Buckskin Gulch is a stunning slot canyon hike located in southern Utah, USA. The hike is approximately 20 miles long, but we choose to hike only upper Buckskin Gulch portion of the canyon.
How to get to Upper Buckskin Gulch trailhead
Buckskin Gulch hike starts from the Wire Pass Trailhead, same as Wave Canyon hike. To get to the Wire Pass Trailhead, which is the starting point for the Buckskin Gulch hike, follow these directions:
- From Kanab, Utah, head east on Highway 89 for approximately 38 miles.
- Turn right onto House Rock Valley Road (BLM Road 1065).
- Follow House Rock Valley Road for approximately 8.3 miles until you reach the Wire Pass Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road.
- The last 3.5 miles of House Rock Valley Road is a dirt road that can be rough in some places, so be sure to drive carefully and slowly.
Note that there are no services or facilities at the Wire Pass Trailhead, so make sure to bring plenty of water and supplies with you. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, which can fill up quickly during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to secure a spot.
Upper Buckskin Gulch hike
Wire Pass Trailhead
The hike starts at the Wire Pass Trailhead, which is located off House Rock Valley Road in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. From the trailhead, hikers follow a sandy wash for approximately 1.6 miles to reach the beginning of Buckskin Gulch.
Upper Buckskin Gulch
The upper section of Buckskin Gulch is narrow and winding, with towering walls that are over 100 feet high in some places. We hiked about 1 mile, did some scrambling over rocks and boulders. We had to turn around and go back to the trailhead cause we wanted to get back to the trailhead before dark. We followed the same trail back. The entire section of the hike is approximately 6-7 miles long.
Confluence and Lower Buckskin Gulch
After hiking the upper section of Buckskin Gulch, you will reach a confluence with the Paria River. The lower section of Buckskin Gulch is wider and less steep than the upper section, with smoother walls and more vegetation. This section of the hike is approximately 14 miles long. The hike ends at Lee’s Ferry, which is located on the Colorado River. From there, you can arrange for a shuttle to take you back to your car at the Wire Pass Trailhead. We haven’t done this part of the trail yet, but we will definitely be back to hike it.
