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Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

Buckskin Gulch

The longest continuous slot canyon in the world - 16 miles of narrow, water-sculpted sandstone walls that will test your endurance and awe your senses

Distance

16 mi one-way

Difficulty

Expert

Days

1-2 days

Best Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Route Overview

Buckskin Gulch is the longest continuous slot canyon in the world - a 16-mile-long crack in the Navajo sandstone that narrows to just a few feet wide in places, with walls rising 300-500 feet above you. This is not a hike for the faint of heart. It's a technical, physically demanding route that requires wading through cold water, navigating log jams and boulder chokes, and dealing with constant flash flood risk.

The gulch is a tributary of the Paria River and is typically hiked as part of a longer Paria Canyon through-hike, or as a standalone out-and-back or one-way route. The most common entry point is Wire Pass Trailhead, which provides access to the upper section of the gulch. From there, you can hike downcanyon to the confluence with the Paria River (13 miles one-way) and continue to Lee's Ferry, or turn around and hike back out.

This is one of the most iconic and challenging slot canyon hikes in the Southwest. The sheer length of the slot, the narrowness of the walls, and the remote, waterless environment make this a bucket-list adventure for experienced canyoneers and backpackers.

Route Description

Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch (2 miles): The route starts at Wire Pass Trailhead and descends through Wire Pass, a short but beautiful slot canyon that serves as the entry point to Buckskin Gulch. Wire Pass features narrow, curving walls and a short scramble through a boulder choke. After 2 miles, you emerge into the main canyon of Buckskin Gulch.

Upper Buckskin Gulch (6 miles): From the Wire Pass confluence, the gulch narrows dramatically. The walls rise 300-500 feet and are often just 10-20 feet apart. You'll wade through cold, knee-deep water and navigate around log jams and boulder chokes. This section is the most technically demanding and the most beautiful.

Middle Buckskin Gulch (5 miles): The canyon opens slightly in this section, but the walls remain towering and the route remains remote. You'll pass through massive sandstone amphitheaters and numerous side canyons. Water is available from seeps and springs, but must be filtered or treated.

Lower Buckskin Gulch to Paria River Confluence (3 miles): The final section of the gulch descends to the confluence with the Paria River. The canyon walls lower, and the gulch merges with the broader Paria Canyon. From here, you can continue down the Paria River to Lee's Ferry (25 miles) or turn around and hike back out.

What It's Really Like

Buckskin Gulch is consistently described by hikers as "the most intense slot canyon experience of my life" and "absolutely worth every ounce of effort." The sheer scale of the slot - walls rising 500 feet above you, often just 10 feet apart - is mind-boggling. You feel like you're walking through a crack in the Earth.

The narrows are the highlight. In several sections, the canyon is so narrow that you can touch both walls with your arms outstretched. The light filtering down from the top of the walls creates a surreal, cathedral-like atmosphere. The rock is water-sculpted into smooth, flowing forms that look almost liquid.

The challenges are significant. You'll spend hours wading through cold (50-60°F) water, often knee-deep or deeper. Log jams and boulder chokes require scrambling and sometimes swimming. The canyon is remote and there is no easy exit. And flash flood risk is constant - this is one of the most dangerous flash flood areas in the country.

Insider tip from reviewers: Bring waterproof everything. Wear neoprene socks or water shoes. And check the weather obsessively - if there's any chance of rain in the watershed, do not enter the gulch. Flash floods in Buckskin Gulch have been known to reach 30 feet deep and move at 20 mph. People have died here.

Permits & Regulations

Day-Use Permits: Required for day hiking in Buckskin Gulch. Fee is $6 per person per day. Permits can be obtained at self-pay kiosks at the trailhead or in advance on recreation.gov.

Overnight Permits: Required for overnight trips. Only 20 overnight permits per day are allowed. Permits must be obtained in advance through the BLM lottery system on recreation.gov. Applications accepted on the 1st of each month for trips 3 months in advance.

  • Application fee: $6 per permit (non-refundable)
  • Recreation fee: $5 per person per day for overnight trips
  • Permits must be picked up in person within 10 days of trip start
  • Pickup locations: Arizona Strip District Office (St. George, UT), Paria Contact Station (seasonal), or Kanab Field Office (seasonal)

Group Size: Maximum 10 people per group.

Regulations: Campfires prohibited. All trash and human waste must be packed out (WAG bags provided at permit pickup). Dogs allowed but must be included on permit. No motorized vehicles or drones.

Route-Finding & Safety

  • Flash Flood Risk: This is the #1 danger in Buckskin Gulch. Flash floods can occur with no warning and can reach 30 feet deep. Check weather forecasts for the entire watershed (not just the canyon) before entering. If there's any chance of rain, do not enter the gulch. Heed all warnings from BLM staff.
  • Water: You'll be wading through cold (50-60°F) water for hours each day. Bring neoprene socks or water shoes. Waterproof your gear. Hypothermia is a risk in cold, wet conditions.
  • Log Jams & Boulder Chokes: The gulch has numerous log jams and boulder chokes that require scrambling and sometimes swimming. Some obstacles are 10-20 feet high and require technical climbing skills to bypass. Do not attempt to bypass obstacles if you're not confident in your abilities.
  • Navigation: There are no marked trails in Buckskin Gulch. You must follow the gulch and use route-finding skills. A detailed map is essential.
  • Emergency: No cell service in the gulch. Satellite communication devices (InReach, SPOT) are strongly recommended. Rescue is not guaranteed and can take days.

External Resources

Return to: Arizona Backpacking Regions