Buckskin Gulch, a canyon in southern Utah and one of the main tributaries of the Paria River, which is a minor tributary of the Colorado River, is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the southwest. This is one of the best hike we’ve ever did. The rock color is so amazing unlike anything we’ve ever seen. 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. Buckskin Gulch is the longest, deepest slot canyon in the Southwest (and probably the world) – a 23-mil gash carved through the desert. High sandstone walls and a narrow, twisting corridor create a wonderland environment with stupendous plays of sunlight throughout. It can be a short hike out of Wire Pass, or a serious multi-day hike.

Overview

43 Todo Lists / 9 Ticks

LENGTH:2 days (~ 20 miles), a short out and back day hike is possible.

MAPS:Bridger Point, UT; Pine Hollow Canyon, UT; West Clark Bench, UT

Wed

46 | 22

Thu

46 | 25

Fri

47 | 27

Sat

47 | 23

Sun

49 | 24

View Full Weather Details

GEAR:Standard Hiking Gear

RAPPELS:1 challening boulder to get down, 15 m ( 50 ft. ) rope recommended.

WATER:Generally some wading and possible short pools (no wetsuit needed). Best water for pumping is near the end of Buckskin / end of the first day.

NOTES:The full route requires a car shuttle. This route is do-able in the summer, but get an early start the second day. Finally, this route has be done in the winter, but several groups have had problems with ice dams and cold water exposure. If attempting in the winter, be prepared for lots of cold water exposure.

Wed

46 | 22

Thu

46 | 25

Fri

47 | 27

Sat

47 | 23

Sun

49 | 24

View Full Weather Details

Buckskin Gulch is occasionally referred to as the longest slot canyon in the world. I think that is a bit of a stretch, it is a big world, however Buckskin is likely one of the longest on the Colorado Plateau. It is stunning, with miles of absolutely incredible slot. By slot, think 10-or-so-foot-wide slot, not have-to-turn-sideways to pass slot. I would put it in my short list of canyons I have done on the Plateau for scenery and overall fun factor. It is amazing to me that such a long slot is relatively easy to navigate, with no major obstacles requiring technical gear. One small boulder section requires a hand line for most, but is easily passably with a little teamwork.
The bad side of Buckskin is that it has become very busy and requires a permit from the BLM for all overnight trips. For current details on the permit system, see the BLM site. Currently (2014), there is a limit of 20 people for all overnight permits, however day permits are self service with no limit. Very strong hikers can do Buckskin and out Paria in a day (approximately 20 miles), but it would be tough to recommend. Without a permit, it is still worth doing a long dayhike as far down as you can and returning back the same way. If possible, get a permit and do this as a two day backpack. Day 1 is spent in Buckskin, while day 2 is a shorter exit up Paria. A car shuttle is required for the full route.

Warning: Watch out for rattlesnakes! Most groups seem to spot at least one on their trips during warmer temps.

Getting There

Exit Trailhead
Follow highway 89 east out of Kanab for about 44 miles to mile post 20.9, signed Paria Canyon. Follow this road to its end in 2.2 miles to White House Campground. This is a good place to camp the night before starting your trip.
Trailhead
Go back to highway 89 and head west (toward Kanab) for 4.9 miles to a dirt road on the left (south side). Follow this generally well maintained road for 8.6 miles to the signed Wire Pass Trailhead. It is a parking area with a pit toilet.

The BLM keeps a list of authorized shuttle providers. Currently this list includes:

Circle Tours - Kyle Walker, PO Box 3681, Page, AZ 86040, (928) 691-0166
End of the Trail Shuttles - Betty Price, PO Box 6135, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, (928) 355-2252-Shuttles
Paria Outpost - Susan and Stephen Dodson, PO Box 410075, Big Water, UT 84741, (928) 691-1047-Shuttles

Moki steps down the rockfall. (Handline recommended)

Route

Rock Art and Historic Site Etiquette
Rock art and historic sites are fragile, non-renewable cultural resources that, once damaged, can never be replaced. To ensure they are protected, please:

Avoid Touching the Petroglyphs: Look and observe, BUT DO NOT TOUCH!
Stay on the Trails: Stay on the most used trails when visiting sites, and don't create new trails or trample vegetation.
Photography and Sketching is Allowed: Do not introduce any foreign substance to enhance the carved and pecked images for photographic or drawing purposes. Altering, defacing, or damaging the petroglyphs is against the law -- even if the damage is unintentional.
Pets: Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
Artifacts: If you happen to come across sherds (broken pottery) or lithics (flakes of stone tools), leave them where you see them. Once they are moved or removed, a piece of the past is forever lost.

To Buckskin Gulch (40 minutes)
From the parking area, follow the signed trail as it follows the wash, then drops into the wash proper. The canyon soon changes from an open wash to a deepening sandstone slot. It is about 40 minutes to the junction with Buckskin Gulch proper. Just before the junction, look for petroglyphs on the right side of Wire Pass Wash.
Down Buckskin to Middle Exit (3 hours)
The slot is just getting good and continuous! Head down canyon, the next landmark is about 6.5 miles down canyon where the slot opens at what is known as Middle Trail (or Exit). This is the only exit between the Wire Pass / Buckskin Junction and the Paria. If weather is threatening, this can be used as an emergency exit. The route is generally cairned, but is fairly obvious as the narrows crack running up the wall.
Note: Just to the right of middle trail, and a short ways above the Buckskin canyon floor is a petroglyph panel. Less than a minute down from Middle Trail are a large number of faded petroglyphs on the north (left) wall. These are interesting, but high above them in the black varnish is another more impressive panel. (Easiest to see by continuing down canyon and looking back.)
To Paria (3-4 hours)
My favorite section, below Middle Trail the canyon is deep and stunning. An hour or so down from Middle Trail is the rockfall that marks the crux of the route. Sometimes there is a small hole that can be climbed through from behind, though most of the time you will be using a hand-line to descend a series of cut moki steps on the left. Though easy, be careful, this is no place for a slip.
Below the rockfall a series of seeps marks the nearing of Paria, and good clear water to pump. Just before Paria there are two large sand banks, one on each side of the canyon. These are the normal camping spots, and quite good. If they are taken, and you want solitude, you will have to go 30-40 minutes DOWN Paria to find another campsite. (Not recommended since you will have to go back up Paria in the morning for the exit.)
Out Paria (7 miles / 3 hours)
From the Buckskin and Paria confluence, go left, up Paria. It is stunning and generally easy going

Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon