Utah has so many incredible attractions, but Buckskin Gulch is truly incomparable. It’s one of the longest, deepest slot canyons in the world, and can be very dangerous, but it’s also incredibly gorgeous. Buckskin Gulch stretches more than 13 miles. Combined with the adjoining Paria Canyon, the entire hike is about 20 miles long. Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. It is dark and narrow with just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals.

Aug 27, 2016 Utah has so many incredible attractions, but Buckskin Gulch is truly incomparable. It’s one of the longest, deepest slot canyons in the world, and can be very dangerous, but it’s also incredibly gorgeous. Buckskin Gulch stretches more than 13 miles. Combined with the adjoining Paria Canyon, the entire hike is about 20 miles long. Buckskin Gulch, Utah, Kanab, UT. Buckskin Gulch, a canyon in southern Utah, is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the southwest United States and may very well be the longest in the world. Wire Pass Trail is located in the Kanab area of Southern Utah. Wire Pass Trail follows a desert wash (AKA a dry creek bed) to a gorgeous slot canyon, called Buckskin Gulch. This trail offers the fastest (and prettiest, in my opinion) access to the slot canyon areas of Buckskin Gulch.

Many people rate Buckskin Gulch as their all-time favorite hike. The route goes through a beautiful slot that runs continuously for about 15 miles. (It may very well be the longest slot canyon in the world). It is deep, dark and narrow, with plenty of obstacles to make it fun. It is not a technical hike, but is rated as strenuous because of its length. You do have to scramble over rocks and wade/swim potholes.

Buckskin Gulch is located along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab. It can be done as a long day hike, if you are in good shape, but is best as an overnight backpack. The recommended route requires a shuttle. It is also possible to day hike from either trailhead, returning the way you went in.

Permit are needed to day hike and to backpack in this area, which is part of the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Spring and fall are ideal times but hike, but people do this route year-round. Summer temperatures are very hot. During cold months you need a to wear a wet suite or some such insulation as you make the wades.

Wire Pass Trailhead

(37.020083, -112.022352)

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. There is a good panel of ancient petroglyphs in Wire Pass Wash, just before its confluence with Buckskin Gulch.

Middle Trail Escape Route

(37.031167, -111.921746)

The slot runs for about 15 miles, with just one spot where normal people can escape, if needed. 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. Experienced hikers can scramble up this crack to get out of the canyon if it looks like flood potential is developing.

Buckskin/Paria Confluence

(37.001389, -111.865833)

Camping is only possible in a few spots in the narrow canyon. Two of the best campsites are located just above the confluence of Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon. Another panel of ancient petroglyphs can be seen near the confluence.

White House Trailhead

(37.078035, -111.890017)

From the confluence, the recommended route goes up Paria Canyon and ends at the White House Trailhead.

Lees Ferry

(36.862635, -111.597814)

Serious backpackers can start at either trailhead and hike Paria Canyon to Lees Ferry - taking 3-5 days. People who know this area consider Buckskin Gulch to be the most enjoyable segment, so don't bypass that if you elect to make a long hike.

• Things to Do Near Kanab

  Top things to do

  Additional Things To Do

Special considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic: Backcountry Found is following recomendations from state and health officials. Trips will be for single groups only. No one is allowed on a trip that is exhibiting signs or symptoms of the virus. Vehicles will be cleaned and sanitized between each trip. Participants are responsible for practicing social distancing and maintaining clean hands. While Backcountry Found is taking steps to minimize risks, participants acknowledge all risks associated with group travel and exposure to the virus.

Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world, slicing through the beautiful Navajo sandstone in southern Utah. Enjoy an intimate, private adventure in an incredible slot canyon without the mass of crowds that are encountered at Zions or Antelope Canyon. We'll be dropping into the very middle of this remote canyon, bypassing a long hike at the beginning, and exploring the labyrinth at a leisurely pace all to ourselves.

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon Utah Map

A 1 hour drive from Page will get us to the trailhead. The first hour of the hike is wide open with panoramic views of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Then we'll reach the lip of the slot and negotiate the steep descent into the cool and shady world of narrow, sculpted sandstone walls, where the sky is just a narrow slit above us. We'll see ancient petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloans who also used this same route. We'll spend several hours exploring the canyon and enjoying a hearty lunch. After exiting the canyon, and if you've still got the energy, we'll make a detour to see a beautiful, unique arch that few people ever visit. We'll be back to our cars in the late afternoon.

This experience can be as short as 4 hours, or as long as 10 hours, depending on how far you want to explore the canyon. This hike is for fit and active hikers. Your experience will be much more enjoyable if your body is used to hiking for several hours.

IMPORTANT: This hike is not for anyone with a strong fear of heights and requires a steep Class 3 scramble into the slot. This is a physically demanding hike of a minimum distance of 4 miles and a max of 10 miles. Recent rain events may require hiking through mud and wading through pools of water. Conditions inside the slot canyon change continuously, so bring an adventurous and positive attitude. Entry into the canyon is allowed only if safe from flash flood danger.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

• Transport to/from Page, AZ

• Lunch, snacks and drinks

• Experienced, knowledgable and fun guide

• First aid and emergency communication equipment

• Permits

• Wooden hiking stick

• Neoprene socks (if needed)

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon Utah Real Estate

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Small backpack

• 3 liters of water

• Sturdy, well worn footwear

• Sun protection: hat, bandana, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, etc.

• Jacket, fleece, hat for colder weather

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Your guide will pick you up at 7:00 AM in Page, AZ at your hotel or house. If you’re staying in Kanab, we’ll meet you at the Paria Contact Station (Click here for map) at 9:00 AM MDT (during daylight savings) or 8:00 AM MST (outside of daylight savings). Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast.

Recent rain events could require us to hike through mud and pools of water. We’ll provide neoprene socks to help keep your feet warm, and a sturdy wooden hiking stick to avoid slipping.

Entering the slot canyon is only allowed if safe from flash flood danger. Your guide will be monitoring the weather and make a decision before the hike, and can provide optional alternatives. Full refunds are given for rain cancellations.

Descending into the slot requires a steep Class 3 scramble and should not be attempted by anyone with a strong fear of heights. A hand line will be set up for those who might need extra assistance.

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon Utah Homes For Sale

We should be finished with the hike in the late afternoon, and back in Page by 6 pm. The hiking pace and distance is completely up to you.

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon Utah Ladders

Current Conditions

Slot Canyon Utah Hike

The majority of Buckskin is very dry. The deep pools upstream of the middle route consist of knee-high thick, creamy mud. The boulder jam obstacle is free of debris and water.
Last update: October 25, 2020.