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A 14-mile non-technical slot canyon deep in the Utah Desert. This is the wildest run you'll ever do. But be careful!


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Map Key

12.5

Miles

20.2

KM

98%

Runnable

4,811' 1,466 m

High

4,376' 1,334 m

Low

660' 201 m

Up

1,007' 307 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · River/Creek · Views

Do not enter the slot canyon if there is a chance for flash flooding. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Need to Know

Your GPS will not work in the canyon. In most spots, you'll have only minimal view of the sky at all.

Description

Buckskin Gulch is less well-known than the adjacent, world-famous, Coyote Gulch (AKA, The Wave), but is still a life-list destination run. You'll wind along a sandy floor between 200-foot-tall sandstone walls sometimes so close together you can touch both sides at the same time. In one spot, you'll need to climb down a short knotted rope (about 10 feet). You may need to wade through water or negotiate mud (or quicksand!) at some point as well.

Buckskin is not to be taken likely! This is an experts-only trail and you should have some experience in deserts and slot canyons. Once you venture into Buckskin, it's hard to get lost. However, escape is difficult—make sure flash flood conditions are minimal because ... well, there are large logs wedged 200 feet up the canyon walls. The gulch itself is 14 miles and connects to the Pariah River (another 10 miles).

Terrain-wise, this is not a difficult run but earns a tougher rating due to the length and level of commitment.

Contacts

Shared By:

Charles Danforth with improvements by Chelsea C

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 14 votes

#229

Overall
  5.0 from 14 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Trail Rankings

#32

in Utah

#229

Overall
18 Views Last Month
2,471 Since Jun 17, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View from the trail.
Jan 20, 2022 near Kanab, UT
View from the trail.
Jan 20, 2022 near Kanab, UT
View from the trail
Jan 20, 2022 near Kanab, UT
Sublime canyon light.
Jun 22, 2019 near Kanab, UT
Deep in Buckskin Gulch. The trail is not hard to follow ... only because there aren't many other options.
Jun 22, 2019 near Kanab, UT
View from the trail
Jan 24, 2023 near Kanab, UT

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 93 days ago
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