Buckskin Gulch
Welcome to Buckskin Gulch, located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument near the border of southern Utah and northern Arizona. This iconic and highly sought-after slot canyon is renowned for its colorful passageways and towering rock walls, offering one of the most unique adventures in Southern Utah. Stretching roughly 16 miles, Buckskin Gulch is considered the longest and deepest slot canyon in the United States, making it a bucket-list destination and one of our favorite tour locations here at ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co.
For those seeking expert guidance, our ROAM tour guides provide an exceptional experience ensuring you have a safe adventure while also gaining in-depth insights into the canyon's geology, history, and of course, the best photo ops. Prefer to explore on your own? Keep reading for essential information on how to safely navigate Buckskin Gulch independently.
BuckSkin Gulch Guided TOur
(Permit Required)
Other Notes
Duration:
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What's Provided:
What's Provided:
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Duration: 6-8 hours
Duration: 6-8 hours
Duration: 6-8 hours
What's Provided: Everything you need
Duration: 6-8 hours
Permit Required: Yes
Duration: 6-8 hours
Embark on a journey to witness one of the world's most renowned geological formations in the heart of the Southwest. The Wave hiking tour takes place near the Utah/Arizona border and promises an unforgettable experience.
The six-mile round-trip guided hike is a bucket list item, offering a surreal landscape of sweeping rock formations and a vibrant color palette that will leave you in awe.
On this immersive hiking day tour, you’ll discover visually stunning hidden gems just off the main trail. The Wave is not just a hike; it’s an exploration of one of the best hiking tour adventures in Kanab, where the natural wonders of the North Coyote Buttes region await.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Visiting Buckskin Gulch requires careful planning in advance. It is not a quick-stop destination. Below are all the essential details to help you prepare and make the most of your visit.
Getting There
Reaching Buckskin Gulch is an adventure in itself, we at ROAM recommend driving your own car and parking at the Wire Pass Trailhead, which offers the most direct access.
Here are directions if your starting point is Kanab, Utah: take US-89 east for approximately 44 miles until you reach House Rock Valley Road. Turn right onto this dirt road and continue for about 8.4 miles until you arrive at the Wire Pass Trailhead. This dirt road is generally navigable for standard vehicles, but in inclement weather or if it has rained in recent days, we recommend you take a 4x4 vehicle.
If you prefer not to drive or are planning a one-way hike, there are shuttle services available from local providers in Kanab. These shuttles can transport you from the endpoint at White House Trailhead back to your starting point, ensuring a convenient and stress-free experience.
What to See in Buckskin Gulch
As you navigate through Buckskin Gulch, your jaw will literally drop in awe of its colorful red rock walls that seem to go on forever. The slot canyon's narrow walls, sometimes only a few feet apart in some areas, rise hundreds of feet overhead with vibrant hues of red, orange, tan, and gold sandstone. Along your hike, you’ll encounter unique rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and a couple of natural arches. Always keep your eyes peeled for these notable photo spots!
Where Does the Hike Begin?
Before beginning your hike you must first decide how much of Buckskin Gulch you want to see. As explained earlier, the slot canyon is 16 miles long so if you plan to hike the full 16 miles and or venture deeper into other connecting areas, we recommend you leave a car at your starting entrance and end entrance, and of course, don’t forget your backpacking gear.
If you plan on visiting for a day hike, start your adventure at the Wire Pass Trailhead. At the trailhead, you will find a large parking area. From there, it's easy to follow the trail to Wire Pass and begin your hike into Buckskin Gulch.
Other trailhead entrances you can consider using but are less direct entrances are the Buckskin Gulch trailhead or the White House Trailhead. Buckskin Gulch trailhead follows a wash for several miles before intersecting with Wire Pass and the Paria River. White House Trailhead, is more commonly used for exiting the canyon.
Permits and Passes
Before entering Buckskin Gulch, remember that it is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and requires a $6 per person (or pet) day-use pass, which can be purchased on the recreation.gov website.
For overnight backpackers, an overnight permit is required, and these are harder to obtain due to the limited availability of only twenty permits per day. You must apply, get approved, purchase the permit, and pick it up in person within 10 days of your start date. Note that reservations open at 12:00 pm MST on the 1st of each month for permits three months in advance. For example, permits for June will be approved on March 1st.
