Paria River Road
Remote river route through painted badlands
The Paria River Road winds through some of Utah’s most remote and photogenic badlands, following ancient riverbed and cutting through painted desert that looks like it belongs on Mars. This BLM route starts near Cannonville and drops down into the Paria River drainage, passing the famous Buccaneer Trail turnoff and the ghost town of Pahreah before dead-ending at the Wire Pass trailhead. The road crosses the actual Paria River multiple times—nothing dramatic when dry, but flash flood country that’ll trap you faster than you can say ‘weather radio.’
High-clearance 2WD can handle this route in good conditions, but 4WD is smart insurance for the river crossings and muddy sections after rain. Spring and fall offer the best weather and wildflowers, while summer brings furnace heat and afternoon thunderstorms that turn the road into a quagmire. No permits for driving, but you’ll want the Escalante area map and at least two days of water. What you get is solitude, world-class slot canyon access, and some of the most otherworldly geology in the Southwest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD, 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Kanab, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle Paria River Road or do I need serious clearance?
High-clearance 2WD can make it, but 4WD is recommended for the water crossings and soft sand sections. Stock Subaru Outbacks have done it, but you'll want at least 8+ inches of clearance.
Is Paria River Road passable in winter or after rain?
Avoid during winter snow and for 24-48 hours after heavy rain. The clay sections turn to impassable mud, and flash flood risk is real in the washes.
Do I need any permits to drive Paria River Road?
No permits required for driving the road itself. However, if you plan to hike into popular slots like Buccaneer Gulch or the Paria Canyon, you'll need day-use permits from BLM.
What's the worst section of the trail difficulty-wise?
The multiple river crossings can be tricky when water's running high, and there are some steep, loose climbs out of washes that'll test your traction. Sand traps near the end catch people off guard.
How many water crossings should I expect and how deep do they get?
Expect 15-20 crossings depending on route variations, mostly ankle to knee-deep. After heavy upstream rain, they can become impassable - check weather before committing to the full route.