Paria Canyon Road
Gateway to Vermilion Cliffs wilderness access.
Paria Canyon Road provides backcountry access to one of Arizona’s most remote desert regions along the Utah border. The route follows old mining and ranching roads through the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, passing abandoned homesteads and crossing numerous sandy washes. The road terminates at the Buccaneer Trail trailhead, gateway to slot canyons and the famous Paria River narrows that require hiking permits.
This is an easy to moderate trail suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though sand can be challenging after storms. No permits required for driving but hiking permits needed for slot canyons. Best seasons are spring and fall when temperatures are manageable. Bring extra water and fuel as services are nonexistent for 100+ miles. The reward is access to some of the Colorado Plateau’s most pristine wilderness and otherworldly geological formations far from any crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 43 mi / 69.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4800 ft |
| Best season | October-May |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Marble Canyon, Arizona |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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