HDT Day 39: Paria Canyon & Bush Head Route

Daily Miles: 12.2, Total Miles: 532.2

Slower going down the Paria River today but taking pics around every corner – just gorgeous. A narrower canyon meant having to wade in the river more rather than cross from bank to bank.

I found a few springs not on the map before turning away from the Paria River. I then headed up out of the canyon on the challenging Bush Head Route. A route means no trail but maybe a few cairns. This would eventually take me up on the Paria Plateau to the Vermillion Cliffs.

As expected, this was a very steep and scree-filled route with many sandstone cliff bands to navigate. On one ten-foot band, I had to climb up without my pack and hoist it up behind me. About 3/4 of the way up on top of another cliff band, I found a semi-level flat spot large enough for my tent. What spectacular views! Could have probably made it to the top before dark but I made the right decision. I’ll tackle the rest of the way up tomorrow with fresher legs.

While setting up my tent, I noticed an unusual concentration of what looked like large cat turds. I hope this isn’t a mountain lion litter box.