If you’re dreaming of hiking through one of the world’s deepest and longest slot canyons, Buckskin Gulch is a must. Tucked inside Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, this iconic hike sits between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona, not far from other famous sites like The Wave, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. Even if you can’t snag a permit for The Wave, Buckskin Gulch offers an unforgettable and challenging day hike through narrow sandstone corridors shaped by time and flash floods.
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Quick Facts About Buckskin Gulch
- Location: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Utah
- Best Access: Wire Pass Trailhead or Buckskin Gulch Trailhead
- Permit Required: Yes – $6 per person/day (and $6 per dog)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous, depending on distance
- Length: Up to 16 miles one-way, but day hikes are flexible
- Dog Friendly: Yes, with permit
- Cell Signal: None – download maps and pay ahead if possible
Getting There
To reach the Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass Trailheads, take House Rock Valley Road, a dirt road that links Highway 89 and Highway 89A. This road is often rough and washboarded. In dry weather, a regular car can make it, but in wet conditions, you’ll want a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle.
We saw everything from lifted trucks to a BMW and even a Tesla during our visit, but I wouldn’t recommend it without some clearance.
Choosing Your Trailhead
There are five access points for day hiking in Buckskin Gulch:
- Wire Pass Trailhead (most popular)
- Buckskin Gulch Trailhead
- White House Trailhead
- Middle Passage
- Lee’s Ferry Trailhead
Most day hikers choose either Wire Pass or Buckskin Gulch Trailhead. We recommend:
Best Option for a Short Day Hike
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch (Out and Back)
1.7 miles to reach the gulch, then continue into the slot canyon as far as you’re comfortable. This route offers the quickest access to the stunning narrows.
Our Route: Buckskin Gulch Trailhead
This is the hike we did. It’s less crowded, at least at the start. It’s about 4.5 miles to the junction with Wire Pass Trail. The first few miles are sandy wash, but once the canyon narrows begin, the scenery is incredible. And fewer people made it more enjoyable.
Our Experience – April 6, 2021
We initially headed to Wire Pass Trailhead, but were shocked to find nearly 100 cars there. That’s when the dread set in. My previous five visits? Maybe 10–15 cars max. Social media has definitely changed this place, not for the better.
The self-pay kiosk was confusing, especially with no cell service. The new system expects you to use Recreation.gov, but good luck doing that out here. I folded our money in the yellow permit card and dropped it off the old-fashioned way, though not quite what the sign recommended.
Disappointed by the crowd, we backtracked to the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead. Only a few cars there. We paid using the more familiar envelope method and started our hike with Sierra and Ruby, our two excited off-leash pups.
Trail Highlights
- The early section is an open wash, scenic with colorful sandstone cliffs
- Canyon walls rise gradually—about 20–30 feet at first
- Petroglyphs near Wire Pass Junction are a must-see
- Beyond the junction, the walls soar over 100 feet, forming an iconic slot canyon
The canyon narrows were amazing. Tight walls, shifting light, pools of water, and a sense of awe. Sierra and Ruby loved every muddy puddle they found. After 6 hours total of hiking and photography, we were beat but grateful.
Look for Petroglyphs Near the Wire Pass Junction
As you’re hiking through Buckskin Gulch—especially if you’re coming from the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead and heading toward the Wire Pass Junction—keep your eyes peeled for an incredible piece of ancient history.
Just before or after you reach the junction with Wire Pass (depending on your direction), there’s a large alcove in the rock wall on your right. Look closely at the sandstone surface, and you’ll find a series of petroglyphs etched into the rock—evidence of the Indigenous cultures that once traveled through this remote wilderness long before hikers came through with trekking poles and GoPros.
These petroglyphs depict animals, humans, and symbolic patterns, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. They’re not marked or signposted, so if you’re not paying attention, you could easily walk right past them.
Please remember: these are protected artifacts. Don’t touch them, trace them, or attempt to mark the rocks in any way. Help preserve this amazing cultural resource for future generations.
Tip: If you’re a photographer, this is a great spot to switch lenses. The lighting can be tricky in the alcove, but a fast lens or even your phone camera in RAW mode can capture some excellent details.
Bring More Water Than You Think
There is no potable water in the canyon. We passed someone trying to fill his empty 16oz bottle from a trickle on a rock face—not a good plan. Bring at least 2–3 liters per person, and salty snacks or lunch if you’re going more than a couple of miles.
Recommended Gear:
Flash Flood Danger – Know Before You Go
Buckskin Gulch is a death trap during storms. It’s one of the narrowest slot canyons in the U.S., and there’s nowhere to climb out. Even distant rainstorms can send a wall of water roaring through the canyon.
Avoid July and August if possible. These are peak monsoon season months with frequent, fast-developing storms.
Check NOAA.gov or local Kanab weather before heading out. Even if the skies are clear above you, rain upstream can still flood the canyon.
FAQs About Buckskin Gulch
How difficult is the hike?
That depends on your route and fitness level. The Wire Pass to Buckskin and back is moderate. A full-length hike requires a shuttle and can be grueling.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Day hiking costs $6 per person (and $6 per dog). Overnight backpacking is $5 per person/day with a strict 20-person limit.
Can I do it as a day hike?
Absolutely. Most people do. Go out and back from either trailhead. Just manage your time, energy, and water.
Final Thoughts
Buckskin Gulch is still one of the most beautiful places in the Southwest, even with the crowds. It’s not the peaceful experience I remember from years ago, but it’s still worth visiting if you plan accordingly.
Get an early start, avoid weekends and holidays, and consider the lesser-used trailheads. This is one of those places that makes you feel small—in the best way.
If you’ve visited Buckskin Gulch, let us know in the comments below. Or share your favorite off-the-beaten-path hike—we’re always looking for new adventures to add to the list.
What interesting places can you recommend?
We’re always on the lookout for unique, out-of-the-way experiences to add to our list.
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