If you like narrow canyons, including one of the best slot canyon hikes in the world, this is the place for you. In the Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area you can take day hikes in some of the shorter tributaries, or go on a week-long marathon walk in the lower end of the Paria Canyon. The Paria River runs through the canyon, carving a scenic route that is one of the most popular hiking and backpacking destinations in Utah. |
| Area: |
20,000 acres in Utah; 92,500 acres in Arizona. |
| Fees: |
There is a $5.00 per person fee for a backcountry permit when backpacking. |
| Hours: |
The Contact Station hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. It open between March 15 and November 15. At other times of the year permits and information can be obtained at the BLM office in Kanab. |
| Visitor Center: |
Field Offices:
- Paria Contact Station—Mile marker 20.5, on Highway 89, in Utah.
- Kanab Field Office—318 North and 100 East, Kanab, Utah.
- Arizona Strip Field Office—345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah.
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| Facilities: |
Contact Station, drinking water, primitive campground, restroom facilities. |
| Directions: |
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 37 02.552N; 111 52.156W. |
| Weather: |
- The best season to visit the canyon for hiking is in May, when the weather is warm and the flash-flood potential is low. Next best are April, June, and October. Flash floods increase in July, August, and September, with a dramatic spike in August.
- Daytime temperatures in the desert can top 100 degrees in July and August; 80s and 90s are common in April and May. The deeper slot canyons stay as cold as a refrigerator throughout the hiking season. Temperatures can plunge as much as 30 degrees at nightfall.
- See area weather chart.
- See Canyon Country Weather for more information.
- Sunrise/Sunset
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| Precautions: |
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