- 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.
- Located in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness of Utah and Arizona, this spectacular and unique hike winds through one of the deepest and longest slot canyons in the world: Buckskin Gulch. Wavy sandstone walls twist their way to the sky for nearly thirteen miles, creating surreal patterns of l.
- When heading toward Buckskin Gulch in the Wire Pass Slot Canyon, there is approximately a 10-foot drop over a choke point rock. Unless washed out by a flash flood, there is a hidden log (as of June 2020) that you can place your foot on to down-climb this obstacle while facing inward (face toward the rock).
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.
Many people rate Buckskin Gulch as their all-time favorite hike. The route goes through a beautiful slot that runs continuously for about 15 miles. (It may very well be the longest slot canyon in the world). It is deep, dark and narrow, with plenty of obstacles to make it fun.
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.
Antelope Canyon Or Buckskin Gulch
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.
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
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
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.
Buckskin Gulch Hike
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
Slot Canyon Buckskin Gulch Trailhead
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.