There're a couple of variations how to hike this trek. The variant described here combines three areas of the Paria Canyon Wilderness - the "Wave", the Buckskin Gulch and the Paria Canyon. It takes 2 to 3 days to combine all this but if you're lazy you may even organize this via day trips. The trek features two major highlights: hiking through two of the most spectacular slot canyons and the "Wave", a fragile sandstone formation which may well be the most beautiful spot on mother earth (see the teaser image above).

A slot canyon is, as the name implies, extremely narrow - in places you can tough the two sides of the canyon wall at once. Hiking in the canyons can be anything from refreshing to downright dangerous depending on the weather condition so it is important to check the rainforecast for the next days. Slot canyons can be a deadly trap due to flash flooding and, if you´re in the middle of it, there's no way to leave these canyon for hours. You often hike on wet or muddy underground so it is a good idea to leave your trekking boots at home and go for Tevas or the like. Throughout most of Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon the hike is very easy. However, at one point in Buckskin Gulch you will need to scramble down a very steep rock. Usually there're some ropes attached here to help you down but this part is a bit adventurous.

Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon form a V-shaped layout so in order to return to your car you need to complete the loop either by walking cross country or by hitch hiking on the road nearby. The Wave is a one-way detour from the Buckskin Gulch entry.

The access to these areas is regulated via a permit system. It is fairly easy to obtain your ticket for the Canyons but you have to book way, way in advance to be lucky enough to see the Wave.