One of the truly classic hiking trails in the United States, let alone the world, Buckskin Gulch swerves through a subterranean paradise for the senses. Attempt this visually-arresting walk as a day trip, or walk the entire 20 miles over the course of four days.
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (near Kanab, Utah) and Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness (Arizona), Buckskin Gulch trails takes hikers through the veritable layer cake of the Colorado Plateau's geographical wonderment. It is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest and offers obstacles like rock jams, pools, quicksand, and the potential for flash floods. Yet a day hike option via Wire Pass Trail is moderately easy, and should be a must-do tour on any hiker's list.

Buckskin Gulch has two main entrance points – the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead and Wire Pass Trailhead. Wire Pass is the most common access, as Buckskin Gulch Trailhead adds an additional 3 miles of less-stunning hiking. About halfway through the canyon, the steep and obscure Middle Route is the only access in addition to the official trailheads. Buckskin Gulch, East of Kanab, Utah 21-miles of strenuous hikes Some say that Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world. I can confirm that the canyon is absolutely awe-inspiring! Apr 03, 2020 Buckskin Gulch is a spectacular slot canyon located in south-central Utah, halfway between the towns of Kanab and Page. It is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the United States and perhaps the entire world.

Note: there are multiple trailheads that provide access to Buckskin Gulch. Wire Pass Trailhead offers the most direct access for a day hike. This is not to be confused with the Buckskin Trailhead, which follows a wash for several miles before intersecting with Wire Pass Trail and then the confluence with the Paria River.

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.

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.

Gulch

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)

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon Map

  • 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

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon Utah

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.

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.

Current Conditions

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyons Moab

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.