Paria Canyon, Utah
March 6 – 14, 2027
Join OEL on an unforgettable spring break adventure to Paria Canyon, in southern Utah and northern Arizona! Known for its stunning sandstone formations and colorful canyon walls, Paria Canyon offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the southwest’s most remarkable wilderness areas.
This trip is all about adventure, fun, and taking a break from the demands of school. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or looking to try something new, you’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself, unplug from your usual routine, and connect with others in a beautiful outdoor setting. As a group backpacking trip, participants will share the responsibilities of backcountry living, including cooking, camp chores, and working together along the trail. Come ready to explore, make memories, enjoy the journey, and experience spring break a little differently!
Please note: This is a physically demanding trip. Participants will hike 10 – 12 miles each day on uneven ground, while carrying a backpack weighing about 40lbs. Physical preparation is encouraged.
Location
We’ll leave from our Basecamp on Bucknell’s campus. From there we will drive to the airport, and fly to Las Vegas, NV before driving to the trailhead.
Pre-Trip Meetings
There will be two pre-trip meetings for this extended break trip that are mandatory. During this meetings we will go over trip logistics, packing lists, and expectations:
Tuesday, February 16th, 7pm-8:30pm at Basecamp
Mandatory
This will be a chance for the group to meet and get to know each other. We will discuss details and logistics of the trip.
Tuesday, March 2rd, 7pm-8:30pm at Basecamp
Mandatory
We will review our final trip logistics and details before departing in just a few days!
Logistics
Please read the sections below for detailed information about the schedule, registration process, trip cost, and more!
*This is a rough schedule with estimated times and locations that are subject to change. In the case of significant challenges with permits or weather, the trips plans may change.
Day 1: Saturday, March 6
We’ll gather at OEL Basecamp to prepare for our exciting adventure ahead! We’ll finalize all packing before hitting the road and heading to the airport. We’ll fly to Las Vegas, pick up our rental car and permits, and drive to Kanab, UT where we will camp for the night.
Day 2: Sunday, March 7
We will wake up early and hop on our shuttle to the trail head! We will begin backpacking, covering about 10 miles.
Day 3: Monday, March 8
We’ll wake up, pack up camp, and hike 11 miles through the beautiful Paria Canyon wilderness!
There is a new moon this evening, which means the skies will be perfect for stargazing!
Day 4: Tuesday, March 9
We will backpack just under 7 miles today, and enjoy some extra time hanging out at camp in the evening!
Day 5: Wednesday, March 10
We’ll backpack for 10 miles today! We’ll enjoy endless scenes of red, winding rock faces, steep cliffs, and unique desert plants.
Day 6: Thursday, March 11
This will be our final day in the canyon – we’ll backpack the final 9 miles before completing our trip and returning to our vehicle! We’ll drive to a base camping location for a well deserved shower before bed.
Day 7: Friday, March 12
We’ll spend the day exploring the iconic Zion National Park!
Day 8: Saturday, March 13
It’s time to head home! We will stop to explore the Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area right outside of Las Vegas before boarding our flight back to the east coast.
Day 8: Sunday, March 14
We will drive back to campus, pack in our gear, and head back to our residence halls for some rest.
Full Cost: $1,900.00 per person
The cost associated with this trip helps offset the cost of meals, airfare, lodging, guiding services, and equipment for this trip. Once notified that you are selected for participation you will be asked to commit to following payment schedule:
- Deposit 1: $400 (due within one week of acceptance onto the trip)
- Deposit 2: $500 (Due December 7th)
- Final Payment: $1,000 (Due January 25th)
We can accept cash or check only.
Alternative payment plans may be available upon request. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and set up a payment plan.
Deposits are non refundable and non transferable.
Inclusions
- Transportation to and from Paria Canyon
- Meals and snacks from break on Saturday (3/06) through lunch on Sunday (3/14)
- All camping reservations, permits, and park passes
- All group camping gear, including but not limited to tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, backpacks and more.
- Some clothing as needed (rain jacket and rain pants, baselayers and mid layers)
Exclusions
- Personal gear and items
- Any food purchased separately from group meals (e.g. gas station snacks, airport snacks, additional meals beyond pre-planned group meals, etc.)
- Any souvenirs, shopping, or optional, non-predetermined experiences
- All expenses incurred in the event of early or late departure not related to an emergency (transportation, extra hotel night, etc.)
Registration for this trip will open on Monday, October 5th, 2026 at 6:00pm Eastern. Application materials are due within three days of registration. Spaces for this trip are limited and will be filled through an application selection process.
This trip is open enrollment to all current Bucknell students. A Bucknell ID number is required to register.
Applications will be reviewed on the following dates:
- Monday, October 26(Priority Deadline)
- Monday, November 2
- Monday, November 9
Registration closes November 9th. Applicants will be notified if they are selected within 1 business day after the reviewed date (as listed above). Deposits are due within 1 week of acceptance. Depending on the number and strength of applications, the trip may be filled prior to November 9th. If you would like to increase your chances of being selected, please apply prior to October 26th.
Those not selected will remain on the waitlist in the case that a spot opens up later on.
OEL Adventure Trips, including Extended Break Trips, provided to Bucknell students have limited capacity. If a student signs up and doesn’t show for the program, it’s disruptive for everyone involved and takes away from other student’s experience.
We understand that things come up and life happens. We get it. We simply ask that you notify us as soon as possible and let us know of your cancellation. You can do this by emailing oel@bucknell.edu.
Cancellation Policy*
Trip payment, including deposits, are non refundable (except by the Payment Transferability Policy – see below).
Payment Transferability Policy*
All payments received specific to this trip are subject to the cancellation policy listed above in this section. In the event that a trip participant is no longer able to attend, all non-refundable fees paid can be transferred to another non-enrolled participant and yield a full refund. In simple terms, if someone is able to fill the spot of an already enrolled participant, non-refundable fees paid become refundable in full. The OEL professional staff will make attempts to fill any vacant spots by servicing an associated waitlist, marketing the availability, etc. There is no guarantee that a vacancy will be filled. If a participant cancels their spot on this trip, and it cannot be replaced by another participant, all non-refundable fees remain non-refundable.
No Show Policy*
Students who miss a trip’s preplanned departure from campus will not be allowed to join the trip at a later time. Students who miss a trip’s preplanned departure will forfeit all fees paid associated with this trip (no refund of any amount provided).
*Exceptions to above expectations and/or policies may be considered for adjustment on a case by case basis as determined by the OEL professional staff.