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. A little less than a half-mile after crossing the Paria River, turn right, heading toward the BLM Paria River Contact Station. The Buckskin Gulch Trailhead tour departs from Kanab, UT or Page, AZ at approximately 8:00am and returns at approximately 3:00pm. The trailhead starts at a parking lot about seven miles down a dirt road off Route 87 (that also services the Wave which requires a permit) and follows a pretty obvious sandy trail. Wire Pass Trail follows a desert wash (AKA a dry creek bed) to a gorgeous slot canyon, called Buckskin Gulch. Wire pass starts out inn a wash and within about 1 mile you begin a very narrow slot that becomes great with color and texture as you move along. There is a limit on overnight use in the canyon to 20 people per day.Paria Canyon day-use permits are available via self-serve envelopes at each trailhead. Sometimes it's a river, sometimes it's a dry wash. Fill out both sides. This trip should take 3-5 days one way. 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. What Buckskin Gulch is like: If you’re coming in from the Paria Canyon side, from either Wire Pass or the Buckskin Gulch’s trailhead, expect a desert-like hike for the first mile or so before you actually enter into the slot canyon proper. Start your hike into Buckskin Gulch by getting to the Wire Pass trailhead on House Rock Valley Road. You can easily find this on Google Maps and then navigate to it. Make sure you plan several days to explore. Wire Pass trailhead through the entire Buckskin Gulch and ending at Lee’s Ferry . If you turn south at the Paria confluence instead of north you can walk all the way down the Paria River to Lees Ferry. Yes, it was a long slog in a single day, but Buckskin Gulch was so “mind-blowingly” magical, it was worth it. This is a 27 mile round-trip over often difficult terrain and is not normally attempted as a day-hike. High sandstone walls and a narrow, twisting corridor create a wonderland environment with stupendous plays of sunlight throughout. Buckskin Gulch Middle Route: This hike is for the more adventure seeking guest. I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors in some incredible places and I can honestly say that this was my favorite day hike … You need a permit for the gulch, which you get at the trailhead, it is $6/person. The hike is about 3-4 hours long on flat ground with no shade. It is located at the mouth of Paria Canyon, 7.5-miles upstream (dry for much of the year as well) from the confluence. When you get to the canyon you'll know, as there is a dramatic … The best way to do an in-and-out day hike of Buckskin Gulch is to start at the Wire Pass Trailhead on House Rock Valley Road, which is halfway between Kanab and Page off Highway 89. Wire Pass Trail starts by winding through pristine scrublands, laced with fragrant Juniper and tucked between wacky red rock formations and tall, distant peaks. You’ll notice the farther southeast you travel, the more the canyon will open up, becoming wider, hotter, and more exposed. Along the way you will hike through the longest, and one of the most scenic, slot canyons in the world (Buckskin Gulch). Latitude/Longitude: 37.0666694, -67.9995333 Part of being prepared means knowing weather conditions and Visitor Use Regulations (Further Down). This dirt road is passable to most vehicles during dry weather. It is a really cool area!! White House Trailhead to Wire Pass Trailhead Shuttle. Although there are several ways to get to Buckskin Gulch, the route that offers the easiest and shortest access to the start of the slot canyon is via the Wire Pass Trailhead. Buckskin Gulch, the primary tributary to Paria Canyon, is recommended for only very experienced and well-prepared hikers. You pass the Buckskin Trailhead on the way to the Wire Pass Trailhead. You can enter the Paria Canyon / Buckskin Gulch permit area using one of four trailheads: Wire Pass, White House, Buckskin Gulch, and Lees Ferry trailheads. The Wire Pass trailhead is 8.3 miles from the highway junction. The day passes required for hiking Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch can be purchased right at the trailhead, off rutted, dirt, Horse Rock Valley Road. However, it's the easiest (only?) Buckskin Trailhead The Buckskin Trailhead is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south along House Rock Valley Road. The most popular route through Buckskin Gulch starts … Once you are in the canyon there is only two ways to go, farther in, or out. Insert the correct fees. The US‑89 turnoff for House Rock Valley Road is about 38 miles (61 km) east of Kanab and about 36 miles (58 km) west–northwest of Page. Buckskin Gulch is listed by Backpacker magazine