Paria in Early May?

[Sredfield]

We are planning a Paria trip the first week of May, anyone have any wisdom, things to know advice?
Thanks

[DarthStiller]

Hoffmaster did it 2 years ago, he might be someone to ask.

[nonot]

Know where the springs are. Wear old tennis shoes you don't care that will get wet and destroyed. Wear socks that cover your entire ankle.

[Hoffmaster]

Without a doubt, get the map. For as simple as it is, it tells you everything you need to know. The springs are all conveniently spaced throughout the canyon, so water availability should not be an issue. But, get your water from the springs. Even if you filter from the river, the heavy sediment and mineral content will likely make you sick. Also, make sure you visit Wrather Canyon and the arch that is back there. Climb up to the arch to view the canyon you just walked up. It is worth your time.

[writelots]

My advice: take your time. I hear of people blasting through the canyon - but there is SO much so see! Early May is a nice time - just remember that there isn't much shade at the bottom of the canyon and it will be hot, so be prepared for keeping cool. We did it in late May and ended up doing the hike in the am, siesta in whatever shade we could find, then hike in the pm pattern. Worked pretty good.

The other's advice on water is key. Use the springs - the river will clog your filter, tastes terrible and does make your stomach sour. Bad tennies are the best bet for footwear, and bring some lotion because the hard water will dry your skin out something wicked.

Should be beautiful. That was one magical hike!

[hikeaz]

Are you doing the trip through to Lee's?

I've been over a dozen times and have gleaned these lessons...

~A-#1 - nice fleecy camp shoes
~Dry bag for clothes & sleeping bag, or use trash compactor bags (this presumes that the depth of the Cesspool is over 48" or so - otherwise unnecessary) BLM-Kanab should have this info.
~You should consider the Paria Guest Ranch (google paria campground) as a base (they're 1 mile west of the Ranger Station on 89). They have showers, horseback riding, camping, climbing wall, laundry, etc. Easton is the proprietor - tell him Kurt said "Hi". Easton might even horse back you to the seldom-visited "Middle Trail" and you can enter Buckskin THERE.
~On Friday & Saturday there is a TERRIFIC all-you-can-eat brisket/ribs/BBQ/cake/pie/etc. at Steve and Susan's "Paria Outpost " restaurant, which is adjacent to Easton's place. DO NOT miss this meal if you can help it. Again, please say "Hi" for Kurt if you go. Their website is Paria dot com. They can also shuttle your vehicles between Lee's Ferry or Wire Pass & White House.
~If you're coming from the south, there is a cool slot canyon, "Water Holes", about 5 mi. south of Page on 89.. check it out - it only takes about 1.5 hrs. to see the upper & lower sections.
~You might take the time to see if you can get a walk-up permit for Coyote Buttes North and go see "The Wave" and Teepees >> These (C.B.) permits generally sell out on the first day available, for the popular months. Do not lose hope, though, if you cannot glean a permit early. The BLM has a miniature in-person lottery at the Paria Ranger Station.
Basically, you may show up the day before, at, I believe, 8:30 AM. (NOTE: they observe daylight savings time) They distribute 20 permits for the FOLLOWING DAY. If there are more than 20 persons "in the cue", they'll have the lottery. Both permits may be requested HERE> az dot blm dot gov slash paria
~Remember a hiking pole to gauge pool depth/contour. You cannot see into/through this "water".
~There is a short black (biting) fly season in (usually late) May; they'll be aware at the Paria R.S. - bring long pants/shirt if so.
~Lotion! The caliche in the water will act as a sponge and suck the moisture from your skin.
~"Human waste bags will be provided free of charge at the Paria Contact Station, Kanab field office and the St. George field office. We ask that hikers use these bags instead of burying waste in the 'Narrows' section of Paria Canyon."

[Hoffmaster]

If you're coming from the south, there is a cool slot canyon, "Water Holes", about 5 mi. south of Page on 89.. check it out - it only takes about 1.5 hrs. to see the upper & lower sections.

I'm imagining that the upper and lower sections can be done as separate hikes? Isn't this the canyon with the 300' rappel or something like that?

[writelots]

Thanks for all those tips, HikeAZ! I'm going up there the first weekend in March - I won the Wave lottery so I'm gonna see the wave then do an overnight through Buckskin with the ABC. We're staying at the guest ranch, but we didn't know about the other suggestions. The waterholes thing might be nice to piggy back with it!

I love Hikearizona! Such a wealth of knowledge!

[hikeaz]

If you're coming from the south, there is a cool slot canyon, "Water Holes", about 5 mi. south of Page on 89.. check it out - it only takes about 1.5 hrs. to see the upper & lower sections.

I'm imagining that the upper and lower sections can be done as separate hikes? Isn't this the canyon with the 300' rappel or something like that?

Matt,
What is round on either end and high in the middle?

I was referring to the HIKEABLE, non-technical section of Waterholes above where it becomes necessary to do the raps. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=749

[Hoffmaster]

What is round on either end and high in the middle?

Hmmm... oHIo?

I wasn't giving you a hard time, I was seriously asking. I didn't know there was a part called the "lower" section above the rappels. It's all good.

[hikeaz]

I wasn't giving you a hard time, I was seriously asking. I didn't know there was a part called the "lower" section above the rappels. It's all good.

Matt,
I took your question to be legit - I felt no slight.
You enjoying Ohio so far?

[Hoffmaster]

Matt,
You enjoying Ohio so far?

In a word, No.

But, spring is right around the corner and there is plenty of exploration to be done in West Virginia, and western PA. I've been on a couple good hikes here, but there is no substitute for AZ (or more specifically, the Grand Canyon). There is no climbing here, but at least there is some world-class climbing in WV. I forgot how much winter sucks. I can't wait to get out more regularly in the spring.