Buckskin Gulch (2BIV)

Location: Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, near Page, AZ / Kanab, UT
Rating: 2B IV (dry conditions) to 3B IV (wet or flooded conditions)
Length: 6 to 12 hours or multi-day
Mileage: ~13 to 21+ miles depending on route
Longest Rappel: None (x1 4th class downclimb)
Start: Wire Pass or Buckskin Trailhead
End: White House Trailhead (Paria River)
Permits: Required (BLM Paria Canyon permit)
Wetsuit: Often recommended depending on conditions
Shuttle: Recommended

Overview: Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and most continuous slot canyons in the world, offering an extended journey through narrow sandstone walls, twisting corridors, and remote desert terrain. This canyon begins and ends in Utah, with an optional extended route down Paria Canyon ending in Arizona. 

While not technically located within Arizona or the Grand Staircase Escalante region, it aligns closely with the geographic characteristics of Arizona’s Colorado Plateau.

This is a non-technical canyon, but it is highly committing due to its length, sustained narrows, and serious flash flood risk. Conditions vary dramatically, ranging from dry sandy walking to deep mud, cold water, and prolonged wading.

A full traverse through Buckskin Gulch to the Paria River is considered a classic canyon route.

While this is one of the most famous slot canyons in the world, this is also one of the most dangerous flash flood canyons in the world. Prepare accordingly, by checking weather conditions.

Approach:

• Wire Pass Trailhead (most common): From Hwy 89, turn onto House Rock Valley Road just past milepost 25 near the Coxcomb formation. Drive approximately 7.8 miles to Wire Pass Trailhead.
• Buckskin Trailhead: Located approximately 4.2 miles down House Rock Valley Road. Road conditions may require high clearance, especially after rain.

Shuttle Setup: A shuttle is recommended between the upper and lower trailheads, (Exit – White House Trailhead). From Page, travel west on Hwy 89 approximately 30 miles. Between mileposts 20 and 21, turn south onto the road near the Paria Ranger Station. Continue approximately 2 miles to the White House Trailhead.

Alternatively, several vendors in the area offer shuttle services, providing a significant convenience for routes of this length.

An extended and more committing option is complete the full traverse, finishing at Lees Ferry - 35-40 miles.

Route Description: From Wire Pass or Buckskin Trailhead, descend into Buckskin Gulch and begin traveling downstream.The canyon quickly narrows into a sustained slot, with walls often only a few feet apart.

Expect extended narrow corridors with sustained sections of tight canyon walls, often accompanied by muddy terrain and deep pools. Cold water is common, and swimming may be required depending on conditions - a wetsuit may be necessary. Log jams and debris can create additional obstacles throughout the route, while limited sunlight reaches the canyon floor. The canyon remains narrow for miles, with very few opportunities to exit once committed.

A short fourth class obstacle is encountered along the route, often aided by carved steps or natural features.

Exit Options:

• White House Trailhead: Buckskin Gulch eventually joins Paria Canyon at the confluence. From this point, most parties turn upstream (north) and hike approximately 7 miles to the White House Trailhead, which serves as the standard exit.
• Out and Back: While an out and back through Buckskin Gulch is possible, it is less common due to the sustained narrows and difficult travel conditions.
• Lees Ferry: For those with the appropriate permits, the route can be extended by continuing downstream through Paria Canyon for a full traverse of approximately 35 miles to Lees Ferry.

Common route variations through Buckskin Gulch depend on your chosen entry and exit points.

• Starting from Wire Pass and continuing through Buckskin Gulch to the Paria Canyon confluence is approximately 12 to 13 miles.
• Beginning at the Buckskin Trailhead and continuing to the confluence is slightly longer at approximately 13 to 15 miles.
• A full route from Wire Pass through Buckskin Gulch and exiting at White House Trailhead is about 20 to 21 miles.
• For those seeking a more committing expedition, the extended route continues through Paria Canyon all the way to Lees Ferry, totaling approximately 35 to 40 miles.

Mid-canyon escape routes do exist, but they are difficult to locate, require route finding, and should not be relied upon. These routes are best reserved for emergency situations only.