Paria Canyon

[chihiggs]

Has anyone been in Paria Canyon lately between Wire Pass and White House TH? I'm concerned about the water situation. Is it potable water? And how much will I have to hike through; ankle deep?

Thanx for any help?

[Sredfield]

I believe the BLM has a website for that area, or check with the St. George Office.

[chihiggs]

Thanx! I'll try your suggestion.

[Daryl]

This is one of my top 3 hikes.

I've done the hike a few times in the last few years. Through buckskin gulch there are several "mud/muck pools" that are quite rank (mostly near the wirepass trail head) but usually no running water until you get past the boulder jam. Shortly past the boulder jam there are some springs with drinkable water flowing, the flow usually goes all the way to the confluence. Once you get to the confluence load up on the water coming from buckskin because the water flowing through paria is very silty and usually the consistancy of chocolate milk (when it's flowing).
You can call the ranger up there and ask about water conditions.
Also note, as with any slot canyon, be very sure to check the weather up stream days before your hike. Heavy storms anywhere up stream (days before your hike) can lead to a 50 foot wall of water crashing upon you without notice. (in buckskin I always like to look up at the tree trunks wedged in the canyon 30-50 feet above the floor and imagine the water flow in the canyon required to put that there)

Have fun!

[chihiggs]

Appreciate your input Daryl!!

THANX!!

[louie]

Getting ready to do wire pass to whitehouse via Buckskin Gulch the end of the month. Been hearing stories about agressive mice similar to what you find in the grand canyon. People are telling me to buy some sort of rodent proof bag to keep my food safe. Are they that agressive they will chew through my tent to get at my food? I have been eyeballing one of these rodent bags...but do they really work: http://www.packerlandglass.com/foodsack.html Seems like a critter could still chew my food through the little holes.

Louie

[joebartels]

may depend on hunger
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=245541

[azbackpackr]

may depend on hunger
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=245541

Ravens are dealt with by hiding stuff under rocks where they can't get at it. (Hopefully........ )

[louie]

Interesting...so pretty much need a bearproof canister or bag to really be safe.

[azbackpackr]

I don't own a rat sack, and seldom have problems in GC with the mice. But also I seldom camp in busy places. Anyway, I always just suspend my bag of food from a tree or bush at night. But not during the day, or the ravens will get it. Not having hiked Paria, I am not sure if there are trees to hang bags from there, though.

[Hippy]

(in buckskin I always like to look up at the tree trunks wedged in the canyon 30-50 feet above the floor and imagine the water flow in the canyon required to put that there)
Have fun!

always blows my mind!! Natural is miraculous!

[autumnstars]

The only places good for camping in Buckskin have some trees where you can hang your bag.
However, because these are the places everyone camps, the mice can be quite aggressive, so your best bet is to bring a rat sack of some kind (like you mention) and hang it.

[louie]

Getting ready for a backpack from Wirepass to Whitehouse next week and just wanted to pass on the info I got today from BLM. Buckskin is bone dry and Paria is just a trickle. Rabbit hole at the boulder jam is clear so using ropes to get up and over it is not required. Plan on bringing enough water to get you through the trip as springs along this hike are dry and the Paria trickle is some nasty stuff to drink. Told me I can do the whole thing in hiking shoes. Sweet! Since the rabbit hole is open may even bring my dog...

Jason

[louie]

Anyone had any feedback from buckskin gulch lately? Planning on hiking this next weekend and would love to hear how much water is in there and if this years monsoons has added or removed any obstacles. I always have a hard time getting a hold of BLM to get some updates on the current conditions.

[hikeaz]

http://www.azfamily.com/news/Rescuers-a ... 19201.html

[azbackpackr]

I've met Bill Austin. He's a very prominent Flagstaff pediatrician, and Boy Scout leader from Flagstaff, and was a fantastic hiker and backpacker in his day.
http://www.flagstaffmedicalcenter.com/a ... iam_Austin

I remember an act of kindness he did for our Scouts in 1993 at Tapeats Creek campsites in Grand Canyon (Bill Hall Trail/Thunder River). We got down there and there were a lot of people camping there who did not have permits, so the entire camping area was jammed. Bill was there with his pastor (whose name I have forgotten, but also a very nice man). They very kindly shared their nice quiet campsite with a bunch of squirrely Boy Scouts ages 12 to 16 and myself and the Scoutmaster, Roy Barker. (Troop 224/Roger Rd. VFW/Tucson).

I am very glad he has been rescued, and that it's not bad news!