KANAB HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Down the Earth’s Narrow Vein: Exploring Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass from Kanab
A 7–8 hour hiking experience into one of the planet’s longest, narrow slot canyons—this guide distills route, gear, and logistics for planning your trip from Kanab.
Down the Earth’s Narrow Vein: Exploring Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass from Kanab.
Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons on the planet, its sculpted sandstone walls often no wider than 20 feet and stretching on for miles; temperatures inside are noticeably cooler than the sun-baked redrock outside and hikers should be prepared for shaded walking, occasional puddles and wading, and narrow passages that feel carved out of the earth itself.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Slot Canyon That Keeps Going
Buckskin Gulch is notable for its length and depth—long, narrow stretches with towering sandstone walls that rarely open wider than a few yards, creating an immersive, otherworldly hike.
Wire Pass Approach and Branching Into Buckskin
The outing typically includes the short Wire Pass approach and the option to continue deeper into Buckskin; distances are modest for a slot hike but the route can extend based on how far you choose to go within the allotted time.
Cool Shade, Sand and the Occasional Wade
Expect sand and smooth sandstone underfoot, shaded stretches that are appreciably cooler than the surrounding landscape, and occasional puddles that may require wading—terrain that rewards steady footing and preparedness.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Over a 7–8 hour outing you move from Kanab toward the Wire Pass approach and can choose to press onward into Buckskin Gulch for a deeper experience; the canyon’s narrow walls and shaded corridors create a cool, intimate atmosphere while pockets of water and sandy stretches keep the pace deliberate—occasional scrambling or use of a ladder may be required where the route drops several feet.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs about 7 to 8 hours total, so plan for a full-day departure and return.
Hiking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, sun protection, your own water (guides carry extra for emergencies), and lunch/snacks; operators can provide a cooler if needed.
Pickup is available from Kanab-area lodging if local; otherwise meet at the Coral Cliffs Tours office in Kanab (address provided at booking). You will specify your pickup location when you book.
A $6.50 per person BLM land use pass is required; the operator can obtain this pass and add it to your tour cost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a permit to hike Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass?
There is no special permit required, but a $6.50 per person BLM land use pass is needed; the operator can obtain and add it to your tour cost.
How long is the hike?
The Wire Pass approach is about a 3-mile roundtrip; continuing into Buckskin can be roughly a 6-mile roundtrip depending on how far you go within the allotted time.
How long will the trip take?
Plan for a 7 to 8 hour outing.
Is pickup available from Kanab?
Yes—operators will pick you up wherever you are staying if it is local to Kanab; if driving in you will meet at the Coral Cliffs Tours office in Kanab (address provided when you book).
Are there any tricky sections or ladders?
The route includes a location with a roughly 15-foot drop that you may need to scramble over; sometimes a ladder is present or guides will lead an alternate route if needed.
Will I need to wade through water?
You can often encounter puddles of water in the canyon that require wading—expect shaded, cooler conditions and occasional wet sections.