BLM-Paria Canyon Website - This is where you will apply for permits and find up-to-date information on the Paria Canyon conditions and regulations. Using a scale between 1 (friendly) and 10 (deadly), they rank both weather and terrain in the canyon each at a 7. Buckskin Gulch is renowned not only because of its continuous challenging narrows, but also because there is no other canyon like it in the world. Still, you can do part of the Buckskin Gulch as a Day Hike from Kanab or Page. It has also been called the world's most dangerous hike. Buckskin Gulch in Utah is the longest slot canyon hiking trail in the world. Buckskin Gulch - As you enter Buckskin, dramatic lighting haunts the slender crevice of the twisted wind and water-carved slot canyon, allowing spectacular photography during the next 12 miles. All slot canyons are inherently dangerous for flash floods potential, so check the forecast before you hike — and the length of this hike requires plenty of preparation and supplies. However, this has never been a day hike I consider exceptional unless water is flowing in the Paria River. I did a little backtracking and found a spot under a large boulder to climb down and under. For 12.5 miles the gulch is enveloped in a very narrow gorge 100 to 200 feet deep, flanked by vaulting convoluted walls of Navajo Sandstone. Rated 4.667 /5 based on 6 customer reviews 4.7 15 miles - Point-to-Point Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Together with Paria, a number of hiking options exist here, with one route stretching for some 38 miles, from trailheads near the Utah/Arizona border down to Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River. Verify this with the BLM in Kanab before your trip and bring a knotted 30 to 50 foot rope. Directions. You know you are getting close to the Paria River when you get to the rock jam. Copyright © 2020 Utah Office of Tourism. Buckskin Gulch presents numerous hiking difficulties such as miles of streambed strewn with small cobble stones making footing difficult, threats of flash floods, large and deep stagnant pools of cold water that may require swimming, and log and rock jams, such as the one encountered at Mile 14.5. From the confluence, the recommended route goes up Paria Canyon and ends at the White House Trailhead. The dramatic, picturesque Navajo sandstone illuminated by indirect sunlight, thereby bringing out the quintessential hues of red rock country; how the curves of the rock have been smoothed by thousands of flash floods over time; the towering walls that, at certain points during the hike, lovingly squeeze in on you. Dogs are allowed, but there is a $5 fee per dog. Buckskin Gulch trail head includes classic desert views of sandstone domes, large views of the area, wave rocks like near the neighboring North Coyote Buttes area as well as some of the largest petroglyphs in the area. As a day hiker, you can set your limit according to your physical conditions. For those with only a few hours to spend in the area the hike from Wire Pass Trailhead down to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch and back is a great introduction to a short fun slot canyon complete with Native American rock art. We were only able to explore a small part of it, and I cannot wait to go back. The Wave day hikes ⢠Pre-hike drop off: We will take you to the trailhead where you'll start your hike. There are only two safe areas in the event of bad weather. Industry Website. ⦠When to go? Almost 8 miles from the start of the hike and a bit over 6 miles into Buckskin Gulch, there is an escape on the left side (north) known as the Middle Trail. This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. There is one drop-off within the canyon. Begin at the Wire Pass Trailhead, hike through Buckskin Gulch and continue south at the confluence down Paria Canyon all the way to Lee’s Ferry. It is deep, dark and narrow, with plenty of obstacles to make it fun. You need a permit for day hiking and overnight trips in Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch. Buckskin Gulch. These can be obtained online or in the Bureau of Land Management office in Kanab. Like all slot canyons in the South Western United States, the crack in the Earth called Buckskin was carved from the sandstone by flash floods. This classic hike begins at the Wire Pass trailhead following Buckskin Gulch to its junction with the Paria River, then heading up-river to the White House Trailhead. Buckskin Gulch can also be taken on as a long day hike or as an out-n-back though you will have to determine when is best to turn back. Access the day hike from Wire Pass Trail, a short tributary to Buckskin Gulch and the most scenic and direct way into the classic narrows — it’s an ideal alternative to the multiday backpacking trip. Added by Tobin Akehurst. You will plunge right into the Buckskin squeeze, where the canyon is rarely more than 10 feet wide and the corridor can be hundreds of feet deep. Buckskin Gulch can also be taken on as a long day hike or as an out-n-back though you will have to determine when is best to turn back. For more challenging routes, check out the rappel-heavy Middle Route to Buckskin Gulch or the longer Paria Movie Set to Buckskin Gulch. