Paria River, Utah/Arizona - Day 5 of 5

[ndhudson]

Paria adventure continued (see previous TR)

The last and hardest day...this one was tough! We woke up to a cold rain and we knew we were in for a long day. But on the bright side, the rain made for some amazing fog shots and gave the whole last day a very cool eery feeling. I loved it! This last 16 miles of the hike is very different from all the other days. The canyon gradually opens up with magnificent vermillion cliffs (hence the name) surrounding you in every direction. It becomes much more of a hike as you diverge from the river itself and make your way along the hills of the open valley. The end of the hike is marked the Lonely Dell Ranch. This is where the Paria river meets up with the mighty Colorado river.

I wish I had time to say more about this hike. My apologize for so many pictures. Aside from sore feet, a few blisters, a couple muddy tumbles and one quicksand episode (lots of quicksand traps throughout the river), we all made it unharmed and no worse for the wear. This was the trip of a lifetime for me...a huge hike with my entire family!

The end is near

Lonely Dell Ranch marks the end!

The drive out...we beat the snow by 30 minutes!!!

[ChrisW]

wow, just wow - what a wonderful hike in the very best company, thanks you so much for sharing this ND. I love to see a new TR with your name against it on the list and I was very happy to see your return with 5 in one go. I'm just 1100 miles from Moab and will be making a drive down there at some point this year (probably late summer/fall) I can hardly wait

[Alastair S]

Outstanding - really enjoyed that. Thanks for sharing

[gammy leg walker]

ND,just stunning,that goes for all 5 reports.................welcome back.

[StevenF]

very very nice

[garyhortop]

Great reports.....great photo's and what must have been am amazing trip!

[morag1]

Love these photos of the red rocks

Looks very hard work so well done for completing it

[Mal Grey]

Wow, what a fantastic series of reports. Thanks for posting.

I've always fancied exploring the canyons, having briefly passed close to the region on a Zion and Bryce trip 20 some years back.

[ndhudson]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

wow, just wow - what a wonderful hike in the very best company, thanks you so much for sharing this ND. I love to see a new TR with your name against it on the list and I was very happy to see your return with 5 in one go. I'm just 1100 miles from Moab and will be making a drive down there at some point this year (probably late summer/fall) I can hardly wait

Many thanks Chris! It looks like you're settling into your new Canadian surroundings quite well. Sorry I haven't commented much on your reports lately. I am a bit of a lurker these days. But I am watching and loving every photos I see! Moab in the Fall is magnificent...couldn't pick a better time to visit. If you and the misses fancy having a couple of Utah tour guides, do let us know. Stay safe and happy!

[MarilynMunro]

Booootiful, just Boootiful, as a well known celeb over hear would say.

What an absolutely stunning area, your so lucky .
Welcome back.