Hello fellow wanderers!
Southern Utah is absolutely our favorite place to hike and explore. If you have not heard, Buckskin Gulch is the longest Slot Canyon in the United States, and it does not disappoint!
In October of 2020, we hiked Wire Pass (slot canyon) to Buckskin Gulch. We posted that video a while ago so please check that out. Wire Pass to Buckskin is a short hike and doable for most people. Wire Pass is a pretty cool slot canyon and the confluence at Buckskin has ancient petroglyphs as well. Overall, we highly recommend it.
In October 2021, we were back in the area RV'ing (because as we stated above, we love this area) and decided to hike out to Buckskin Gulch via the White House Trailhead that takes you through the Paria Canyon/River. This hike out to Buckskin did not disappoint, but it was extremely exhausting!
You really do not need a map as you hike the canyon and there is really no other way to go but as good practice, we always download an AllTrails map just in case.
Fun fact: The Buckskin Gulch & Paria Canyon confluence is technically on the state line between Utah and Arizona.
You need a day use permit for this hike and the Rangers no longer allow permits at the trailhead so make sure you get your permit at Recreation.gov and you will need to print out the permit and display it on the dash of your vehicle. Permits are $6 per person/dog.
We stopped and checked in with the Ranger at the Paria Station to make sure conditions were safe for our hike. The Ranger stated that we would be crossing water, but the river was low and the 2-mile dirt road to the trailhead was fine. Always check in with a Ranger when you head out into desolate areas like this.
Tip: Always register at the trailhead. Sign in and sign out. That way the Rangers can keep track of you. If you are in the canyon during a flash flood, chances are you will not make it out. Flash floods can happen without warning.
We clocked this hike at 16 miles and that included a short side hike into a hidden slot canyon that we found near the beginning of the hike. We arrived at Buckskin Gulch in 4.5 hours. It was a brutal and exhausting 8 miles out as we ended up hiking in water most of the time. In some places, the water was knee deep and we hit quicksand under the water. The other times, we were hiking in deep and slippery mud.
After the first 5 river crossings, Brandi gave in and put her Tevas on. Chris kept his hiking boots on and just rolled with it.
Brandi hiked about 14 miles in her Tevas and definitely felt it the next day!
This hike is insanely beautiful and epic in every way. Yes, it was exhausting! We prepped and had what we needed but we still had no idea what we were in for and completely underestimated this trail!
The best part... we only saw two other people the entire time! Once we got to the confluence, we explored Buckskin Gulch for a bit and that is when another couple arrived. This couple had a permit and backpacks to camp out in Buckskin Gulch.
Fun fact: This is on our list to do! Backpack from the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead to Lees Ferry. We believe it would take about 4-5 days, but we are still researching.
The size and magnitude of this canyon is something to be experienced. You do not realize how vast and large these canyon walls are until you stand there and look up in awe. It was absolutely an incredible experience and one of our top favorite hikes in Southern Utah!
The image above is of the side hike we did. This slot canyon was super dry and so interesting to see as we just came up from the river. This side hike was short, and the canyon dead ends at a small pool of water.
Tips for a successful hike:
Trekking poles - use them to help you determine how deep the water is.
Hiking sandals or water shoes.
Towel or extra clothes. You will be wet and muddy.
Snacks and water. This hike took us 9 hours total.
Flashlight (we finished in the dark and always have a flashlight)
Register at trailhead. Sign in - sign out.
Check in with Rangers for road and trail conditions.
Let someone else know where you are going. Anything can happen out there!
Please check out our video on YouTube: Wandered Off
We hope that our video and blog help you have a successful.
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Wandered Off
Chris & Brandi
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