Hello, I have 8 permits for Paria Canyon.

This is a famous and popular hike in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. It is approximately 38 miles long and usually takes between three and six days. The hike is considered so beautiful that it contests the Virgin Narrows as being the best canyon backpack in the country. Yet despite it being so famous, the fact that only 20 people per day are allowed to travel in the canyon, via all entrances, makes it one of the most isolating; you will probably see no one. The special attractions are the high, sculpted red-rock walls in Paria Canyon, and, if you choose to add it, Buckskin Gulch. Buckskin Gulch is a superlative narrows hike that ends in a confluence with Paria Canyon. It has been called the premier narrows hike on the Colorado Plateau, while another guide book claims it is the longest continually narrow canyon hike in the world.

http://www.pbase.com/...

I have purposely chosen these dates because of the following reasons:
• Earlier in the year sections of water can still be frozen and there is more likelihood of heavy water flows.
• All fresh springs should still be flowing – drinking silty river water is possible but not that pleasant.
• The daytime travel temperature should be pleasant and night should be moderate.
• Flowers will be in bloom and mosquito’s are not yet out.

Costs: The cost is $20 for the permit and there may be other fees depending on how we decide to work the shuttle. It seems these days that many people are using the meetup reservation system to ‘hold’ places on trips so they can decide to drop out at the last minute. To get on the list you will need to pay $20 in advance, no refunds will be given after April 1st and forfeited monies will go to meetup.
Shuttle: We will need to leave 2 cars at Lees Ferry (the exit). There is a safe long term parking facility here. We will have numerous options for how we wish to work the shuttle, depending on how many vehicles we take, and we’ll work that out nearer the time.

Equipment
Water bottles (2-3litres per person), flash/headlight, eating utensils, med sleeping bag (depends on weather forecast), tents optional (again weather), walking pole(s), canyoneering boots recommended, spare clothes, sun screen, toilet roll, lightweight towel, waterproof sack, food (dry recommended) + snacks. Powders are good for flavouring water.
Shared: I have everything here but we should take a backup of each.
Water filter/purifier, stove/jetboil and fuel, lighter, first aid. Note: I only take equipment to boil water for dry food, coffee, tea, etc. No fancy picnics.

Please remember:
This hike is likely to cross deep pools of muddy/stagnant water, there will not be a shower waiting on the opposite side. There will be NO showers, indoor toilets, Starbucks, etc., for the entire length. You will get muddy and dirty and you will need to pack out your own poop. If you are the sort the person who cannot live a day foregoing a shower then this hike is not for you.
You will need to the carry the equipment and food that you will need to survive for 4+ days, through a variety of terrain including deep mud, numerous river crossings and possible deep pools that we might have to swim. You will need to be capable of scrambling boulder ridden sections and negotiating/climbing larger obstacles. You will need to be strong enough to travel up to 12 hours a day.
You will need to be in great shape and have suitable backpacking experience. This trip is one way with no turning back and it might prove to be arduous. Please be serious.
We will not travel if the weather does not permit. I had to abandon this hike in May last year after driving all the way to Lees Ferry. The rain was torrential and weather forecasts stated “weather is more resembling of the monsoon season of August, flash flood risk is very high”. Fingers crossed it can’t happen to me twice!
No dogs are allowed in the canyon and this isn’t suitable for kids.