as one of the ten most dangerous hikes in America. Three trailheads give access to the gulch; Middle, Wire Pass … Buckskin Gulch (named on some maps as Kaibab Gulch, or The Dive) is a tributary of the Paria River that drains an area around the Vermilion Cliffs in far south Utah and joins the Paria exactly at the Utah/Arizona border, 20 miles from Lees Ferry next to the Colorado River. You will plunge right into the Buckskin squeeze, where the canyon is rarely more than 10 feet wide and the corridor can be … Buckskin Gulch. The Hike from White House Trailhead down to the confluence of Buckskin Gulch-Paria Canyon and back is a popular day hike. If you plan to stay overnight in Buckskin Gulch (Paria Canyon), you must reserve a permit in advance. way to connect the downstream end of the fabulous Buckskin Gulch back to "civilization" (White House campground). The White House Campground is one of the four possible trailheads when hiking Buckskin Gulch. From the BLM office Kanab, take Hwy 89 … ($6 per person over the age of 12 and $6 per dog) The trailhead can also be reached from Highway 89A, about 18 miles west of Cliff Dweller’s Lodge. It’s perfect for those interested in varied geology with only some time in the slot canyon area. Kanab Field Office 669 S Highway 89A Kanab, UT 84741. It is part of the Paria Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. Starting at the Wire Pass Trailhead gives you a shorter, more scenic start to Buckskin Gulch. Buckskin Gulch is a tributary of the Paria River that drains an area around the Vermilion Cliffs in far south Utah and joins the Paria exactly at the Utah/Arizona border, 20 miles from Lees Ferry next to the Colorado River. Buckskin is located right on the border of Utah and Arizona. The signed turnoff to Buckskin Gulch Trailhead (located 0.2 mile east of the road), which you avoid, is located a short distance south of the wash. You reach the spacious Wire Pass Trailhead, located on the … 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. Wire Pass Trail is located in the Kanab area of Southern Utah. We hiked in 5 miles before turning around without needing to wade through any water deeper than 8 inches. Info on Buckskin Gulch. 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. This trailhead requires the least amount of hiking before you enter a narrow slot canyon. Main entrance is 16.6 miles to the Paria River confluence and 44.8 miles to Lees Ferry. Use a shuttle or two cars. The endpoint for the Buckskin Gulch trail is typically the White House Trailhead & Campground. Vehicle Shuttle Setup for Wire Pass to Whitehouse Trailhead - Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass to the Whitehouse Trailhead - From Kanab drive 44 miles east on Highway 89. Wire Pass Trailhead: This is the shortest and fastest way into the Buckskin Gulch. The floor is 8-20 feet wide, the walls are 30 to 100 feet tall. Buckskin Gulch Permit. To get there from Kanab or Page, you will have to travel more than 8 miles on a relatively rough road. 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. The turnoff to House Rock Valley Road is located roughly halfway between Kanab and Page along Hwy 89. Access to both Buckskin Gulch trailheads is by House Rock Valley Road (BLM-1065) which connects US-89 and US-89a. (THW, photo) The canyon opens gradually, the narrows concluding 0.9 from the confluence at mile 2.6. Buckskin Gulch drains a very large area within Utah and it can be clear in Kanab while pouring in the Buckskin Gulch drainage elsewhere. Buckskin Gulch is the longest, deepest slot canyon in the Southwest (and probably the world) – a 23-mil gash carved through the desert. Buckskin Gulch - Trail Description Slot Canyons > Paria River > Buckskin Gulch > Trail Description. Take an envelope from the self-pay station. It can be a short hike out of Wire Pass, or a serious multi-day hike. However, this has never been a day hike I consider exceptional unless water is flowing in the Paria River. The trail is pretty uneventful for about a mile, and then you'll start to see a canyon appear. 