Wire Pass Trail and Buckskin Gulch: An Unforgettable 6 mile Utah Slot Canyon Adventure

On March 15, 2026, my friend Laura and I set out from our Airbnb in Kanab, Utah, for one of the hikes we had been anticipating most during our trip. After about an hour’s drive, we arrived at the Wire Pass Trailhead, located within the spectacular Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of Southern Utah.

The trailhead sits 8.3 miles down House Rock Valley Road off Highway 89. The road is unpaved, rough, and wash boarded in sections. While passable in dry conditions, it can become difficult or even impassable after rain.

A dirt road winding through a desert landscape with reddish hills and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.

Armed with plenty of water, lunch, and excitement, we began our adventure. Both of us love exploring slot canyons, and Wire Pass had been high on our hiking wish list for this trip.

The first portion of the trail led through approximately 1.6 miles of open desert terrain framed by low red sandstone cliffs. The scenery was beautiful, but it only hinted at the wonders ahead. As we entered the first narrow slot canyon, the landscape transformed dramatically.

The canyon required a bit of scrambling over rocks and included a descent down a wooden ladder. Although several muddy sections remained from recent moisture, we were able to navigate around them in this section without difficulty. Every turn revealed something new, from towering sandstone walls to narrow passageways where the canyon seemed to close in around us. The constantly changing shapes, colors, and textures made the experience feel almost surreal.

Around the 1.8-mile mark, we encountered some of the most stunning scenery of the hike. The canyon opened up revealing a section with intricate red sandstone swirls and patterns that seemed almost artistic in their design. According to information posted at the trailhead, this landscape originated approximately 200 million years ago when vast desert sand dunes covered the region. Over time, layers of sediment buried and cemented the dunes. Millions of years of erosion then carved away the surrounding rock, revealing the remarkable cross-bedded patterns visible today.

We continued through a second slot canyon before reaching the junction with Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest and most famous slot canyons in the world. Here, the canyon widened considerably, allowing us to appreciate the scale and beauty of the surrounding landscape. We also spotted several fascinating petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural history.

Wanting to explore more, we hiked approximately half a mile in each direction along Buckskin Gulch. Conditions became noticeably wetter, with much larger areas of standing muddy water. We watched a few adventurous hikers wade through some of the deeper sections, but we decided that was a good point to turn around and begin the return hike.

A narrow canyon with steep red rock walls and two people standing in shallow water at the bottom.

By the end of the day, my GPS recorded 6.6 miles with approximately 725 feet of elevation gain. Under the conditions we encountered, I would rate the hike as moderate due to sections of rock scrambling and uneven terrain. We saw several families hiking with children who appeared to be handling the trail comfortably.

It is important to remember, however, that slot canyons are extremely vulnerable to flash flooding. Conditions can change rapidly after rain, turning an enjoyable hike into a hazardous experience. Recent trail reports have mentioned muddy water reaching waist-deep levels in certain sections of Wire Pass Trail and/or Buckskin Gulch, so checking weather and trail conditions before visiting is essential.

This hike exceeded my expectations. The towering slot canyons, mesmerizing sandstone formations, and ancient petroglyphs combined to create an unforgettable experience. Every section of the trail offered something unique, and the dramatic scenery felt almost otherworldly. For anyone visiting the Kanab area and looking for an incredible slot canyon adventure, Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch deserves a place at the top of the list, especially during dry weather conditions.

If You Go

Location: Wire Pass Trailhead, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Southern Utah
Nearest Town: Kanab, Utah (approximately 1 hour away)
Trail Distance: Approximately 6.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 725 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Important Safety Tip: Never enter a slot canyon if rain is forecast anywhere in the drainage area. Flash floods can occur suddenly and pose a serious danger, even when skies overhead appear clear.