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Slot Canyons of the Southwest From: Dept of tourism  In what is probably doomed to be an abject failure, these blogs are deigned to move the dialogue from the typical political bull crap. The Paria River is the one major tributary of the Colorado between Lake Powell and the start of the Grand Canyon; the upper reaches flow across rocky, deserted land that now forms part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - this is roadless for the most part, not easily accessed but filled with many cliffs, arches and other rock formations. Further south, the river crosses US 89 and the Arizona border, before eventually joining the Colorado at Lees Ferry. Various smaller streams join the Paria, often flowing through twisting, narrow canyons, most famous of which is Buckskin Gulch, the longest and deepest slot canyon in the USA. The whole area is pristine desert wilderness, and months could be spend exploring it. The main river generally flows through quite a wide valley with gently sloping sides, and the year round waters sustain a thin corridor of greenery in this otherwise arid land which is dry for most of the year - the exception is the few miles above and below the confluence with Buckskin where the river becomes enclosed by sheer cliffs up to 1,000 feet high and in places only a few yards apart; the journey through this section is traditionally considered one of the two best extended narrow canyon hikes in the Southwest, together with the Zion Canyon Narrows. Location The Paria River narrows can be accessed via Buckskin Gulch, but only as part of an overnight backpacking trip as the journey to the confluence takes most of one day. The majority of people approach from the White House trailhead, reached from US 89, as this allows the most photogenic parts of the canyon to be visited in a single day, although continuing downstream all the way to Lees Ferry is a popular option, and this trip takes 3-4 days. The trailhead is 2 miles along a gravel track that leaves US 89 just east of the bridge over the river. The BLM Paria Ranger Station is located near the start of the track, as is the self-pay fee station and a noticeboard where weather and flood danger level information are posted daily. There is a small campground at the end of the track, and a trail register. The river is just 50 yards away at this point. |
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3/29/2016 9:53 am |
Saw those at zion NP in Utah. Pretty amazing and dangerous because of flash floods.
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