Hiking Difficulty
The Hiking difficulty of Buckskin Gulch is moderate with minor elevation gain. You can opt to make it longer and find more elevation gain by venturing into other connected areas of Paria Canyon but remember you must have a permit to do so.
For the day hike from Wire Pass Trailhead expect the following:
Difficulty: Moderate with minor elevation gain
Length: roughly 4 miles round trip
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Best Time of Year to Visit and Weather Conditions
Thanks to the beautiful weather in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, you can visit Buckskin Gulch year-round. However, It is absolutely imperative to check weather conditions before attempting this hike. If there is any chance of rain within a 100-mile radius, do not enter the slot canyon due to the risk of flash floods.
To help you better understand the weather at Buckskin Gulch from season to season, here are a few things to note:
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Winter - Winter is the least popular time to visit Buckskin Gulch due to the colder temperatures, which are often around 50°F or lower. The cold can make hiking more challenging and hazardous, especially with the potential for icy conditions in the canyon.
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Spring - Spring offers mild temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F during the day and cooler nights around 40°F to 50°F. It’s a beautiful time to visit, but hikers should be cautious of spring rain showers that can cause flash floods.
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Summer - Summer temperatures can be quite hot, often exceeding 85°F. To stay cool and safe, consider starting your hike earlier in the morning. The narrow canyon provides some relief from the heat, but hikers should still be wary of summer thunderstorms that can lead to flash floods.
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Fall - Fall is a favorite time of year for our ROAM team. Expect fewer crowds and temperatures similar to spring, ranging from 60°F to 80°F during the day and less frequent rain showers, making it an ideal time to explore Buckskin Gulch.
Gear and Preparation for Buckskin Gulch
Depending on the length of your visit, we recommend two different gear sets. It is crucial to prepare your gear and other necessities ahead of time, as there are no stores near Buckskin Gulch. Here is what to pack for your visit:
Essential Day-Visit Gear
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Sturdy hiking shoes
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Backpack with sufficient capacity
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Water (minimum of 1-2 water bottles per person)
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High-energy snacks
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Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
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First aid kit
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Extra clothing layers
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Camera
Essential Over-Night Gear
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Sturdy hiking shoes
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A hiking Backpack with sufficient capacity to carry your gear
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Tent
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Sleeping Bag
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Sleeping Pad
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Water + a water filter device to refill from natural sources
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High-energy snacks and meals
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Cooking gear
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Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
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First aid kit
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Extra clothing layers
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Hat or sunglasses
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Headlamp or flashlight
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Multi-tool or knife
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Walking poles (If you require a bit of extra support)
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Camera
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Trash/recycling bags
Water & Weather Preparedness
As you take in the beauty of Buckskin Gulch, expect to cross some occasional pools of water, especially if it has rained in recent days. Also, remember to check the weather forecast before entering the canyon. Do not enter if there is any chance of rain. Flash floods can occur.
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Other Buckskin Gulch FAQs
1. What type of wildlife is there in Buckskin Gulch?
While exploring the canyon, encountering typical Southwest desert wildlife like birds, lizards, and snakes is common. Rattlesnake sightings have been reported in the area, so if you happen upon one, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance and avoid provoking it.
2. What types of petroglyphs are in Buckskin Gulch?
In the rock faces, you will come across a number of petroglyphs depicting abstract symbols, human figures, animals, and geometric patterns. These ancient carvings are from various ancient Native American tribes. It's important to remember to admire and respect these ancient artworks and refrain from carving or damaging the rocks yourself.
3. Can I hike Buckskin Gulch Alone?
Technically yes, however, we recommend you hike with a companion to ensure your safety. If you opt to hike alone, remember to inform someone of your plans before embarking.
4. Does Buckskin Gulch allow pets?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Buckskin Gulch.
5. Where can I book a guided tour of Buckskin Gulch?
To book a guided tour with ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co., simply click "book now" below to visit our booking site, or give us a call at +1 855-635-9100. You can also reach us via email at info@roam-outdoor.com. We look forward to helping you plan your adventure!