Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

At 12 miles long, the longest slot canyon in the world can be one of the most challenging non-technical cracks to navigate on the Colorado Plateau. The potential for deep cesspools and slippery mud, plus only one spicy escape route in the middle helps keep visitors to a minimum. But the reward is worth it, with mile after mile of spectacular views through sculpted Navajo sandstone. In some places the walls are so narrow and so high, and the desert varnish so old, that Buckskin can feel subterranean.

Buckskin Gulch

The Beta

Best time of year
Shoulder seasons = best temps.
Drier months = less chance of flash floods.
Mileage
up to 23 miles. Varies based on trailhead and route.
Difficulty
An easy hike when dry
  • When wet, Buckskin can be an unpredictable beast.
  • No decent water sources except near confluence with Paria.
  • 90% of the deeper pools are in the upper half.
  • A 15' climb is required at a boulder jam in the lower section.
  • Adding Buckskin to the end of a multi-day through Paria is the ultimate grand finalé.
Number of days
1–2 days
Trailhead access
  • 2WD — Wire Pass, White House, Buckskin Gulch
  • AWD+ — Middle Route
  • House Rock Valley Road can be impassable when wet
Permit & Regs
  • Permit required for either day or overnight use
  • Maximum group size: 10
  • WAG bags required - you must pack out your poop
Day Use Overnight UPGRADE YOUR WAG
Weather
  • Very pleasant in summer with deep shade and natural AC vents.
  • Monsoon season is July - Sept, with higher potential for flash flooding.

MAP

Go with the pros

A guided hike with this outfitter is the very best way to experience Buckskin Gulch.