One of the best overall hikes in Utah – 8 miles of dirt road driving to the trailhead, 5 miles of slot canyon hiking, and an epic endpoint at Buckskin Gulch makes this family-friendly trip an memorable adventure.
The Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Trail is a 5.5 mile out and back hike near Kanab, Utah. This is an overall easy hike, but it is over 5 miles total and requires one section to climb a 6 foot ladder. Dogs are able to use this hike. It took us 2 hours with a few stops to take pictures, and some leisure time at the turnaround point in Buckskin Gulch.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the trailhead, search for Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch near Kanab, Utah or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Kanab, take Highway 89 South/East for 38 miles and then turn right onto House Rock Valley Road. Go for 8.4 miles on the dirt road and you’ll get to the parking lot on your right. There are lots of parking spots, but they fill up quick on the weekends. There are bathrooms at the parking lot, and there is a permit to get and pay for at the trailhead.
Driving Info: Once you turn off Highway 89, it’s a dirt road that most cars can handle without any issues. However, the road can deteriorate over time and especially after rain, so it’s recommended to have a car with decent clearance or AWD/4×4 capabilities.
Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in late February and started hiking around 10am. The weather was crisp at 60 degrees. There is shade within the canyon walls and at Buckskin Gulch at the end.
Gear: We wore 1-2 layers for warmth, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow the entire way.
Water & Food: We drank about a liter each, but in the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water. There is no water source along the trail. We at a few snacks but the hike only takes about 2 hours.
Trailhead Info: The trail starts just on the other side of the road near the parking lot. There is a bathroom at the parking lot, and you have to pay for a permit at the trailhead as well.
Pictures of Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch:
The first section of the hike is through a washed out riverbed that weaves its way towards the canyon.
Once you arrive to the towering canyon walls, you can see what they mean by slot canyon.
This is a view from above, if you choose to climb around the slot canyon section or to avoid the ladder.
A downward look at the ladder in the first slot canyon section.
Different sections of this hike have completely different landscapes. Here, the walls bend and curve and cast light beautifully from above.
At the endpoint, it opens up into an expansive junction. Explore the walls for ancient petroglyphs. Of course, be careful not to touch or damage any of the rock art.
Looking down each into the continuation of the Wire Pass trail.
The curving light makes its way into the slot canyon and onto the soft sand below.
Going to be in the Kanab area? There's a ton of hiking, camping and outdoor activities to get up to. Check out our Ultimate Hiking & Travel Guide for our tips on the most amazing hikes within a few hours of Kanab.
