Hiking Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon to Lee's Ferry | 4K 

Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment.

Wow -- that must have been great to do the hike that long ago. Must have really seemed like another world! Thanks for watching and sharing your story. 🌞✌

Glad to hear it!

Glad to hear it -- thanks! I was nervous when I saw a new comment about the rock stacks because I've actually received a small amount of grief about it in the comments (and my site). Some people really think I over-reacted, ruined "art", etc. etc. The joys of the internet! 😉👍

@@Acrossutah I’ve seen the same thing. I will always tear down a rock stack. LNT. Don’t be discouraged by all the pro rock stackers. People like to label anything as art now days. You stacked a few rocks, big artist you are.

Thanks for watching and the comment!

This is an amazing place, thank you for taking us with you! I'm 72 and living it through you!

Thanks so much -- I appreciate you for watching and the compliment. 🌞✌

Thanks -- I appreciate you for watching and the comment. I did the Buckskin and up the Paria in the '90s and that was great -- but doing the full thing down the Paria must have been really awesome back then. Bet it seemed like another world with nobody around. Cheers! 🌞✌

Thank YOU for watching and leaving the comment!

Thanks for watching and the comment!

Thanks! It's definitely something I'm conflicted about at times as I continue to get some hate mail/comments on occasion. BUT... for now I still believe that I do more good via preaching best practices and bringing awareness to some issues than I do harm by "over exposing" certain areas. I definitely hope that's the case anyway. Cheers! 🌞✌

Thank you!

Thanks -- glad you enjoyed "following along". Cheers!

Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

Thanks, Sonya! I was happy to see that this canyon was in really good shape (I hadn't been for many years.) Even the camps were clean despite getting used almost every night of the year in season. I think there is a real benefit in the quota system and WAG BAG regulations which limit the impact and make people take a bit more care in their trips. Let's hope that as a community we can keep it this way!

Thanks, Davo! Glad you liked it and double-thanks for sharing with your friends. Cheers!

Thanks for watching! Ah... yes... the smell of the desert! I wish I could capture that in a video! Cheers!

Thanks!

Awesome -- glad you liked them. Hope you get to visit one day, but if not glad you enjoy the virtual experience via the video. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

Thanks! I appreciate you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers! 🌞✌

Thanks so much for watching and the comment -- most appreciated!

Thanks for watching!

That would have been great. I went through the Buckskin in the '90s and it was definitely a treat. Thanks for watching and sharing your comment.

Yeah, that's why I wanted to stress that this and most of my other videos are not spots for casual hikers. They aren't necessarily hard hikes, but they do require adequate planning/prep before setting out (far beyond what my video provides.) Cheers! 🌞

Thanks!

Cool -- thanks for watching and glad it brought back some good memories. Cheers! 🌞

Great -- thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

You saw a good portion of the best of the best then -- sounds like a good hike. Thanks for watching!

​@@Acrossutahhello. What boots did you wear?

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

Thanks -- I appreciate that. 👍

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 👍

Head to southern Utah any spring and there's always a chance you will run into me! I don't usually hike with other people (for logistical issues more than anything), but... it's crazy how frequently I run into people I know and/or who have seen my videos. Until then... Happy Trails!

Thanks -- I appreciate it. Hope to be back out there soon and have some new videos coming later this year. 👍

Thanks so much!

Thanks, Allen!

Thanks!

Thank you 👍

Thanks, Jean!

:)

Chere IS great -- and Lisa was pretty great too and both made for a fun hike! 👍 Thanks for watching and leaving the comment. 🌞

Thanks! I hope to get out to White Pocket and Paw Hole someday soon.

Cool -- congrats on the new TV and hope the video holds up at big size! Happy Holidays! 🎅

Thanks -- have a good trip!

Cool -- have a good trip and thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching and sharing your story. I really hope to raft down the Colorado one day. BTW... I did float the Yampa/Green this year though -- video for that coming soon. :)

I hiked this back in 1975, loved every day of it and experienced every kind of weather! The cold clear water is because of the Glen Canyon Dam, just a few miles upstream. The dam creates a block to all the silt that would normally flow through the GCNP.

Thx! Should be a great place to capture some stunning images with that your camera of yours. 👍

Thanks again for watching!

Thanks for watching. I've only been to Scotland once -- but didn't get to do any hiking. Cheers!

Thanks for watching and the comment. Glad you are getting out there and enjoying nature -- it really does the body (and mind) good in my opinion. Best of luck to you!

Yeah... I didn't try to count! I wish I'd had a bit more time to try a few of Kelsey's "exit" routes from the canyon. I'm sure that they are harder than he implies. :)

Yes -- 2020 has stymied many of my plans this year as well, but still hoping to possibly squeeze in one more short trip. Thanks for watching all the way from England! 😀

Thanks for watching and the comment.

Thanks! I just got into a private "disagreement" with someone about this topic again. I do truly believe that I do more good than harm or else I wouldn't keep posting. Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍🌞

You are correct. My boot held up for this hike, but after this and a few more similar hikes they were pretty thrashed. Desert hiking, especially when in and out of water, can really shorten the lifespan of boots. I often wear neoprene socks if I know that I'll be hiking in water for extended periods, but didn't do it on this trip. I definitely make sure to air out my feet (and socks) every night at camp. Good luck on your hike!

