Experience a deep, remote slot canyon

Buckskin Gulch Day Hike

Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world, slicing through the beautiful Navajo sandstone in southern Utah. Enjoy an intimate, private adventure in an incredible slot canyon without the mass of crowds that are encountered at Zions or Antelope Canyon. We'll be dropping into the very middle of this remote canyon, bypassing a long hike at the beginning, and exploring the labyrinth at a leisurely pace all to ourselves.

A 1 hour drive from Page will get us to the trailhead. The first hour of the hike is wide open with panoramic views of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Then we'll reach the lip of the slot and negotiate the steep descent into the cool and shady world of narrow, sculpted sandstone walls, where the sky is just a narrow slit above us. We'll see ancient petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloans who also used this same route. We'll spend several hours exploring the canyon and enjoying a hearty lunch. After exiting the canyon, and if you've still got the energy, we'll make a detour to see a beautiful, unique arch that few people ever visit. We'll be back to our cars in the late afternoon.

This experience can be as short as 4 hours, or as long as 10 hours, depending on how far you want to explore the canyon. This hike is for fit and active hikers. Your experience will be much more enjoyable if your body is used to hiking for several hours.

IMPORTANT: This hike is not for anyone with a strong fear of heights and requires a steep Class 3 scramble into the slot. This is a physically demanding hike of a minimum distance of 4 miles and a max of 10 miles. Recent rain events may require hiking through mud and wading through pools of water. Conditions inside the slot canyon change continuously, so bring an adventurous and positive attitude. Entry into the canyon is allowed only if safe from flash flood danger.

$190 per person

Group size: 8 people maximum

WHAT WE PROVIDE

  • Transport to/from Page, AZ

  • Lunch, snacks and drinks

  • Experienced, knowledgable and fun guide

  • First aid and emergency communication equipment

  • Permits

  • Wooden hiking stick (if needed)

  • Neoprene socks (if needed)

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

  • Small backpack

  • 3 liters of water

  • Broken-in footwear with good tread

  • Sun protection: hat, bandana, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, etc.

  • Jacket, fleece, hat for colder weather

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Your guide will pick you up at 7:00 AM in Page, AZ at your hotel or house. If you’re staying in Kanab, we’ll meet you at the Paria Contact Station (Click here for map) at 9:00 AM MDT (during daylight savings) or 8:00 AM MST (outside of daylight savings). Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast.

Recent rain events could require us to hike through mud and pools of water. We’ll provide neoprene socks to help keep your feet warm, and a sturdy wooden hiking stick to avoid slipping.

Entering the slot canyon is only allowed if safe from flash flood danger. Your guide will be monitoring the weather and make a decision before the hike, and can provide optional alternatives. Full refunds are given for rain cancellations.

Descending into the slot requires a steep Class 3 scramble and should not be attempted by anyone with a strong fear of heights.

We should be finished with the hike in the late afternoon, and back in Page by 6 pm. The hiking pace and distance is completely up to you.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund (minus $20 processing fee) if you cancel more than 14 days before trip date.

50% refund if you cancel between 7 and 14 days before trip date.

No refund if you cancel less than 7 days before trip date.

If Backcountry Found must cancel the hike less than 7 days before trip date due to any reason beyond the control of Backcountry Found (road closures, flash floods, etc.), there will be a full refund (minus $20 processing fee).