Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail

The most common access point for day hikes into Upper Buckskin Gulch is via the Wire Pass Trailhead. This trailhead provides parking for visitors.

Yes, the Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail is located within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, and a permit is required for all day use and overnight trips. You'll need to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Be prepared for sections with mud, water, and potential obstacles that might be challenging for some dogs.

The best times to hike are typically spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and flash floods are a significant risk during monsoon season (July-September). Always check weather forecasts for the area, including upstream, before heading out.

The trail primarily follows a sandy floor, winding through narrow slot canyon sections that can be as tight as 3-4 feet wide. You should expect to encounter mud, cold water pools (potentially knee-deep to chest-deep), and quicksand, especially after rain. There are also wider washes and rocky passages.

A day hike into Upper Buckskin Gulch, particularly from the Wire Pass Trailhead, is generally considered moderately easy and pleasant for much of its length. However, it can involve navigating a short, approximately 10-foot climb down a knotted rope (bring your own if one isn't present) and walking through sand, mud, and water, which can increase the physical demand.

You'll be immersed in a dramatic landscape of towering Navajo sandstone walls, showcasing vibrant red hues and intricate formations. Look for ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls and unique geological formations like 'The Elephants'—two large red sandstone structures. The indirect sunlight filtering into the canyon also creates stunning photographic opportunities.

Flash floods are a critical concern in slot canyons like Buckskin Gulch. Escape from the narrow canyon is extremely difficult, and floods can be lethal. It is imperative to check weather conditions thoroughly for the entire region, including areas upstream, before and during your hike. Do not enter the canyon if there is any chance of rain.

Yes, the route passes through sections of the Hayduke Trail #9 and is part of the larger Buckskin Gulch system, which is renowned as the longest and deepest continuous slot canyon in the Southwestern United States.

Given the varied terrain, you should pack plenty of water, snacks, sturdy waterproof hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet, and possibly trekking poles for stability in mud or water. A headlamp or flashlight is also recommended for darker, deeper sections of the canyon. Don't forget a rope if you anticipate needing to descend the 10-foot drop and one isn't present.

Beyond requiring a permit, visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, staying on designated routes where applicable, and respecting wildlife and cultural resources like petroglyphs. Open fires are generally prohibited, and human waste must be packed out using WAG bags.