buckskin gulch

Note, did this on December 18, 2014. I wanted to see how far I could walk down this slot canyon. Turns out unless I had wading gear, or was willing to go waist deep in cold water, I couldn't even get 1/4 mile from the confluence at wire pass.If you want to see this, go via wire pass trail head. That way you can at least go through one slot canyon if the rest is impassible. Also consider bringing wading gear to get past the wet sections.The parts I did see we're beautiful nonetheless, and would love to do this in warmer weather so I don't mind getting wet.This trip does require going down a dirt road 11+ miles, so use caution if wet.

Longest slot canyon in the world. The first couple of miles ease you into it (though evidently there are steeper entries than the one we did). Unfortunately we didn't get to go as far as we liked because it was filled with mud and puddles and the couple we were with weren't up for wading through the muck. But what we did see was great and can't wait to go back. If it has rained recently, be sure to wear water shoes and be prepared to get dirty. If you get a chance to get a permit, try to go to the Wave. Very picturesque.

Took the Buck Skin Gulch tour through Grand Circle tours. The Gulch has a very wide variety of rock formations, colors, terrain to explore. The hike can be a little tricky in a couple of spots to get through but with time and patience I believe these spots can be overcome. Two spots in particular require one to get down (and up on return) approx. 3-4ft drops over down logs to continue ones hike. The various orange, pink, black, brown formations make for some beautiful photo opts. We traveled the Gulch approx. a week after some rain and there were still areas which had mud in them but nothing to serious. We were fortunate and came across a medium size rattlesnake curled up along the one wall in this area (nice photos) our guide was also also surprised at the snake. Overall fairly easy hike considering with beautiful scenery, photo opts, rock formations. Hiking shoes a must on this hike as is making sure you have plenty of water. Beautiful locale for hikes of all ages and families age 5 and above.

i liked that there are not so many tourists like zion or bryce canyon .. so if you want to be more remote and you have no permit for the wave yet ;-) do that

Having hiked this area many times I can say I never get bored doing this over and over again. 14 miles of slot canyon and great scenery and unusual rock formations.

We parked at Whitehouse Campground and had the Dodson’s from Paria Outpost (highly recommend) give us a ride to Wirepass trailhead.We started at 7:30am and took off from Wirepass. Once in the slot canyon, there are no landmarks or GPS signal to gauge how far you have traveled. I did have a map showing middle route, the cease pool and the rock jam with mile indications, but it didn’t do any good. There are actually 2 rocks jams, the first maybe 3 or 4 miles in. I posted a picture of the rabbit hole on the 1st rock jam, however once thru we were surrounded by huge walls and had to backtrack and climb. The climb was about 20 feet over the first jam in order to pass (see pictures). We never saw the middle trail and the cease pool had no water so we had no clue how far we had walked. Then we came to the second rock jam. This was pretty intimidating because even though the rabbit hole was accessible, I could see deep mud and threw a rock to test depth and it had to be at least 5 feet deep. Climbing over was an option with rope, but I would only do that as a last resort. We were at the half way point and a mistake here means a 10 mile hike out injured or a $10,000 helicopter ride. Luckily, we found a way to pass walking down the rabbit hole on a downed log and made it through. We continued on and actually passed the confluence. We saw it, but were thinking it was the middle trail out so we continued walking. About a mile down we ran into a photographer that turned us around and we were back on our way. By now it was 4:30pm and we made it to the confluence. We were prepared to camp but decided to continue walking the last 9 miles to the campground and get as far as possible then camp to make the second day shorter. This walk was much easier because of the river water running, so all the sand was hard packed. We ended up making it to the campground by 7:30pm and camping there.It took us 12 hours to compete the 23 miles (walked 1 mile past the confluence and 1 mile back). We each carried 2 days worth of food/water, sleeping bag/pad and our backpacks had to weight 40lbs. If I did this again, I would plan for a day trip and carry half the supplies and could probably do this in 9 hours or 12 and start from the Buckskin Gluch trailhead. We didn’t rush the hike and unless you are an avid photographer that likes taking 100 pictures of the same thing to get the best shot those times are feasible.Overall this should be on everyone bucket list, whether you do the 21 miles to Whitehouse campground, 43 miles to Lees Ferry or just walk in for a few hours and turn around. The scenery is amazing and odds are you won’t see anyone else. This place is very peaceful and a nice break from the typical tourist traps where the biggest challenge is getting a picture without nobody else in the background. If you are driving a 4x4 I recommend seeing South Coyote Butte and White Pockets since you are almost there.

We tried to draw out for the wave three times but didn't make it. Buckskin is really worth hiking. It isn't strenuous but is really beautiful. We went in about seven miles so about fourteen round trip. There was a little mud from the previous days rain but nothing that caused problems.

Buckskin Gulch is fantastic. We entered though Wire Pass which was a great slot that consisted of an easy wash hike with a choke stone, boulder scramble, and an easy downclimb. When we were there Buckskin was blissfully dry; usually there is muddy hiking, wading, and swims involved. My husband thought Wire Pass was fantastic but got bored with Buckskin (he is in love with the tight slots) but since I'm writing the review 5 stars! Note: House Rock Road is NOT paved the road can be rough and is impassable when wet. Weather and road conditions can be acquired from the BLM office in Kanab.

Beautiful slot canyon, but a bit rugged to get down into. Only the truly hearty can make it past the cesspools.

It was a beautiful hike. We did it as a day hike with our four children. We went in through wire pass and then to Buckskin Gulch! We went in probably two miles before it was too muddy and no rocks to jump to:). Wire Pass is 1.7 miles so the kids were done hiking anyway. Beautiful hike would love to backpack it next time

it was the tallest slot canyon with plenty of room at the bottom. It was great for those who are afraid of tight spaces

Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in world. This place is absolutely amazing! I did a 3 day backpacking trip through the canyon and loved it. You walk through some awesome slots and follow the Paria river. Some awesome opportunities for a great photography!

Not far from Kanab. Great place to hike. Met other hikers who gave us great tips on other places to hike as well.

Water came down the wash for a second time just as we arrived, so we didn't dare try to cross with a rental car. 4wd vehicles are a better bet, but cars will work if it hasn't rained for awhile. So we didn't make it to Wire Pass shortcut and the slot canyon, but enjoyed a hike around the first part of Buckskin. Because the wash had a foot deep of water when we were there, our hiking shoes were soaked. I think we crossed it about 6 or 7 times. I believe it is usually dry. Can't wait till we get back to try again (to get to the slot part). After a little more 2 hours, unexpected rain came and turned back. Bathroom (pit toilet) at the beginning along with a $6 per person fee. There are pens and envelopes there, along with a trail head sign in sheet. Starting at Wire Pass, instead of the Buckskin trail head, shortens the hike a lot.

Buckskin Gulch and surrounding area is worth you checking out. Do your research before hand, call The BLM and plan for cooler temps for your hiking if you can. The area is phenomenal, but it's the desert so much care must be taken.