Buckskin Gulch Tour

The journey, in full

Tour of The Buckskin Gulch Trailhead This is an all-day canyon hike with the option to venture out of the wash and onto rock formations that rival The Wave and White Pockets. This area is unlimited in its photo potential and is a “must” for those interested in Southern Utah landscapes. A large petroglyph panel can be seen from the trail, and there is also an exceptional view of the Wave area from the top of the mountainside. Brain Rock is also visible from the trail. The tour can be designed for longer or shorter hikes, whichever you prefer. Elevation gain and loss on this hike is around 400 feet. Tour of The Wirepass Trailhead This section of Buckskin is the right choice if you are looking for slot canyons with excellent light for photography. A scenic shortcut into the Buckskin Gulch can be had from the Wire Pass trailhead. There is plenty of photo potential in this narrow section, and it’s an easy walk for all ages. There are a few obstacles in the Wire Pass section to climb or walk over, which change with each flood through the canyon. High canyon walls offer very soft light for the photographer, and there is a large petroglyph panel at the end of the one 3/4-mile walk to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch. If time allows, we can continue down the Gulch or turn back for more great photos. This hike has the most shade in summer and is a favorite with children due to its narrow walls. This hike is for the more adventurous guest. From the trailhead's beginning, this tour requires navigating down into the Gulch revealing views of White Pockets, North Coyote Buttes, South Coyote Buttes, and large parts of the Buckskin itself. Located seven miles off Highway 89, near Paria Contact Station, we drive to the top of the West Clark Bench to begin this tour. The narrow section of the Gulch is another excellent choice for photographers, both on the way in and within the slot canyon itself. Double Trouble Tour This is a combined hike to both the Wire Pass and Buckskin trailheads, providing an epic day of desert slot canyon hiking and large open vistas to please photographers. You will experience an area with more unusual rocks and soft sandstone walls than on any other hike we offer. This hike combines both Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch areas allowable due to weather conditions. Brain rock, Wave shaped rock and possible slot canyons highlight this tour.