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Via the Wire Pass trailhead, the hike is simple, walkable, and pleasant. I wanted to see Antelope canyon originally, but after realizing itâs $70 to go see it, I quickly changed my mind. Itâs sturdy enough so donât fret. Although Buckskin Gulch runs for about 15 miles, most hikers do not do the entire route. Find nearby hotels in Kanab where pets are welcome.Do this hike from April to June or September to October; during July and August, the chances for flash floods increase. Access to both Buckskin Gulch trailheads is by House Rock Valley Road (BLM-1065) which connects US-89 and US-89a. The main reason for this is the flood danger. Permits are required for day hiking ($6) and overnight backpacking ($5). I suggest taking plenty of rest stops along the way to gaze up at the soaring walls. Serious backpackers can start at either trailhead and hike Paria Canyon to Lees Ferry - taking 3-5 days. Be aware, there is a ladder you have to use. Mile 3.0: The start of the âDive of the Buckskinâ. Note: there are multiple trailheads that provide access to Buckskin Gulch. Usually a rope is in place to help with the downclimb. All rights reserved. Everything you need to know for the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch day hike, from getting to the trail head, permit information, and a photo and video tour. Luckily the drop under this rock was only a little over 10 feet. Buckskin Gulch has two main entrance points – the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead and Wire Pass Trailhead. This is an account of a trip from the Wire Pass trailhead, down Buckskin Gulch to the confluence with the Paria River and back, on 9th June 1998. It's impossible to know for sure where or when storms may strike, but hedge your bets by checking weather updates; noaa.gov issues the region's most accurate flood forecasts. The confluence of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch is the end of this hike; return the way you came. From what I have read online, the slot canyon is about 15 miles long. Attempt this visually-arresting walk as a day trip, or walk the entire 20 miles over the course of four days. There are four access routes to the canyon. Permit are needed to day hike and to backpack in this area, which is part of the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Avoid Buckskin from July through mid-September, when afternoon storms shower water through the slots. The famous Buckskin Gulch canyon hike has topped multiple "World's Most" lists in magazines and online. Wire Pass Trail follows a desert wash (dry creek bed) and a slot canyon to offer the fastest access the slot canyon areas of Buckskin Gulch. The Hike from White House Trailhead down to the confluence of Buckskin Gulch-Paria Canyon and back is a popular day hike. For full information, please see our disclaimer here. The narrows section of it extends more than 15 miles, where the space between each wall often shrinks to less than 10 feet. The hike continues through the Buckskin Gulch canyon to the Paria River. If you wish, you can continue up Buckskin Gulch, which is a relatively wide canyon, or you can hike down Buckskin Gulch a ways, which is a slot canyon but not as narrow as Wire Pass. This is a short twist on the much longer Buckskin Gulch canyon hike. Starting about 7 miles down from the beginning of the trail head, this tour involves some down climbing into the gulch about 100 feet and offers views of White Pockets, North Coyote Buttes, South Coyote Buttes and large parts of the Buckskin itself. The rock walls tower anywhere from 100-300 ft tall, and at it's narrowest, is only 2 feet wide. With the narrows extending nearly 15 miles, some sections are less than 10 feet from side to side. Camping is only possible in a few spots in the narrow canyon. The difficulty of the hike is moderate, but depends on weather conditions. From the trailhead parking lot to the junction with Buckskin Gulch, it is 1.7 miles one-way if you follow the wash and not the side trails. Buckskin Gulch is the ultimate in canyon-country slot canyons. Buckskin Gulch Hike Details. This area is more open and exposed to the sun than the other day hikes on our list. Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world, slicing through the beautiful Navajo sandstone in southern Utah. Get a permit. It can be a short hike out of Wire Pass, or a serious multi-day hike. Anyone with a bucket list of the best hikes in America or anyone who will soon make a bucket list of the best hikes in America. Buckskin Gulch Trail Head: This option is a good choice for those who want the variety of the area all in one hike. Wire Pass Trailhead. Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kanab, Utah that features a river and is good for all skill levels. You can continue up Buckskin Gulch for as long as time will allow. All Rights Reserved. The recommended route requires a shuttle. The fee is $6 per person per day for day hiking and $5 per person per day for overnight trips. Coronavirus Updates: Stay current on the latest news and park access. The famous Buckskin Gulch slot canyon hike is known throughout the world as a go-to place for slot canyon hiking. The beginning of the hike is in a wash. Itâs open and hot, but we found it to be quite beautiful. This hike starts at the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead, continues along the Buckskin Gulch for a couple miles, and then quickly exits at the Wire Pass Trailhead. The sandstone walls will confine and open up several times as you traverse to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch at 1.75 miles. And the threat is real – while in the canyon, there are limited escape options. Utah Travel A round-trip hike of about 5 miles is sufficient to get a good look inside Buckskin. Slot canyons are such a beautiful place