Buckskin Gulch

Buckskin Gulch is widely regarded as the longest continuous slot canyon in the world and one of the deepest, offering miles of narrow passageways beneath towering sandstone walls that create an astonishing sense of scale and stillness. Few places on the Colorado Plateau feel quite like this canyon. If I had to name one single favorite hike, this would be it. There simply is no better hike for someone who loves canyons.

Reaching Buckskin Gulch takes a little preparation and dirt road driving, but the reward is one of the most remarkable landscapes in the Vermilion Cliffs region. While most hikers choose to enter the canyon from the Wire Pass trailhead, beginning the hike from the Buckskin Gulch trailhead offers a quieter and more exploratory experience. The route follows a broad sandy wash for several miles before the canyon begins to deepen and narrow.

Along the way, a worthwhile side trip leads to the remarkable sandstone formations known as Edmaier’s Secret. This hidden landscape of sculpted fins and swirling cross-bedded sandstone feels almost like a natural stone labyrinth, with flowing patterns in the rock that appear almost liquid in the changing light. The formations here are incredibly delicate and reward slow wandering and careful exploration.

In places the canyon walls rise hundreds of feet overhead, creating a winding corridor that feels both immense and deeply intimate at the same time. Hiking from the Buckskin Gulch trailhead makes for a long and rewarding day and is a perfect canyon walk for those seeking solitude and time to explore.

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Often cited as the longest continuous slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is also among the deepest - an immersive walk beneath soaring sandstone walls shaped by water and time.

Awe Rating (1-5):

4 Length:

< 5 miles, 5-8 miles, > 8 miles

Difficulty:

Moderate

Trail Type:

Out & Back

Time Needed:

Half Day, Full Day

Highlights:

Slot Canyon, Adventure

Landscape:

Canyon

Solitude Potential:

High

Trailhead Access:

Dirt Road, High Clearance

Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:

As with any slot canyon, avoid when there is potential rain/storms in the forecast. Otherwise this is a great hike to do in any season if the weather is dry and the access road is in good condition.

Things to Know

• Permit required: A day-use permit is required to hike Buckskin Gulch. It is best to obtain your permit online in advance, as there is usually no cell service at the trailhead.

• Rough access road: The road to the Buckskin Gulch trailhead is rough dirt and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Most cars can usually make the drive in dry conditions, but after rain—or if rain is in the forecast—the road can become impassable, even for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

• Deep sand: Much of the approach follows sandy wash, and hiking can be slow going.

• Fragile landscape near Edmaier’s Secret: The fins and sculpted sandstone formations in this side canyon are extremely delicate. Please tread lightly and avoid disturbing the fragile surfaces.

• Another way to access Buckskin Gulch: Many hikers choose to enter the canyon via the Wire Pass trailhead, which reaches the narrowest and most dramatic slot sections much more quickly.

• Flash flood danger: Like all slot canyons, Buckskin Gulch can become extremely dangerous during storms. Always check the forecast and avoid entering the canyon if rain is possible anywhere in the drainage.