The day hike from Wire Pass, a short tributary to Buckskin Gulch and the most scenic and direct way into the classic narrows, is an ideal alternative to the multi-day backpacking trip. This is a 27 mile round-trip over often difficult terrain and is not normally attempted as a day-hike. This hike starts at the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead, continues along the Buckskin Gulch for a couple miles, and then quickly exits at the Wire Pass Trailhead. Yes, it was a long slog in a single day, but Buckskin Gulch was so “mind-blowingly” magical, it was worth it. I wade through mud and muck on one of the world's best day hikes in Buckskin Gulch, an epic slot canyon in Southern Utah. Access the day hike from Wire Pass Trail, a short tributary to Buckskin Gulch and the most scenic and direct way into the classic narrows — it’s an ideal alternative to the multiday backpacking trip. The recommended route begins at the Wire Pass Trailhead, goes down Buckskin Gulch, and then goes up the Paria Canyon slot to the White House Trailhead and your waiting shuttle vehicle. The recommended route begins at the Wire Pass Trailhead, goes down Buckskin Gulch, and then goes up... Middle Trail Escape Route. Backpacker Magazine (Oct, 2008) calls Buckskin Gulch one of America’s Ten Most Dangerous Hikes. While it lacks the awareness of its neighbor The Wave, Buckskin Gulch is one of the most original and incredible canyon environments in all of the American Southwest. Buckskin Gulch is a sublime wonderland, and though not as delicate as Antelope Canyon (or other area classics), it makes for an exceptional day-hike when you weren't able to snag your Wave permit! It is deep, dark and narrow, with plenty of obstacles to make it fun. Water . Experience part of Buckskin as an easy day hike. The “x-factor” – the unforeseen unique challenges the hike might offer – is ranked at 6. Towering sheer cliffs rise above you. You will plunge right into the Buckskin squeeze, where the canyon is rarely more than 10 feet wide and the corridor can be hundreds of feet deep. It is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest and offers obstacles like rock jams, pools, quicksand, and the potential for flash floods. Paria River multi-day trips. Buckskin Gulch Middle Route: This hike is for the more adventure seeking guest. Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon have limited, and at times unreliable, water sources. The dramatic, picturesque Navajo sandstone illuminated by indirect sunlight, thereby bringing out the quintessential hues of red rock country; how the curves of the rock have been smoothed by thousands of flash floods over time; the towering walls that, at certain points during the hike, lovingly squeeze in on you. If you take your dog, fee is $6 per dog per day for day hiking and $5 per dog per day for overnight trips. From the confluence, the recommended route goes up Paria Canyon and ends at the White House Trailhead. 10. Access the day hike from Wire Pass Trail, a short tributary to Buckskin Gulch and the most scenic and direct way into the classic narrows — it’s an ideal alternative to the multiday backpacking trip. I climbed over the rock jam and was presented with a 30 foot straight drop. Hike time is around 4-5 hours and total tour time is 7-7.5 hours in total. Along the way you will hike through the longest, and one of the most scenic, slot canyons in the world (Buckskin Gulch). (It may very well be the longest slot canyon in the world). You know you are getting close to the Paria River when you get to the rock jam. Buckskin Gulch. This hike is also a good choice when the Buckskin Gulch is running or wet and muddy. Rated 4.667 /5 based on 6 customer reviews 4.7 15 miles - Point-to-Point Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. With the narrows extending nearly 15 miles, some sections are less than 10 feet from side to side. This classic hike begins at the Wire Pass trailhead following Buckskin Gulch to its junction with the Paria River, then heading up-river to the White House Trailhead. This area is more open and exposed to the sun than the other day hikes on our list. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from March until November. Near the middle of the narrows, the slot is not as deep (only about 100 feet) and a crack runs up to the north rim. Buckskin Gulch is the longest and narrowest slot canyon in the world - a serpintine hallway with walls of solid stone and a floor dotted with boulders where in some places it's so tight, even the sky is not visible. Alleged to be the longest slot canyon in the world, the deep and winding Buckskin Gulch intrigues all who enter it. Buckskin Gulch Middle Route: This hike is for the more adventure seeking guest. It is not a technical hike, but is rated as strenuous because of its length. Using a scale between 1 (friendly) and 10 (deadly), they rank both weather and terrain in the canyon each at a 7. Buckskin Gulch is the longest, deepest slot canyon in the Southwest (and probably the world) – a 23-mil gash carved through the desert. Although Buckskin Gulch runs for about 15 miles, most hikers do not do the entire route. Once there, the hike begins across the road and you’ll walk in the wash for the 1.3 miles to the first slot canyon. For mile after mile, there is no escape from the canyon other than hiking to its end. Weather: Mostly Clear, 24F. Buckskin Gulch presents numerous hiking difficulties such as miles of streambed strewn with small cobble stones making footing difficult, threats of flash floods, large and deep stagnant pools of cold water that may require swimming, and log and rock jams, such as the one encountered at Mile 14.5. Access the day hike from Wire Pass Trail, a short tributary to Buckskin Gulch and the most scenic and direct way into the classic narrows — it’s an ideal alternative to the multiday backpacking trip. All Rights Reserved. The confluence of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch is the end of this hike; return the way you came. The rock color is so amazing unlike anything we’ve ever seen. This dirt road is passable to most vehicles during dry weather. Yet a day hike option via Wire Pass Trail is moderately easy, and should be a must-do tour on any hiker's list. 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