Thanks! This was back in May. I often wear neoprene socks for hikes like this, but this time I just went with my boots and wool socks (several pair.) I also take camp shoes to let my boots dry a bit at night.

Thanks. And... yes, it was -- good eye!

That's cool. I did it originally in the early '90s, but bet in 1968 it felt like another world and had the place to yourself! Sorry your don't like the camera -- It's a tough place to capture so I used a 360-camera for some shots to give a unique perspective. Thanks for watching!

@@Acrossutah Yes it was another world back then . I was 13 yrs old. We found 15 foot deep quicksand near the mouth of wrather canyon, nearly lost my best friend in a flood, it was quite an adventure. Much more freedom back then, No poop bags, we built camp fires, no permits Etc.

Thanks for watching and the added info! 👍

Usually I will wear neoprene socks if I know I will be hiking in the water for extended periods. But, I didn't on this trip and it worked out OK. Thanks for watching!

Thanks! Wrather Canyon is somewhat non-descript where it meets the Paria. It's easier to spot the big side canyon ahead as you approach, but when you get there the opening is rather small and uneventful. The route is brushy to begin, but a trail forms fairly soon. Good luck.

Thanks! I often do wear neoprene socks for water hikes like this, but did not this time. Ever since I began hiking with trekking poles I cannot imagine hiking without them, but... they are not for everybody. Quicksand can be a concern along the Paria, but I didn't run into any on this trip. Usually as long as you don't linger and "wonder how deep I can get?!"... then it shouldn't be a real concern. Good luck on your trip!

Thanks! It's right at 7.5 miles from the White House TH to the confluence. BTW the mileage I cite in my videos and blogs is often higher than "trail miles" because I show my total amount walked per day as reported via my tracker device. So this includes all my side excursions, photo/video setups, walking around camp, etc. 🌞✌

Thanks! I actually had 3 cameras for this hike: the Gear360, my phone (Pixel 2XL) and an OSMO Pocket (which I used sparingly.) I unfortunately had several technical issues on this spring so the footage isn't as good as I'd hoped (but I'm still happy with it.)

Thanks. I'd say maybe Buckskin. It was completely dry this spring, so check the conditions before you go and you might get lucky (it usually have some pools, but no running water except for a trickle at the bottom.) Antelope might be the most scenic, but it can be overcrowded/expensive. Peekaboo (aka Red Canyon) near Kanab is another option. 👍

@@Acrossutah Thanks. Buckskin it is. I think we will try to enter via Wire Pass Trail- I heard that is nice.

Though I didn't on this hike, I usually wear neoprene socks with my boots on hike where I know it's going to be in/out of the water all day. Socks will usually dry by morning, though boots will still be damp. If it's just a water crossing -- I will try my best to keep my boots dry (ie take them off to cross). Thanks for watching!

@@Acrossutah Thanks for the reply. Love your videos.

Thanks for watching and the comment!

I just carefully pour the top portion into another "dirty" bladder that then gets filtered. I can't pour too far down without disturbing the sediment at the bottom, so this method always wastes some (ie the 2L bladder might only produce 1.5L or clean water.) Thanks for watching and the question. ✌

Not unless you are doing the full-length of the Buckskin. Even then it might be OK without it if the weather doesn't turn too cold before the hike. Thanks for watching.

I didn't get in the water up there on this trip -- but sure it was similar to here lower down: muddy and cool (but not really cold.) 👍

Yep -- I agree and it's kinda one of my regrets from the trip. I'll just say... I actually joined other people on this hike (their permit) and by that point they were DONE and very anxious to get to Page for a big meal. So I didn't want to slow that down any more than I had already. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

@Acrossutah Thanks for a reply, again, great vid of the canyon, I've been to the ferry area many times and was just disappointed not see much of it.

I was surprised to see so much water. I've been at the Paria/Buckskin confluence before when is has been completely dry.

Thx. I consider it my backyard too, but see the permits as a necessary evil. Saw signs of bighorns, but didn't actually see any. Thanks for watching and the comment.

Jamal Green Thank you for the reply! Would you say that you saw more bighorn sign on the Utah side or the Arizona side of your hike? Utah wildlife biologists have reported a decrease in size in this herd in recent years. I'm curious if cats got them or they just moved further south where the canyon is wider.

All in AZ well below the confluence. But... because of my beeline route in the river I can't say that I had the chance to notice any activity on the Utah side. I did however see a bunch of tracks/droppings along the Upper Paria and Hackberry the week before this hike (but once again I didn't actually see any sheep.) :)

Jamal Green Interesting. Thanks for the info. I have seen those sheep in the Paria/Hackberry area. Took pictures of sheep at the townsite, at Starlight Arch, and even saw one standing on top of Yellow Rock a couple years ago. That herd in there appears to be doing well.

