Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass

Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass is one of the longest continuous slot canyons in the world. No exaggeration. 

You will begin your hike walking through the wash towards Wire Pass slot canyon. The stroll is pretty, though underwhelming compared to what you are in for. Suddenly, Wire Pass Slot Canyon begins. You will have a short ladder down climb to enter this portion of the slot canyon. For those with larger dogs, or are not able to complete the ladder, there is a section to climb up and around to bypass the ladder. Wire Pass Slot Canyon itself is impressive, with tall walls and narrow sections.

You will then reach where Wire Pass meets Buckskin Gulch. Check out the petroglyphs in the alcove. Head hiker’s right to continue for miles and miles and miles. The walls will get taller and you will feel smaller as the canyon walls rise 400-500 feet above you. Colors vary depending on how much sunlight is coming in and the material of the rock. At times, the walls seem to glow as sunlight peeks in. Other times, the canyon feels dark, moody, and a little spooky when you are going through sections where there is reduced daylight and darker color rock.

Note the power of the water that helps form this canyon. You will see large sections of tree wedged high up. You can see how the water carves out the rock. Debris piles and puddles of water remind you that water in this canyon is a regular occurrence. Also take note of where some of these trees are wedged. That is where the water level can get up when a flash flood comes through. 

Now, on to the safety measures. Backpacker magazine named this experience one of the 10 most dangerous hikes in the US. Mom, I am sorry if you are reading this and you know we have done this hike a few times. AUTHOR’S NOTE: Please use extreme caution regarding the weather and entering this slot canyon. Look under the ‘Let’s Do This’ section, under Timing, regarding safety awareness. You are responsible for your own safety and no hike is ever worth risking life and limb if there is even a chance of rain that would impact this area. 

Difficulty: Mild related to whatever distance you decide to travel, one ladder, and some rocks on the canyon floor.

Trail Stats: The Wire Pass Trail is 3.4 miles, out and back, 180 feet elevation gain. Once this intersects with Buckskin Gulch, you can hike ”upstream” or “downstream” and complete as much as you would like. 

Trail Finding: Not difficult.

Conditions: Sand, small gravel, some sandstone. Within Wire Pass slot canyon there is a small ladder. If you complete this in the wetter months, you may encounter standing water, mud, and similar.

Would I Repeat This: You bet, and we have!

Parking: Parking: Plentiful. This is the same parking lot as start of The Wave. Restrooms are available.

Timing: Please be extra cognizant of the weather forecast, this includes the forecast for the surrounding area. Flash floods are a real and present danger for this hike. Once you are in the slot canyon, there is no “high ground” and you will likely perish or be gravely injured if you are caught in a flash flood. Recently, in 2023, four hikers drowned in two separate flood-related incidents. Personally, I would only complete this hike in the winter months and outside of the rainy and monsoon season. 

You MUST check the forecast for any areas that are part of the catchment basin for this canyon. This means that any area that may have rain even within 50 miles would drain and funnel to the canyon you will be hiking in. You must be aware of what the weather was doing ahead of your hike too. A big rain 50 miles away will take hours to reach the canyon. One recommendation out there is to check the NOAA.gov weather and flood forecasts for at least four areas: at the Paria River, on the Paria Plateau, at the Paria-Buckskin Gulch confluence and at Bryce Canyon National Park. In addition, this is a great article from Dreamland Safari Tours.

When in doubt, DON’T GO. There are so many other beautiful options in this area. Buckskin Gulch is a day-use permit and not a lottery, you can go another day and another time where your safety is not jeopardized.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary, though always nice to know how much longer, especially when you are on the way back. 

Fees: You must pay a per person and per dog fee of $6 each. You can pay in advance at the link below, or you can pay using a card at the pay station at the trailhead. You must display your passes on your dashboard. 

Trails: Toadstools, Coyote Buttes South (permit needed), Coyote Buttes North (permit needed), Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Car Stacks at Catstair Canyon, and more.