Utah has so many incredible attractions, but Buckskin Gulch is truly incomparable. It’s one of the longest, deepest slot canyons in the world, and can be very dangerous, but it’s also incredibly gorgeous.
Buckskin Gulch stretches more than 13 miles. Combined with the adjoining Paria Canyon, the entire hike is about 20 miles long. Most people hike both over two days, camping along the way. For a shorter day hike, take the Wire Pass Trailhead for a shortcut to Buckskin Gulch that will still provide you with some stunning views of the most beautiful places in the canyon.
The rich textures and graceful curves of the canyon are simply stunning.
Daniel R Rushton
Chris M Morris/flickr
tezejen/flickr
Mark Byzewski/flickr
Len hardy/flickr
Wear some shoes that you can get wet, and bring some dry socks along.
Len Hardy/flickr
You’ll encounter water in many places along the route.
Len Hardy/flickr
Ilya Katsnelson/flickr
Yeah, you’re gonna get muddy.
Len Hardy/flickr
In some places, the water is waist-high. And…it can be pretty cold.
Philms/flickr
In some of the wider places in the canyon, flowers and plants thrive.
Mark Byzewski/flickr
Watch for snakes! This is the Mojave Rattlesnake, which is usually quite docile, but will certainly bite if you mess with it. This species has the most potent venom of all rattlesnakes in North America.
Daniel R Rushton
On a happier note, watch for petroglyphs, too. They’re at least as interesting and have the added bonus of not being deadly.
Mark Byzewski/flickr
Mark Byzewski/flickr
Len Hardy/flickr
Before you start hiking, check weather reports - flash floods are deadly here.
Ilya Katnselson/flickr
You can see evidence from previous floods in some parts of the canyon.
Len Hardy/flickr
It goes without saying that this isn’t a hike you should take alone.
Don Van Dyke/flickr
With this kind of natural beauty quite literally surrounding you, you’re going to want to spend at least a little time taking some pictures.
Ilya Katsnelson/flickr
And, if you can spend a moment or two alone, this place is truly spiritual.
Len Hardy/flickr
You’ll find Buckskin Gulch halfway between Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. The full hike is very challenging and requires some scrambling and rope navigation. Flash flooding is a very real, and extremely dangerous occurrence, especially during spring and summer months. Weather inside the canyon can be very chilly, and you’ll be getting wet, so make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing and pack it in dry sacks. Fires are not allowed in the canyon.
Daniel R Rushton
Chris M Morris/flickr
tezejen/flickr
Mark Byzewski/flickr
Len hardy/flickr
Len Hardy/flickr
Ilya Katsnelson/flickr
Philms/flickr
Ilya Katnselson/flickr
Don Van Dyke/flickr
To hike Buckskin Gulch, you’ll need a permit issued by the Bureau of Land Management. Day use permits are available at drop boxes at the trailheads. For overnight permits, visit the website to obtain them online.
Buckskin Gulch is gorgeous, but it isn’t for everyone. For some easier hikes, check out this article!
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