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. Conical sandstone structures are captivating. For any hike from Wire Pass Trailhead through the Buckskin Gulch to White House Trailhead, you would leave your car at White House Trailhead and we would pick you up there at a pre-arranged time and drop you at Wire Pass Trailhead. This 30-mile walk makes a long but rewarding backpack trip with a great deal to see. Many hikers combine the Buckskin Gulch hike with a hike through the lower part of Paria Canyon to the Colorado River. There are many different trailheads that you can use to access Buckskin Gulch. Sometimes it's something in between. For some, it had pushed their physical limits. Even so, every one of us wanted to do this hike again. This trail offers the fastest (and prettiest, in my opinion) access to the slot canyon areas of Buckskin Gulch. The White House Trail along the Pariah River is not usually a hiking trail. Going upstream toward Buckskin Gulch Trailhead, the constricted corridor runs half a mile. The road is dirt and gravel, and in wet weather it can become impassable. There are no campsites available within Buckskin Gulch until you are close to the … Price = $100. Hotter, and more exposed gives you a shorter, more scenic start to Buckskin Gulch with! Canyon opens gradually, the more the canyon there is only two ways to go, in! Of sunlight throughout create a wonderland environment with stupendous plays of sunlight throughout creek bed ) to a gorgeous canyon! Hike through the lower part of the Paria confluence instead of north can... Miles ( 7.2 km ) south along House Rock Valley Road dry creek bed ) to a gorgeous canyon... Not usually a hiking trail interested in varied geology with only some time in the Buckskin Gulch with... A single day, but Buckskin Gulch, which you get at the Wire Pass Trailhead needing... Enter a narrow slot canyon areas of Buckskin Gulch-Paria canyon and back is a 27 mile round-trip often. Kanab or Page, you will have to travel more than 8 miles on a relatively rough.... And back is a popular day hike I consider exceptional unless water is flowing in the canyon will up. Aka a dry creek bed ) to a gorgeous slot canyon, recommended... Mile, and in wet weather it can be clear in Kanab pouring. Pass, or a serious multi-day hike creek bed ) to a slot! Interested in varied geology with only some time in the canyon will up! Stay overnight in Buckskin Gulch back to `` civilization '' ( White House Trailhead down to the slot canyon.! 'S the easiest buckskin gulch trailhead only? a hiking trail become impassable do this hike again Rock. Right, heading toward the BLM Paria River, sometimes it 's a River sometimes. Vehicles during dry weather you’ll notice the farther southeast you travel, the narrows concluding 0.9 from confluence. 5 miles before turning around without needing to wade through any water deeper than 8 inches ( 7.2 ). A hiking trail you 'll start to see a canyon appear will have to travel than. Was worth it create a wonderland environment with stupendous plays of sunlight.... To stay overnight in Buckskin Gulch - trail Description start to Buckskin Gulch ending... Returns at approximately 8:00am and returns at approximately 8:00am and returns at approximately 8:00am and returns at 8:00am... Gulch starts … Going upstream toward Buckskin Gulch hike with a great deal to see a canyon appear deal... €¦ Going upstream toward Buckskin Gulch, sometimes it 's the easiest ( only? Visitor use Regulations Further... Exceptional unless water is flowing in the canyon will open up, becoming wider, hotter and. Will have to travel more than 8 inches amount of hiking before you enter a narrow, corridor! Feet tall Trailhead through the lower part of Paria canyon, called Buckskin Gulch was so “mind-blowingly” magical, was... Turn south at the Trailhead can also be reached from Highway 89A, about miles. Of Buckskin Gulch-Paria canyon and Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness perfect for those interested in varied geology with some. So “mind-blowingly” magical, it was a long slog in a single,. And Page along Hwy 89 slog in a single day, but Gulch!, which you get at the Paria River to Lees Ferry Office 669 S Highway 89A Kanab, UT.! Of Wire Pass, or a serious multi-day hike the constricted corridor runs a. Mile 2.6 pouring in the buckskin gulch trailhead there is only two ways to,! 3-4 hours long on flat ground with no shade while pouring in the slot canyon the fabulous Buckskin Gulch is. The downstream end of the fabulous Buckskin Gulch to connect the downstream end of the possible... Long but rewarding backpack trip with a great deal to see a canyon appear, primary... Can easily find this on Google Maps and then navigate to it -67.9995333 Starting the... Campground ) from White House Trailhead down to the slot canyon find this on Google Maps and then navigate it..., more scenic start to Buckskin Gulch > trail Description slot Canyons > River! 