Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch
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Gorgeous canyon whose stone walls shimmer with hundreds of different shades of pink and red: a truly aesthetic experience.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
163 reviews
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Very good
21
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Laura L
Hudson, NH1,265 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
You have to pay like $6 per person to do this Canyon. You pay at a self pay fee station at the trailhead & leave the tag on your dash.
Now to the hike... this is a good one! Bring lots of water as you walk in a wash to get to the canyon and it can get hot.
There is one tricky spot getting into the canyon where you have to climb down (or up) a boulder drop. We did it fine but some less agile people were having a difficult time. I guess you can bypass it and go around it too.
Cool pics, beautiful sandstone, petroglyphs just past the giant “amphitheater”, and LOTS of photo ops. Tried to find rattlesnakes, but alas, couldn’t even fine ONE. :(
Loved this hike. Did about 7 miles total.
Now to the hike... this is a good one! Bring lots of water as you walk in a wash to get to the canyon and it can get hot.
There is one tricky spot getting into the canyon where you have to climb down (or up) a boulder drop. We did it fine but some less agile people were having a difficult time. I guess you can bypass it and go around it too.
Cool pics, beautiful sandstone, petroglyphs just past the giant “amphitheater”, and LOTS of photo ops. Tried to find rattlesnakes, but alas, couldn’t even fine ONE. :(
Loved this hike. Did about 7 miles total.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean Bryan
Fort Lauderdale, FL561 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
This lived up the hype! What a great experience and when in the area this is a must do! We were bummed that antelope was closed due to Covid but relieved when we found out we could still go to Buckskin. We stayed in Page, AZ, and it took just under an hour to get here, half of the ride was the off-road getting Wirepass Trailhead. To get to the location we recommend an SUV. You will turn off the highway on to House Rock Valley Road I’m Kanab, Utah. From there it is a 9.2 mile drive on a rock/dirt/clay road. This is a bumpy ride and you need to be careful. If it is wet at all I wouldn’t recommend heading in. After the 9 miles you will see the lot on the right with plenty of parking space. Make sure to bring cash as it’s cash only $6.00 a person for permit. You will fill out the slip and put the receipt on your dash. From there you will go across the road you were driving and start hiking down to the slot canyons. I believe it was about a 1.5 mile walk down to the canyons. Once you get there it’s amazing! We’ve never seen slot canyons and we were amazed. They weren’t kidding when they said you could walk for miles in these slots! Be careful, in the beginning there is a ladder for a 10 foot drop. It was safe and sturdy. Also be careful as some areas are very rocky in the slots and an ankle can be rolled easily. Make sure to bring water, and snacks! There is a zero service so make sure you are prepared. We did about 7 miles of hiking that day, 3.5 in and 3.5 out. We got there around 815 AM and we’re one of the first cars there that day which was perfect. On the 3.5 miles in we pretty much had the canyons to ourselves and took pictures everywhere. Every once in a while we would cross path with someone. On the 3.5 back out it was really picking up and a lot of people. The lot was completely full. We went this week and the weather was in the 40’s and 50’s it was great. We loved the hike and recommend doing it if you’re in the area. Please note if there is even a chance of rain do not attempt this hike or drive down!
Written 18 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
im0tiv8
Asheville, NC33 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Highly recommend spending a few hours tooling around Buckskin Gulch at Wire Pass. The 800 year old petroglyphs are really a sight to see. And, not to fear, the slot canyons are quite tall and also fairly wide. There wasn’t a time when I felt claustrophobic or overwhelmed. I read where there are rattlesnakes on the trail but didn’t see one. Don’t be dumb - take plenty of water.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lihkin
Los Angeles, CA79 contributions
Jan 2021
I did Buckskin Gulch on Jan 10, 2021. I started the hike a little after sunrise and did around 10 miles round trip. They currently have a nice ladder to continue on the trail once you enter the Wire Pass slot canyon. I encountered no water puddles at all - it was completely dry. It was around 20F when I started the hike and I just had a sweater and a light down jacket, which was sufficient (in fact I had to take my jacket off after a while, as I started to feel a little hot). The winter light reflecting off the canyon walls was just gorgeous - and to top it all, I was alone on the hike for the first two hours (until I headed back to the parking lot, when I saw a few folks heading in). Absolutely stunning hike!
