The Cairn Project x Paria Backpack
Summit Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible through funding from The Cairn Project. The scholarship includes the expedition fee for an all-female 5-day Paria Canyon Backpacking Trip, top-notch trail footwear from LOWA Boots, premium trekking poles from LEKI, and more. The scholarship’s total value is >$1,700.
This Scholarship is reserved for young women between 18 and 25 years of age. Preference will be given to alumna of programs that are supported by the Cairn Project.
A word from The Cairn Project: ‘The Cairn Project expands outdoor access by supporting community-based wilderness and outdoor education groups around the country through a small grants program. We're honored to partner with the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation to make big mountain adventures more accessible for young women, one climber at a time. Here's to a more equitable and welcoming outdoors for all!’
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The Paria Canyon Backpack is not a mountaineering adventure, but it is an excellent foray into endurance as well as remote backcountry travel and camping. Nestled in the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs, the Paria River Canyon is right up there with some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. Red rock walls that soar for hundreds of feet above the canyon floor; narrow sections evoke impressions of Buckskin Gulch, one of the Paria Canyon’s tributaries. The Chinle’s formation rainbow colored rock layers provide a spectacular frame to this diverse desert thruway.
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Backpacking the lower Paria Canyon is a bucket list item for many hardcore desert explorers. The traditional White House to Lee’s Ferry Route covers 38 miles of off-trail, canyon-floor ground with plentiful river crossings and miles of mandatory wading. With side trips, the total length of this backpack typically amounts to ~45 miles.
This is a true desert backcountry hike that requires fortitude, stamina, and the willingness to navigate ever-changing conditions that can range from scorching heat to below-freezing temperatures.
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October 9-15, 2022
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Participants must be in good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is helpful.
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Experienced backcountry guides from Dreamland Safari Tours and AWExpeditions
2 nights of hotel accommodation pre- and post-hike in Kanab
Meals in town and on the trail
Transport between Kanab and the trailhead
Paria Canyon permits
Group backpacking gear (cooking, water filtration & emergency communications)
Top-notch trail footwear from LOWA Boots, as well as premium trekking poles from LEKI
The expedition fee and Summit Scholarship award does not cover:
Your own transport to & from Kanab
Personal backpacking gear (backpack / tent / sleeping bag / sleeping pad - rentals are available)
Guide gratuity
Travel insurance
Personal incidentals such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages etc
Love the Summit Scholarship,
and want to help increase the number of available scholarships?
It’s easy, fun, and doesn’t break the bank.
If virtual challenges aren’t your jam (though how do you know unless you try?), a straight up donation of any size also helps. $10 and $20 increments welcome!