to hike and explore and I just love them. The Hike from White House Trailhead down to the confluence of Buckskin Gulch-Paria Canyon and back is a popular day hike. However, this has never been a day hike I consider exceptional unless water is flowing in the Paria River. Hikers of average ability can experience the grandeur of Buckskin Gulch on a day hike without needing hard-to-obtain permits, technical gear or vehicle shuttles. If you hike the entire length of Buckskin Gulch you are almost guaranteed to encounter pools of cold, muddy water. Buckskin Gulch in Kanab, Utah is incredible. Begin your hike in the wash of Buckskin Gulch before you enter into the core of the slot canyon. Main entrance is 16.6 miles to the Paria River confluence and 44.8 miles to Lees Ferry. Near the middle of the narrows, the slot is not as deep (only about 100 feet) and a crack runs up to the north rim. There are also a few areas that need to be ascended/descended that are easily manageable, but might make the faint of heart consider turning around; these are climbable sections that are only a few feet at the drop.After you leave the trailhead, you’ll follow a wash to the entrance of the canyon at 1.3 miles in. Access the day hike from Wire Pass Trail, a short tributary to Buckskin Gulch and the most scenic and direct way into the classic narrows â itâs an ideal alternative to the multiday backpacking trip. Directions . This is a 27 mile round-trip over often difficult terrain and is not normally attempted as a day-hike. Wintertime can have ice and snow located inside the gulch so this is a good off season option. Buckskin Gulch is the longest, deepest slot canyon in the Southwest (and probably the world) â a 23-mil gash carved through the desert. You will plunge right into the Buckskin squeeze, where the canyon is rarely more than 10 feet wide and the corridor can be hundreds of feet deep. Hike time is around 4-5 hours and total tour time is 7-7.5 hours in total. Youâll have another 0.3 miles to go before you hit Buckskin Gulch. Hike Information. This is one of the best hike we’ve ever did. Begin at Leeâs Ferry at the Paria River confluence and hike northwest into the wide-open canyon mouth. Weather: Mostly Clear, 24F. About halfway through the canyon, the steep and obscure Middle Route is the only access in addition to the official trailheads. It is also possible to day hike from either trailhead, returning the way you went in. Everything you need to know for the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch day hike, from getting to the trail head, permit information, and a photo and video tour. Buckskin Gulch is the ultimate in canyon-country slot canyons. Experienced hikers can scramble up this crack to get out of the canyon if it looks like flood potential is developing. Buckskin Gulch is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest, and while others are narrower, prettier or more challenging to explore, the length and variety of the terrain in the gulch make it the best overall. I definitely owe it to Manny to come back here so he can do the whole thing. Spring and fall are ideal times but hike, but people do this route year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The slot runs for about 15 miles, with just one spot where normal people can escape, if... Buckskin/Paria Confluence. We found Buckskin Gulch while attempting to win the lottery to go to âThe Waveâ. Please adhere to local guidelines for safe and responsible travel, including following the statewide mask mandate. You’ll notice the farther southeast you travel, the more the canyon … It is thought to be the longest slot canyon in the world, meaning no other canyon runs as narrow for as many miles. Distance – 20.6 miles roundtrip, and a car is needed at each trailhead Approximate hiking time – Anywhere from 10 hours to 2 days, depending how fast you go, and if you’re spending the night Elevation at Wire Pass Trailhead – 4860 feet Elevation at the confluence of Buckskin Gulch and the Paria River – 4100 feet Backpacker Magazine (Oct, 2008) calls Buckskin Gulch one of Americaâs Ten Most Dangerous Hikes. Permits are competitive, and the canyon sees its fair share of foot traffic, but this surreal slot canyon still provides plenty of solitude. This is considered for emergency use only, as … For a shorter, 5.6-mile through hike, you'll need to have either left a car, or catch a ride back to the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead to get to where you started. If dry, the wash is very sandy to walk through with no shade. If you wish, you can continue up Buckskin Gulch, which is a relatively wide canyon, or you can hike down Buckskin Gulch a ways, which is a slot canyon but not as narrow as Wire Pass. During cold months you need a to wear a wet suite or some such insulation as you make the wades. Rather, they make an out-and-back day hike into the gulch. Many people rate Buckskin Gulch as their all-time favorite hike. Length 5.6 … Wire Pass is the most common access, as Buckskin Gulch Trailhead adds an additional 3 miles of less-stunning hiking. Attempt this visually-arresting walk as a day trip, or walk the entire 20 miles over the course of four days. The recommended route begins at the Wire Pass Trailhead, goes down Buckskin Gulch, and then goes up the Paria Canyon slot to the White House Trailhead and your waiting shuttle vehicle. Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon have limited, and at times unreliable, water sources. 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