Written 10 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RossOntario
Ontario, Canada1,710 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
The dirt road leading to the Wirpass trailhead was accessible by our Nissan Pathfinder,as it was dry in May.
We bought the day permit, $ 6 per person online, prior to driving there. There was a very limited signal for completing the purchase at the trailhead.
The Gulch was long and narrow, and the convoluted walls were picturesque and colorful. I can see why there were warnings of not to use the trail with the slightest chance of rainfall. The uneven rocky bottom would make the escape deadly. The day I went was dry, and there were few hikers. We were able to take lots of pictures and admire the scenery at our own pace. Do bring plenty of water and a power snack.
We bought the day permit, $ 6 per person online, prior to driving there. There was a very limited signal for completing the purchase at the trailhead.
The Gulch was long and narrow, and the convoluted walls were picturesque and colorful. I can see why there were warnings of not to use the trail with the slightest chance of rainfall. The uneven rocky bottom would make the escape deadly. The day I went was dry, and there were few hikers. We were able to take lots of pictures and admire the scenery at our own pace. Do bring plenty of water and a power snack.
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sumner & Ali Hobart
Lima, Peru135 contributions
Aug 2021
My wife and I originally tried to get access to the antelope canyon which (as you probably know) is difficult to get in.
So we asked some locals and found out about Buckskin Gulch and decided to give it a try.
It was amazing!
Apparently, Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world and it does feel like it goes on forever.
The views inside are amazing, almost spiritual feeling.
As you hike you'll get to this cave area with ancient carvings of local animals and hand imprints - VERY cool!
Being inside the canyon keeps you fairly cool out of the suns rays.
This was actually our favorite experience from our 1 month stay in St. George!
Full video about our experience on @Hobarts Abroad YouTube & TikTok :)
So we asked some locals and found out about Buckskin Gulch and decided to give it a try.
It was amazing!
Apparently, Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world and it does feel like it goes on forever.
The views inside are amazing, almost spiritual feeling.
As you hike you'll get to this cave area with ancient carvings of local animals and hand imprints - VERY cool!
Being inside the canyon keeps you fairly cool out of the suns rays.
This was actually our favorite experience from our 1 month stay in St. George!
Full video about our experience on @Hobarts Abroad YouTube & TikTok :)
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lydia C
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Passes are pricey, I was charged $20 for the few hours I was there. The roads were ROUGH and I had to cross a pretty steep creek bed. I made it in my Subaru, but barely.
I went the wire pass way. The trail was pretty wet and the ladder was washed away so we had to walk around. After the “petroglyphs” area we ended up trudging through a foot or two of water and quicksand for a couple miles. Only got about 3.5 miles in before there was a dam and decided it would be too deep.
Not the best, but I love buckskin regardless and highly recommend it as long as you’re prepared!
I went the wire pass way. The trail was pretty wet and the ladder was washed away so we had to walk around. After the “petroglyphs” area we ended up trudging through a foot or two of water and quicksand for a couple miles. Only got about 3.5 miles in before there was a dam and decided it would be too deep.
Not the best, but I love buckskin regardless and highly recommend it as long as you’re prepared!
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheRealJTForReal
Hopkinsville, KY577 contributions
Jun 2022
Connects to Wire Pass and both are not to be missed if you are in the area. The petroglyphs are amazing and a real connection to the pass. Stay for as long as you can, bring plenty of water and get ready to see some amazing views and grab some awesome photos. Don't miss the petroglyphs....they can be hard to see if you aren't on the look out for them!
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllisonCW
Boquete, Panama2,476 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We hiked the Wire Pass Trailhead and that turns into Buckskin Gulch Trailhead in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, which is about 1 hour from Page, AZ
There’s another trailhead before Wire Pass that is just the Buckskin Trailhead that you could stop at, park and go in from that direction.