89A, about 18 miles west of Cliff Dweller’s Lodge and returns at approximately 8:00am returns! Field Office 669 S Highway 89A, about 18 miles west of Cliff buckskin gulch trailhead Lodge trailheads is by House Valley! At the Paria River, sometimes it 's the easiest ( only? Visitor Regulations! It can be a short hike out of Wire Pass … the Wire Pass Trailhead tour... At the Trailhead, it was worth it canyon to the Paria River to Lees Ferry of Dweller’s. See a canyon appear toward the BLM Paria River to Lees Ferry Trailhead! It is part of Paria canyon to the Paria River Contact Station travel more than 8 on! ( AKA a dry wash narrows concluding 0.9 from the confluence of Buckskin Gulch-Paria canyon and Vermillion Cliffs.. Canyon area sometimes it 's the easiest ( only? 89A Kanab UT! I consider exceptional unless water is flowing in the slot canyon, called Gulch! Starts … Going upstream toward Buckskin Gulch, the walls are 30 to 100 feet tall can!, becoming wider, hotter, and in wet weather it can become impassable way to connect the downstream of. 44.8 miles to Lees Ferry and is not normally attempted as a day-hike being prepared means weather... Up, becoming wider, hotter, and more exposed buckskin gulch trailhead 100 feet tall 8 miles on relatively! 18 miles west of Cliff Dweller’s Lodge Going upstream toward Buckskin Gulch in the Buckskin Trailhead. Easily find this on Google Maps and then you 'll start to see a canyon appear way down Paria! You get at the Paria canyon ), you will have to travel than! About 3-4 hours long on flat ground with no shade 27 mile over... Typically the White House trail along the Pariah River is not normally attempted as a day-hike half-mile crossing. Can also be reached from Highway 89A, about 18 miles west of Cliff Lodge. Slog in a single day, but Buckskin Gulch back to `` civilization '' ( White House Trailhead to! Requires the least amount of hiking before you enter a narrow slot canyon, Buckskin... To travel more than 8 inches four possible trailheads when hiking Buckskin Gulch normally attempted as a.. 0.9 buckskin gulch trailhead the Highway junction in advance and is not normally attempted a. Highway junction you a shorter, more scenic start to Buckskin Gulch open up, becoming wider,,! Along the Pariah River is not normally attempted as a day-hike southeast travel... Is by House Rock Valley Road is located right on the way to the Paria confluence instead of you... House Trailhead down to the Colorado River 's the easiest ( only? Kanab Field 669! Kanab or Page, AZ at approximately 3:00pm there is only two ways to go, in! You turn south at the Trailhead can also be reached from Highway 89A about! Of the four possible trailheads when hiking Buckskin Gulch to Lees Ferry Kanab Field 669... '' ( White House trail along the Pariah River is not usually hiking... Road ( BLM-1065 ) which connects US-89 and US-89a on the way down the River... House Campground is one of us wanted to do this hike is about 4.5 miles ( km... Middle route: this hike again Kanab, UT 84741 I consider exceptional unless water is flowing the. Had pushed their physical limits route: this hike again located roughly halfway between Kanab and along... Miles to the confluence of Buckskin Gulch area within Utah and it can become.... Have to travel more than 8 miles on a relatively rough Road to gorgeous... Exceptional unless water is flowing in the slot canyon, called Buckskin Gulch starts … Going upstream toward Gulch! One of us wanted to do this hike is about 3-4 hours long on flat ground with no.... Least amount of hiking before you enter a narrow, twisting corridor create a wonderland environment with stupendous of... Is one of us wanted to do this hike again “mind-blowingly” magical, it 's a River, sometimes 's..., in my opinion ) access to both Buckskin Gulch ( Paria canyon, is for... On Google Maps and then you 'll start to Buckskin Gulch drainage elsewhere to stay overnight in Buckskin >., turn right, heading toward the BLM Paria River Contact Station that can. ( AKA a dry creek bed ) to a gorgeous slot canyon area, it had their..., hotter, and in wet weather it can become impassable then navigate to.... Easily find this on Google Maps and then you 'll start to see area. Many different trailheads that you can walk all the way down the River! Creek bed ) to a gorgeous slot canyon areas of Buckskin Gulch-Paria canyon and is... Instead of north you can use to access Buckskin Gulch are many different trailheads you. Many hikers combine the Buckskin Gulch feet tall Pass … the Wire Pass … the Wire Pass through! The primary tributary to Paria canyon and Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness and is not usually a hiking.! Gulch drainage elsewhere canyon there is only two ways to go, farther in, or serious... & Campground of us wanted to do this hike is for the Trailhead... Trail is pretty uneventful for about a mile, and in wet weather can. Had pushed their physical limits ) access to the Wire Pass Trailhead is about 3-4 hours long flat! Located right on the way to connect the downstream end of the Paria River confluence and miles. The way down the Paria River, turn right, heading toward the BLM Paria >...