Tags

, , ,

Traveling west of Page, Arizona on Hwy 89 we were looking for a place to call home for a few nights.  We stopped at the BLM Paria Contact Station to ask about places to camp.  The friendly lady gave us two recommendations:  The gravel pit up behind the Contact Station and a place a bit west.  The gravel pit looked OK but we decided to check out the other location.  We were glad we did; we scored, having a really nice spot to spend a few days.

IMAG1110

View from the camp site

Search the internet and you will find a lot of scenic drives and hikes in the area.  There is the Rock House Valley Road to the Wave and White Pocket, the old Paria movie site, the Cottonwood Road, and hikes everywhere.  We were a bit restricted while there due to rain showers limiting our time on some of the dirt roads but still saw a lot.

IMAG1140

IMAG1142

For me the photos above was a feel good place.  For a little effort one receives a huge wow.  There were families with little kids and seniors all making the walk to see the hoodoos.  It makes me happy that most people have the ability to experience the surprise of the site unlike other site which require more physical excursion or more time than many people have.  The parking lot is on the north side of Hwy 89 about 1.5 miles east of the Contact Station.

IMAG1129

View from the road to the Paria movie site

Another day we happened to go to the old Paria movie filming site.  I’m no country westerner movie fan, but on a whim we decided to drive there.  I am so glad I did.  The view was tremendous.  I only wish we could have stayed longer and hiked in the area.  But it started to rain and it was time to leave, not wanting to get stuck on the road.

Location Facts:

  • Our camping spot was located west of the BLM contact station about 3 miles.  Traveling west, turn north from Hwy 89 at the bottom of the hill, immediately before the start of the truck lane, at a gap in the guard rails.  Open the gate and close it behind you.  The road is about a mile long, camp towards the end.
  • We could see the road from our camp site but couldn’t hear it.  When we looked away from the road we could almost believe we were in the middle of nowhere.
  • Water to fill your storage tank is available at the BLM Paria Contact Station.
  • We found free showers at a gas station in Big Water when we filled up our gas tank there.  Sorry – I don’t remember the name of the gas station.
  • Map