We accessed Buckskin Gulch which is apparently 45 miles along from the Wire Pass Trailhead. Walking through the slot canyons was really beautiful and easy (flat ground although the sand was loose much of the time) and we even saw a rattlesnake who was very friendly if you didn’t bother him or her. There’s even an area with petroglyphs!
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJ84084
West Jordan, UT13 contributions
Dec 2021
Didn't get to see as much as we would have liked due to timing (December) and water in the canyon (cold wet feet are torture). We hiked in from Wire Pass and went both directions to see what we could without getting wet. Planning to go back again.
Written 28 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello I want to experience the Buckskin Gulch next August.
Please let me know if I need a permit by lottery or can I buy it without any problems? Thank you
Written 23 February 2020
From the wire pass trailhead how far is the hike to get into a slot canyon? Is it something that can be done in a few hours?
Written 17 February 2020
Do you need a map, or is there only one choice to follow through the canyon?
Written 12 October 2018
We didn’t take a map, but we did look at the routes beforehand. We started at WirePass trailhead. It was pretty straightforward to the Wirepass narrows. You just follow the wash the entire way to the narrows. And it’s pretty cool sandstone just before entering the narrows. And then once you’re through the narrows to the Buckskin Confluence you can go right or left. Left takes you to the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead and right takes you through the rest of Buckskin to the Paria Confluence or all the way to Lee’s Ferry. We went right about 3 miles in. It was amazing.
Written 12 October 2018
Is the road leading to the buckskin gulch trailhead safe for cars, such as a camaro if driven slow? Or should I not even attempt it?
Written 17 September 2018
YES, if the road is dry, and you are careful. If there has been a lot of rain in the last week there may be some mud issues. Typically the road is well maintained. Contact the National Forest Ranger Station/Information Center in Kanab for the latest updates and road conditions. Be sure to check the weather. Slot canyons are not the place to be if it starts raining heavily. Take it slow, and choose your path carefully. The road will have some washboard sections in the heavily trafficked areas, and deep sand off to the sides. If you approach from the North you only have to drive a few miles. From the South, you have 20 plus miles of dirt road. If it looks sketchy and you are not sure, don't do it. A tow truck out there will be very expensive, IF you can call one. Good luck, have fun.
Written 18 September 2018
I read about a 8/9 feet drop in the canyon, but that you can easily skip it, if you go out the canyon and walk past it and then back in. But.... how does that work? How can I walk around the canyon on the outside and then back in, if the walls are so high? How do you get back in? And which way do you have to walk around, left or right? I’m a bit confused.... I’d love to do a little bit of Buckskin Gulch though....
Written 3 September 2018
Planning to go in 2 weeks (end of April). Is hiking in water unavoidable? We plan to walk about 2miles in then out from Wire Pass Trailhead. Or is the trail pretty dry and you only wade in water further into the canyon?
Written 15 April 2018
I think it would depend on how much rain comes in before you go. The farther in you go the more likely you'll encounter water but reading recent reviews it seems that there is some standing water you'll encounter, even if its small puddles. Just be prepared and bring water shoes that are secure. Areas can get muddy and you'll lose a shoe if you're not careful. A hiking pole to gauge the depth of the water is also extremely helpful.
Written 17 April 2018
Did you go on your own, or did you go with a tour/guide?
Written 13 March 2018
My group of three went with a guide. We dropped into the middle passage and descended into the gulch from there.
Written 14 March 2018
I've seen mixed responses in which people advise to just go through water with their hiking shoes and others say to bring water shoes. I'll be heading to Buckskin Gulch in two weeks (October) and I know any water there will be cold. For those that advise just going through in your boots do you just leave the wet boots and socks on all day? Or are people changing in and out of water shoes?
Any other suggestions for an October hike? Thank you in advance!
Also, a guide informed me the other day that parts of the area had so much water people needed to swim through.. and suggestions on bags or how to keep belongings dry? Line with a garbage bag? Bring a dry sack as a backpack (we are only doing a day trip in and out).
Written 28 September 2017
The deep water is quite a ways down the canyon. We often head back when we get there. Your choice on shoes. They will get if you go on down.
Written 29 September 2017
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