Tucked away in the Paria Canyon – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is an easily accessible slot canyon that will impress everyone in the family. We recently took on the magnificent Wirepass Trail to hike the iconic Buckskin Gulch in Utah, and guess what? We did it with grandparents, kiddos, and even our dog, Oliver!
Why Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyons?
Buckskin Gulch is known for its towering walls and breathtaking scenery. It’s one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, making it a bucket-list destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Plus, it’s a relatively family-friendly hike with plenty of built-in adventure. Photographers will enjoy the way light plays off the 175 million year old Navajo Sandstone along with hues of red and orange amidst the desert varnish on rocks smoothed by centuries of water flow.
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Before You Go
Before hitting the trail, it’s essential to secure a permit for hiking in Buckskin Gulch. Permits help manage the number of visitors and ensure the preservation of this fragile ecosystem.
You can obtain permits online at recreation.gov or at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab. Adults, dogs, and kids all require a permit. Day use permits can be purchased in advance or the day of; overnight permits must be secured in advance.
Remember, respecting these regulations helps keep this natural treasure pristine for future generations to enjoy! Our entire group commented that the small fee for the permit seemed warranted given the cleanliness of the restrooms, ample parking, and clean trail.
The trail is open for day use from sunrise to sunset unless you have secured an advance overnight permit.
Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.
— Christopher Morley
What to Pack
- Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water for everyone, including your furry friend. It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially in the desert heat.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Good hiking or tennis shoes with grip are a must, as some sections of the trail can be slippery or rocky. Tevas and Keenes worked for my kids and I.
- Pack Snacks: Keep everyone’s energy levels up with healthy snacks like trail mix, fruit, and energy bars. If you have younger kids, save a few high value snacks for the last portion of the hike when the views are less enthralling and energy is low!
- Respect Nature: Remember to follow leave no trace and respect the environment. Pack out all trash and be mindful of wildlife.
Getting There:House Rock Valley Rd & Parking
Navigating the 8 mile access road to Wire Pass Trailhead is like driving through a scene from an old Western movie—dusty roads flanked by towering cliffs and desert landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. The road, although unpaved, is generally well-maintained and accessible by most vehicles right off Highway 89. A 4×4 is NOT required for this adventure, but I always advise checking road conditions before heading out as the road can get rough. The road is impassable to all vehicles when wet due to the fact that it is heavy clay and will become slick when saturated.
We were surprised by the size of the parking lot out in the middle of nowhere. There is a main lot and an overflow lot. Parking on the road is not permitted. Once parked, sign in at the trail register. It was fun to see where all the people hitting the trail that day were from. Despite the busy parking lot and full register, we did not feel at all crowded on the trail in late March.
Trailhead
One of the perks of starting our hike at the Wire Pass Trailhead was the availability of restroom facilities—a luxury in these remote parts of Utah! Clean and well-maintained, these facilities offer a touch of comfort before heading off into the desert. Although the line was steady for the vault toilets, it moved quickly. Bring your own method for hand cleaning and remember to pack out all garbage!
Wire Pass Trail
Starting off from the Wire Pass Trailhead, we were immediately greeted by the rugged beauty of the Utah desert. The Coyote Wash portion of the trail is completely exposed and was the least interesting part of our hike. The kids had plenty of energy when we started and found several small reptiles while the adults took in the desert vegetation – some starting to bloom in late March – and the ever-changing colors of the nearby rock formations. On the way back to the car, this stretch seemed particularly grueling in the direct sun. Fortunately, this portion has no noticeable elevation changes, is relatively short, and leads to memorable rock formations and adventures.
Once our group reached Wire Pass, we were enchanted with the change in temperature, interplay of light and dark amongst the rocks, and the swirling patterns of color on the sandstone. In late March, we wore layers and had taken off our long sleeves during the exposed portion of the hike in Coyote Wash. However, my parents (74 years old) put their jackets back on once we were out of the direct sun and the air was impacted by the coolness of the rocks we were climbing down into. The hike to the confluence is not difficult but does require some scrambling in parts. Due to flash floods and their ability to change the landscape quite dramatically, you may want to check in with a ranger before the hike for current trail conditions.
While Buckskin Gulch is a family-friendly hike, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- A Ladder: Shortly after entering Wire Pass, there is an approximately 8 foot drop to be navigated via ladder. The dog had to be carried since it was too far of a drop/jump for him to do safely. He weighs about 70 lbs, and this was the most difficult part of the experience for him. All members of our group from 9 to 74 were able to safely handle the ladder for the trip out and back.
- Narrow Passages: Some sections of the slot canyons can be quite narrow, requiring a bit of maneuvering. Make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with tight spaces. We had to climb under or over trees and boulders in several places. Obstacles can change with each flash flood the canyon experiences!
- Flash Flooding: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Flash floods can occur in slot canyons, so it’s essential to be prepared and know the signs of approaching danger. You can check with a local ranger station the day before or check this government site. Be sure to check the weather in the surrounding locations, because precipitation in upper elevations flows down to Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch.
- Elevation Changes: The trail has very little elevation change, but take it slow and steady especially if you’re hiking with grandparents or young children.
Buck Skin Gulch - Wire Pass Confluence
Points of Interest
- Wire Pass: The first slot canyon acts as a connector to the famous Buckskin Gulch, and is a breathtaking slot canyon in its own right.
- Wirepass Arch: This enormous arch is visible on the right when exiting Wire Pass Slot. It’s a natural wonder that serves as a perfect photo op for the family!
- Confluence: About 3 miles in, you’ll reach the confluence where Wirepass and Buckskin Gulch meet. It’s a beautiful spot to take a break, have a picnic, and soak in the beauty of two canyons merging into one.
- Petroglyphs: In the area of the confluence, just past the arch, look for petroglyphs on the rock. Remember to take photos, but do not touch the artwork. Oil from our skin can damage these precious insights into indigenous life.
- Buckskin Gulch: Turn RIGHT when entering Buckskin Gulch, and you will be surrounded by towering walls of Navajo sandstone. The narrow passages and swirling patterns on the walls are simply awe-inspiring. Turning LEFT leads to less impressive views.
Wrap Up
Hiking Buckskin Gulch with three generations of our family was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, awe-inspiring sights, and precious moments shared together. It’s a testament to the fact that adventures are best when shared with loved ones, no matter their age or furry status!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hiking destination that offers both beauty and adventure, Buckskin Gulch via Wirepass Trail should definitely be on your list. Happy trails, fellow adventurers!
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