You should drink/use a gallon a day, but you really don't want to PACK that much ahead of time; instead find sources along the way. You can filter from the Paria itself but it can clog a filter so it's best to know where the springs are and fill up at those locations. I try to limit my water carries to less than a gallon at a time (and that's usually doable here.) Good luck with your hike and definitely check the weather/conditions beforehand as it just flooded a few days ago. 👍

This video is from my hike back in May. I just saw pics from another hiker who also just finished and it looked considerably different with very little water. That's how it was when I hiked it about 15 years ago as well. Thanks for watching.

@@Acrossutah yeah. It was about 6in to 3ft depending on where you would cross. In front of large bouulders and around bends it would be deepest. Most of the time it was ankle deep to mid calf.

Yeah, I kinda agree with you. The "longest slot canyon" claim has been around for a long time and thus repeated by many (myself included), but along those 14 miles in the Buckskin there are definitely many wider spots. Depending on one's definition of "slot", but I'd say about about a third would qualify and the rest would be just "narrows" or wider. I just hiked it all again this past spring and will have a new video coming out soon. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞👍

As of 2019 there is no lottery for a permit, but just an online reservation process for 3 months in advance and limited to 20 people per day. Permits for the spring and fall tend to go fast (esp weekends), but the other times aren't too bad.

@@Acrossutah thank you

No coordinates really needed as there aren't many options for this canyon. Just look up Lower Paria Canyon and White House Trailhead and that should get you headed in the right direction. Thanks for watching!

I don't really have a specific brand that I love -- as it seems to change from year to year with various lines. I'm extremely tough on my boots and go through about a pair a year. I've actually had surprisingly good experiences with Hi-Tech (a value brand) though one year I got a pair that was terrible. Similar mixed results with Columbia, Merrell, and Asolo. I'll usually just wear a good wool sock and actually prefer it w/o liners. If hiking through water for an extended period I will usually wear neoprene socks (though didn't on this hike). Thanks for watching!

Nope -- that wasn't me that time. My parent's have met me on a few previous trips, but that was several years back and not along he Paria. Hope to be back out there later this spring. Thanks for watching! 👍

Yep -- I wanted to upgrade before this hiking season, but instead went with a OSMO Pocket. It's cool, but I didn't really use it much and think I might have been served with a new 360 cam. Maybe before my next big hike! Thanks for watching and the comments

Thanks for watching and the comment. Glad your aunt enjoys my videos too. Cheers! 🌞✌

Thanks for watching!

Not sure -- I really like them both. I think there are pros/cons for each when comparing to backpacking the Narrows of Zion. The Narrows is def crazy crowded in the day-hike area, but the upper canyon isn't too bad. The added distance and shuttle for the Paria can be problematic/expensive. Permits for either can be tough to get at times, but I much prefer the Paria's open camping system as opposed to the designated sites in Zion. Thx for watching and the question.

@@Acrossutah your experience and realistic presentation is valuable to me. As an East-coaster planning a Four Corners trip for years I might actually get to make it for 2021. Im realizing THE LIMITS of longing to live the photos now, because of the commercialism not shown in most vids. Thanks for sharing your point of view. I may take one of your less taken paths.

Decades? So... it started in the '80s or '90s and that makes it OK? Again... LEAVE NO TRACE! There is no need to artistically stack rocks. Not only is it not natural, a study in Zion found it can be harmful to the micro ecosystem living among the rocks. Don't do it. Thx.

Funny... I actually cut out a longer speech at the cowboyglyphs about the LNT irony of the site and that it is no longer acceptable (there are some from the last 20 years). I agree rock stacking is a much lower concern (esp along the Paria.) If one watched my video series from last year it showed my disdain re: the size reductions and new management plans for GSENM and BENM. Much bigger concern! But... I have plenty of breath in my voice to raise awareness for more than one issue. :) Thx for watching and the comment!

@@Acrossutah I did see those comments on your videos RE the attacks on Grand Straicase-Escalante and Bears Ears. Thanks again Jamal for the great videos and for educating your audience....great stuff you do!

Matthew McHugh 40 year resident of Utah here. Spent more time in San Juan County and Grand County than 99% of internet whiners not from here could ever dream of. Bears Ears was not taken away, nor was it ruined. Stop listening to SUWA and other snowflakes and their fear mongering. These places are still great places, and they are still protected by laws that have already been in effect for nearly my entire life. They do not require outside interference or definition escalation from people who've never even been here. Folks that do live here want access to enjoy the places they live, and don't want things locked up, nor destroyed by ten thousand buses full of Asians on vacation. And the more you escalate a land designation, the more buses come. We've learned that the hard way with Zion NP, Arches NP, and several other places here. Zion's on a shuttle rule now, and Arches traffic has caused traffic jams so bad that a new traffic light was needed on the highway. At least when a mining company comes in, they are required BY LAW to reclaim the area and make it look natural again. There are no laws about limiting Park traffic, and a million people in one confined area do far more damage than a drill derrick ever could. Balance is the key. The BLM knows that. Their management of a little bit of everything for all interest groups is really the only viable answer. The original BE Monument was just FAR too large to manage properly for only one interest party. Bottom line....come to Utah, enjoy the multiple use (and no use of some places, if that's one's perogative), and leave it the way you found it. And let people who live and work here make policies concerning it.