• Distance: 1.7 miles one-way
• Duration: 3 hours
• Elevation change: 300 feet
• Effort: moderate
• Trailhead: Wire Pass Trailhead
• Directions: From Kanab, head 37 miles east on U.S. 89 to BLM Road 700 (also called House Rock Valley Rd.), between Mileposts 25 and 26. Turn south for 8.5 bumpy miles to the trailhead.

Buckskin Pass is an amazing tributary of the Paria, with convoluted walls reaching hundreds of feet high. Yet the canyon narrows to as little as four feet in width. In places the walls block out so much light that it’s like walking in a cave.

Be very careful to avoid times of flash-flood danger. Hiking this 20-mile-long gulch can be strenuous, with rough terrain, deep pools of water, and log- and rock jams that may require the use of ropes. Conditions vary considerably from one year to the next.

Day hikers can get a taste of this incredible canyon country by driving to Wire Pass Trailhead, 8.5 bumpy miles down BLM Road 700 (also called Rock House Valley Rd.), between mileposts 25 and 26, about 37 miles east of Kanab. From the trailhead, a relatively easy trail leads into Wire Pass, a narrow side canyon that joins Buckskin Gulch.

The 3.5-mile in-and-out round-trip travels the length of Wire Pass to its confluence with Buckskin Gulch. From here, you can explore this exceptionally narrow canyon or follow Buckskin Gulch to its appointment with Paria Canyon (12.5 miles).

For the full experience of Buckskin Gulch, long-distance hikers can begin at Buckskin Gulch Trailhead, 4.5 miles south of U.S. 89 off BLM Road 700. From here, it’s 16.3 miles (one-way) to Paria Canyon. Hikers can continue down the Paria or turn upstream and hike six miles to exit at the White House trailhead near the ranger station.

Hiking this gulch can be strenuous, with rough terrain, deep pools of water, and log- and rock jams that may require the use of ropes. Conditions vary considerably from one year to the next. Regulations mandate packing your waste out of this area.

Hiking permits are $5 per day per person; backpackers should get a permit at the ranger station, but day hikers can just register and pay the fee at the trailhead.