Buckskin Gulch is the longest non-technical slot canyon in the world and also one of the most dangerous hikes in America because of the flash flood risk. We read you would be like a bug in a fire hose if you got caught in here during a flash flood. Check the weather forecast and be aware of any escape routes ahead and behind you. We were able to get permits to do this as an overnight hike.
Our hike: Wire Pass Trailhead to White House Trailhead. Camped on the Paria River about 3 miles beyond the confluence with Buckskin Gulch. 21 miles total: 16 miles on day one and 5 miles on day two. The last 5 were the most brutal as we were still sore from day one.
Maps and directions: We followed this trip report. It is from 1998, but not much has changed. We expected some logs to not be in the same spot but surprisingly most still were there. This individual did the hike to the confluence and back to Wire Pass all in one day. We weren't walking at the same pace but it was fun to reach different milestones.
We also used these directions for an overview.
Logistics: Get a permit on the 1st of the month 4 months in advance. They were sold out within 20 minutes for our date.
Arrange a shuttle, car spot or rent a second vehicle. We ended up renting a vehicle in St. George. Enterprise had a $9.99/day weekend special. We picked it up on the way through a couple days earlier. An economy car worked fine as there was no rain during our trip. April is the dry season.
We spent the two nights before in Kanab, Utah at the best little motel, Quail Park Lodge. I would highly recommend it for all the little amenities.
Our hike: Wire Pass Trailhead to White House Trailhead. Camped on the Paria River about 3 miles beyond the confluence with Buckskin Gulch. 21 miles total: 16 miles on day one and 5 miles on day two. The last 5 were the most brutal as we were still sore from day one.
Maps and directions: We followed this trip report. It is from 1998, but not much has changed. We expected some logs to not be in the same spot but surprisingly most still were there. This individual did the hike to the confluence and back to Wire Pass all in one day. We weren't walking at the same pace but it was fun to reach different milestones.
We also used these directions for an overview.
Logistics: Get a permit on the 1st of the month 4 months in advance. They were sold out within 20 minutes for our date.
Arrange a shuttle, car spot or rent a second vehicle. We ended up renting a vehicle in St. George. Enterprise had a $9.99/day weekend special. We picked it up on the way through a couple days earlier. An economy car worked fine as there was no rain during our trip. April is the dry season.
We spent the two nights before in Kanab, Utah at the best little motel, Quail Park Lodge. I would highly recommend it for all the little amenities.