Slot Canyons Traverse
St. George, UT
4.9 (45 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Incredible Slot Canyons
- Arches & Amphitheaters
- Towering Canyon Walls
- Cultural Sites
- Desert Solitude
- Wonderful Solitude & Scenery
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
Our Slot Canyons Traverse backpacking trip is a 5-day, 4-night thru-hike a stunning slot canyon to where it enters the Colorado River east of the Grand Canyon. With water-polished, sandstone walls towering thousands of feet above us, these canyons are very similar to Zion Canyon but with more solitude! This trip is for folks interested in adventure, solitude, fantastically unique landscapes, and a generally secluded experience. We trek a 30-mile length of the canyon above its confluence with the Colorado; we explore an offshoot of the main canyon, which is the longest slot canyon in the world; we enjoy stunning and peaceful campsites; we visit arches, oases and have opportunities to see desert wildlife; and we hike heartily each day with mileages of 6-10 miles daily through a maze of Canyon Country landscapes.
Please Note: This area can be subject to very dangerous flash flooding. We schedule the trip dates for the driest times of the year that are still warm enough to enjoy the slot canyons. If moderate to significant rain turns up in the forecast, the trip may be rerouted to the spectacular Boulder Mail Trail backpacking trip, also in Southern Utah.
Need to Know: Human Waste
The public agencies that oversee this region require that everyone pack out all solid waste, including human waste. We provide resources and training to make this manageable and efficient. However, if you’d rather embark on a trip in this region where that isn’t required, we recommending checking out the Boulder Mail Trail in Southern Utah.
$2065 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Significant mileage each day, often wading in ankle to calf deep water and stepping over boulders. The terrain is relatively flat and in some sections, your group will be able to move quickly on the packed sand. Other sections are slower and involve navigating small slippery boulders. There is no sanctioned trail as the trail is the canyon floor. The terrain can be altered by the conditions from day to day depending on flow levels of water in the canyon. There is one short (~4 strides-long) section of extreme exposure, where you must either walk along a narrow (~3 foot wide) section with a steep drop off on one side, or take an alternative off-trail bypass with some loose rock.
Hiking Distances:
6-10 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
<250 ft
Heights Exposure:
Extreme
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-10 hours
- Hiking in ankle-deep to calf-deep water for long sections
- Maintaining footing and balance on variable terrain including sand, water, and rocky/bouldery terrain
- One very short section of extreme exposure (approximately 4 strides, but can be avoided if necessary)
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Paria hike a solitude 3. You can expect hours of solitude at a time.
Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on the St. George, UT municipality rates, which are adjusted occasionally but are in the 6-7% range. For all of our hiking and backpacking tours that originate from our St. George, Utah base (Utah trips, Death Valley trips, Kanab Creek, and Wonders of the Grand Canyon), the sales tax will be applied automatically to your payments. Feel free to call us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) with any questions!
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Shuttle to the Trailhead: 3-hour drive from St. George
- Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Loss: minimal
This amazing Utah backpacking trip begins in St. George, Utah where we get an early start and drive to the remote trailhead. From the trailhead, we hike a short distance before entering the main drainage. The day’s hike continues downstream and gradually the wash begins to resemble a canyon as the Navajo Sandstone walls rise on either side. We pass by an amazing sandstone arch before we arrive at the confluence of a side canyon and our camp for the night.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 6-10 miles
- Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
Today we have the chance to explore 1.5 miles up one of the world’s longest and deepest slot canyons. At its deepest point near the confluence with the main drainage its canyon walls stretch 500 feet above the canyon floor. As we progress, the day’s changing light plays on the canyon’s walls in a brilliant show of reds, yellows, and browns. Another option is to explore down the main drainage through stands of cottonwood and boxelder inside an enclosure of rich red, towering sandstone walls. We’ll then break camp and continue downstream to a serene spring-side camp, where we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and laughter beneath a star-lit sky.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 6-10 miles
- Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
This morning we’ll enjoy a big breakfast, then continue down the river that carved the miraculous canyon walls that soar above us. The canyon grows deeper and presents an ever-changing mix of massive overhangs, refreshing springs, exquisite lighting and a myriad of colors. We see evidence of historic development along the river. In the afternoon, we’ll have the option of hiking up another side canyon to a wonderful arch, in fact one of the most remote arches in the world. We’ll once again set up camp near one of the springs.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 8-10 miles
- Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
As we encounter the much softer Chinle Formation, the canyon begins to widen quickly. Today we will leave the creekbed and begin hiking on the high water route. This is a long day consisting of 8-10 miles of rugged canyon hiking and will likely take most of the day to complete. We’ll see Petroglyphs today and encounter a historic ranch.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 3-5 miles
- Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
- Shuttle to St. George: 3-hour drive from the South Rim
After a relaxing morning, we will finish our journey today. We will have a chance to explore several historical sites along the way, including a 19th century, very picturesque ranch. We’ll meet our shuttle driver and enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive back to St. George.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- Neoprene socks for hiking in the water
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George, Utah to the trailhead and back
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack. Please note this trip requires special attention to footwear as the hike consists of walking in water for the majority of the days.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Neoprene socks for walking in water
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You will rendezvous with the guide and group in St. George, Utah for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip starts to specify the orientation location. The guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Utah Tours your guide can meet you at your hotel in St. George or Cedar City, Utah at an agreed upon time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to St. George, Utah
This Utah trip originates in St. George, Utah where you’ll meet your guide and group. St. George has a small airport served by Delta Connection and United Express. From the St. George Airport one can take a taxi into town or some hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle. The more popular method of travel though is to fly into Las Vegas, NV and take a shuttle (www.stgshuttle.com or https://saltlakeexpress.com/destination/las-vegas-airport-nv/) to St. George. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George on good roads.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in St. George, Utah as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 4 and 7 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in Southern Utah
The weather in Southern Utah varies seasonally. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures in the Paria Canyon area:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
|
Month
|
hi
|
low
|
||||
|
April
|
68°
|
43°
|
||||
|
May
|
80°
|
52°
|
||||
|
June
|
90°
|
63°
|
||||
|
October
|
70°
|
45°
|
||||
|
November
|
55°
|
35°
|
||||
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Reviews
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Tammy P
More Exciting Than the Last
This was my 4th adventure with Wildland Trekking. Each adventure I take proves to be more exciting than the last. I can't wait to plan my next exciting adventure.
Jennifer H
Thank you so much for an incredible trip!
This was a trip of a lifetime!! What an incredible experience! The trip was overwhelmingly scenic. Everyone that I talked to before my trip was very helpful and took time to answer all my questions. Casey was exceptional. He was calm and patient. He shared stories and information about the area, made sure all guests were comfortable and safe. His meals were creative and delicious. I really enjoyed his company and would highly recommend him as a guide :) Thank you so much for an incredible trip!
Elizabeth P
I loved it!
The trip exceeded my expectations, it was my first multi-day backpacking trip and I loved it! The guide was very thoughtful about preparing meals according to my dietary preferences. He had good recommendations about staying cool in the heat - encouraging all of us to cool off in the river. It was very smart! I felt comfortable that I was in capable hands. The guide was very calm and confident.
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