able to withstand hiking through water and mud all day. Broken-in sneakers with good tread are perfect. Do NOT bring heavy, waterproof boots, as these will just slow you down. The Paria River is generally about 1 foot deep at most places (mid-shin), and in some places mid-thigh. Right after a flood event there is more water, and it will be deeper in spots.

Neoprene Socks — The Paria River starts its journey up near Bryce Canyon at around 9,000’, so the water can be a little cold when in full flow. Weather in late May and early June will be toasty, so the water should feel refreshing. The water temperature can change drastically from morning to afternoon, depending on how much water is in the river and how much sun it’s getting. It could be 50° in the morning and 75° in the afternoon. Depending on your sensitivity to cold, you may want to consider hiking in neoprene socks. If the forecast calls for above average temps, you could leave them in the car. We’ve tested two brands in Paria so far and prefer this brand.

Hiking poles — If you already own and use trekking poles, bring these to help with hiking in the river. You can also just pick up a sturdy branch on the first day and use as a hiking stick (this is what we use). These are invaluable for stability and testing the riverbed for soft spots. If the river is low and/or clear you may not need poles at all.

Waste — Because the canyon is so narrow, there are limited places for human waste to decompose. That means we’re required to pack out our poop. This is not optional and we will lose our commercial permit here if we don’t abide by this rule. We’ve developed a unique system that is better than the traditional WAG bags.

YOUR PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Although this trip has only 1,800 ft of elevation gain, it is still a lot of miles in 5 days. Walking in the river slows down the pace significantly, so expect long, full days. You are required to train on trails with a weighted backpack, your shoes wet, and get some long days under your belt before coming on this trip. Your feet and legs will thank you for it, and so will the other members of the trip. Once we are in the middle of the canyon, there are no easy exits. Because the canyon is so deep and narrow, GPS communication is slow and unreliable after the 2nd day. Emergency evacuations are lengthy and difficult.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Please make your travel plans only after we've secured the permit and the trip has reached the minimum of 4 clients.

• Driving from Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Page: 283 miles

• Driving from Phoenix Airport (PHX) to Page: 277 Miles

• Page also has an airport with cheap flights on Contour Airlines from PHX and sometimes from LAS.

FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL

Hiking through narrow canyons naturally exposes us to flash flood risk. Rain or thunderstorms may require us to alter the itinerary.

RESERVATIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund (minus $50 credit card & permit fee per person) if you cancel more than 30 days before departure.

50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 14 days before departure.

No refund if you cancel less than 14 days before departure.

If the entire trip must be cancelled less than 14 days before departure due to any reason beyond the control of Backcountry Found (forest fire, flash flood, alien invasion, etc.), there will be a refund of the trip cost, minus $200. A $200 credit will be available for use on a future trip.