It is amazing the difference a few weeks makes. I much prefer Fall and Spring to Summer for Paria. I would recommend an exceedingly early start for the open desert hike on the last day for the end of June when hiking out to Lee’s Ferry. You might consider an Alpine start for hiking out. The open desert hike is summer heat is unforgiving. Starting before dawn will keep you in the cooler parts of the day. Consider carrying 4 liters of water per hike on the open desert hike. Normally I camp at Paria mile 26 were the last reliable spring is found. However that leaves you with a hike of 12 miles the next day. If the weather is expected hot, consider tanking up on water and hiking out into the desert a bit to reduce the following day’s exit hike by a few miles. I hiked out one year in 102 degree weather and it was not so fun. For a one day hike of Wirepass to Whitehouse, it is likely that you will be hiking out at night by headlights when it hottest part of the day has abated. Enjoy and please post pictures. Ken
This is such great info, thank you so much for your response. We will be heading up soon, and will try very hard to not end up in Lees Ferry. We saw a momma and baby owls in Pine Creek a few years ago, still one of my favorite canyon animal sightings. Hope we see your owl too! Will definitely take a rope, thanks for taking the time to respond.
@spinesnaper just completed the 44 mile variation last week. Here’s what he said on FB.
“Solo hiked Wire Pass to Lee’s Ferry May 19-21. This was my 9th time in the corridor. 47 unavoidable pools in Buckskin Gluch, but not deeper than the knees. No problem in neoprene pants. With the extra bit to the long term parking, I think the hike is about 44 miles. Beautiful conditions.”
I just completed it with a group yesterday. The water was much lower than normal (only knee deep in one spot) and there was not any real nasty water other than a dead mouse in one pool. Saw one rattlesnake (small one and slow cuz cold in the canyon, an owl, and a couple of crows. Just remember as you come out of the canyon, make sure you look left (if coming from Wire Pass direction) because there is little to no water coming down the Pria river so unless paying attention, you will miss the slot where the river is. If you miss the canyon on the left at the confluence, you will have a long hike, because you will end up in Lees Ferry. Suggest you start early due to the last 5 miles being exposed. Take 3 liters/100 ounces of water, and a 40-ish foot of rope to assist with down-climbs if you feel you need it (safer with than without). Enjoy
spinesnaper
It is amazing the difference a few weeks makes. I much prefer Fall and Spring to Summer for Paria. I would recommend an exceedingly early start for the open desert hike on the last day for the end of June when hiking out to Lee’s Ferry. You might consider an Alpine start for hiking out. The open desert hike is summer heat is unforgiving. Starting before dawn will keep you in the cooler parts of the day. Consider carrying 4 liters of water per hike on the open desert hike. Normally I camp at Paria mile 26 were the last reliable spring is found. However that leaves you with a hike of 12 miles the next day. If the weather is expected hot, consider tanking up on water and hiking out into the desert a bit to reduce the following day’s exit hike by a few miles. I hiked out one year in 102 degree weather and it was not so fun. For a one day hike of Wirepass to Whitehouse, it is likely that you will be hiking out at night by headlights when it hottest part of the day has abated. Enjoy and please post pictures. Ken
2065toyota
We are also heading there June 24 – 25. Hopefully get some not so hot and not so rainy weather
Krampus
Well, My buddy ended up doing Buckskin and he said it was bone dry. Paria wasnt even running.
Fell about 10 feet and hit his head to boot. Should have been wearing a helmet.
AnnHall
This is such great info, thank you so much for your response. We will be heading up soon, and will try very hard to not end up in Lees Ferry. We saw a momma and baby owls in Pine Creek a few years ago, still one of my favorite canyon animal sightings. Hope we see your owl too! Will definitely take a rope, thanks for taking the time to respond.
Dan Ransom
@spinesnaper just completed the 44 mile variation last week. Here’s what he said on FB.
“Solo hiked Wire Pass to Lee’s Ferry May 19-21. This was my 9th time in the corridor. 47 unavoidable pools in Buckskin Gluch, but not deeper than the knees. No problem in neoprene pants. With the extra bit to the long term parking, I think the hike is about 44 miles. Beautiful conditions.”
AnnHall
Wondering if you got any intel? Planning a trip in June, would love some scoop if you find any.
BobRoss
I just completed it with a group yesterday. The water was much lower than normal (only knee deep in one spot) and there was not any real nasty water other than a dead mouse in one pool. Saw one rattlesnake (small one and slow cuz cold in the canyon, an owl, and a couple of crows. Just remember as you come out of the canyon, make sure you look left (if coming from Wire Pass direction) because there is little to no water coming down the Pria river so unless paying attention, you will miss the slot where the river is. If you miss the canyon on the left at the confluence, you will have a long hike, because you will end up in Lees Ferry. Suggest you start early due to the last 5 miles being exposed. Take 3 liters/100 ounces of water, and a 40-ish foot of rope to assist with down-climbs if you feel you need it (safer with than without). Enjoy