The beauty of Women Who Explore getaways is the rich diversity of people you meet. From various ages and different careers, each trip is a melting pot of stories and experiences. On our latest Paria Canyon Backpacking trip, we had an interesting mix of participants, including two bookkeepers. When our guide kicked off the trek by declaring, "No one has ever counted all the water crossings," it was game on. Challenge accepted!

But it wasn’t just the water crossings that captured our attention. As we ventured deeper into the canyon, we found ourselves counting everything around us. Numbers quickly became a shared obsession—not just for the bookkeepers, but for the entire group. This wasn’t just a hike; it was an adventure in numbers, each one telling a unique part of our story.

This blog isn’t your typical guide on backpacking Paria Canyon. You won’t find tips on what to see or where the springs are. Instead, it’s a numeric diary of our journey through Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and out Middle Route. Here’s a breakdown of our adventure by the numbers.

Day 1: Into Paria Canyon

Water Crossings: 36
Lizards: 15
Blue Heron sightings: 2
Petroglyph Panels: 1
Cactus Incidents: 3
Other People: 7
Bird baths taken: 4
Camp Frogs: 14
Miles: 11

Our journey began with a steady rhythm, the excitement of new terrain and the promise of adventure. The 36 water crossings set the tone for what would be a wet, wild, and wonderful experience. Lizards and herons provided delightful company, while a few encounters with cacti kept us on our toes.

Day 2: Bush Head Campground to Cave Camp

Water Crossings: 118
Arches: 1 “wrather” good one
Rock Formations Marveled At: 20
Water, I mean Sandfall: 1
Snack Breaks: 2
Petroglyph Panels: 1
River Tires: 1
Lizards: 8
Other People: 8
Miles: 7

Day two was all about immersing ourselves in the canyon’s wonders. The 118 water crossings were welcomed in the heat, with Wrather Arch being a major highlight. The sandfall was a unique twist, and every snack break was a chance to share stories and marvel at the beauty surrounding us.

Day 3: Cave Camp to Big Spring

Water Crossings: 119
Other People: 15
Frogs: 23
Lizards: 13
Black Widow: 1
Abandoned water pumps: 1
Thieving Mice: 1
Side Quests: 2
Pruney Toes: 100
Miles: 7

On day three, the numbers kept climbing. The 119 water crossings were met with enthusiasm as we ventured through the canyon. Frogs and lizards seemed to multiply, and the stop at an abandoned water pump added a touch of area history. We even had a run-in with a thieving mouse—another reminder that the wilderness has its own set of rules.

Day 4: Big Spring to Confluence Camp

Water Crossings: 104
White Belly Swifts: 9
Other People: 24
Camp Rattlesnakes: 1
Bats: 5
Ravens: 4
Quicksand Episodes: 1
Hidden Image Walls: 1
Arches that aren’t technically an arch: 1
Miles: 8

Day four was a testament to the vastness of the canyon. The 104 water crossings were accompanied by swift swallows darting above, while a rattlesnake at camp added a bit of drama and tent movement. The quicksand episode was quite the experience, but the hidden images on canyon walls and the ever-present rock formations were constant reminders of nature's artistry.

Day 5: Confluence Camp and out Middle Route

Water Crossings: 0
Lizard Memorial: 1
Challenging Climbs: 3
Amazing Rock Formations: countless
Petroglyph Panels: 2
Celebration drinks at farewell dinner: ??

Our final day was both a relief and a triumph. With no recent rainfall, there were no water crossings to count in Buckskin Gulch, so we focused on the challenging climbs that led us out of the canyon. The awe-inspiring rock formations left us speechless. We ended the day with a well-deserved dinner celebration, toasting to the memories made and the challenges overcome.

Final Tally

Total Water Crossings: 377
Different Bird Species: 3
Rock Formations Marveled At: SO MANY
Steps Taken: Tens of thousands
Crazy non-campfire stories: many
Laughs: abundance
Memories: some amazing ones that will last a lifetime

Our journey through Paria Canyon was an adventure rich in numbers and experiences. The challenge of counting water crossings brought a fun twist to our trek, and it made us more observant of our surroundings. making us more mindful of our surroundings. Each number tells a piece of our story, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

So, how many water crossings were there? A whopping 377! Each crossing added to our sense of accomplishment, but beyond the numbers, it was the connections we made and the natural beauty we witnessed that truly defined our adventure.