Upper Buckskin Gulch – Paria Canyon Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, Utah – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Upper Buckskin Gulch – Paria Canyon Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, Utah

Apr 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

An absolute gem on trail riders’ bucket list – Buckskin Gulch is located in the Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness in Southern Utah. Sitting practically on the border of Arizona, this slot canyon is the longest continuous slot canyon. However, horses cannot make it past the confluence with Wire Pass due to a rock scramble and a ladder.

CAUTION: FLASH FLOODS ARE A FATAL HAZARD IN THE CANYONS. CHECK THE SURROUNDING WEATHER, BE AWARE AND DO NOT RISK IT IF THERE IS A WEATHER SYSTEM.

Trail Stats:

8.8 miles out and back.
Elevation Gain: 151 feet
Elevation Loss: 152 feet
Max Elevation: 4,847 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
↗ What does this mean?
Footing: Loose sand, cantaloupe-sized loose rocks in the slot, some packed sand, mud holes, rattlesnakes, possible quicksand.
Hoof Protection: Shoes/boots recommended.

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Facilities: Paria River Ranch is located only 5 minutes from the turnoff to the trailhead from Highway 89. Offers dry camping, electric hookups, cabins, corrals, water, shower house and a store. Highly recommended if you’re staying in the area.

Water Sources: None until you reach slot canyon where you may have mud puddles.

Trail Info: Before leaving the parking lot – please sign the register. Flash floods are a known hazard and this is the only way that search and rescue knows who is in the canyon. Follow the trail from the parking lot. The trail occasionally forks and will usually end up at the same destination. You will ride in and out of the wash. These small hills vary from a 3-7 foot drop in the sand. After about 2 miles you will see a large canyon on the left side. If you’d like to explore this area known as Edmaiers Secret, you will enjoy some very interesting rock formations such as sandstone fins. Continue south through the gulch, on the left side you will be able to see the West Clark Bench. Shortly after this the gulch begins to narrow. As of April 2026, the first section of the canyon is sandy. The slot opens up again, and after a few minutes it re-enters a tall narrow slot. There is a visible path through some portions of the rocky sections. Others have no defined path and you may choose to hike through it. This will change every year as flash floods move rocks and debris through the slot. Mud puddles, standing water that is the width of the canyon and up to chest deep may be present at anytime. Use caution as quicksand may be present. If you make it to the confluence with Wire Pass, there are some small petroglyphs on the southern wall of Wire Pass. Return the same way you came. As you head back to the trailhead, look for the “Elephant” rock feature – only visible when exiting the slot. Around the same location look up and you will see another rock feature that looks like a wildcat head with teeth.

Trail Challenges: Loose sand, sun exposure, loose rocks, slot canyon, off-leash dogs, flash floods, rattlesnakes, possible quicksand, mud holes, deep water especially after recent rains. Check recently reported trail conditions on the whiteboard by the store at Paria River Ranch.

Permits: $6 + tax per person/dog. Payable with Tap to Pay at trailhead, QR code scan at trailhead or prepay on recreation.gov

Backcountry Sites: Not suitable for equestrian overnight use.

Cell Service: None.

Fuel: Big Water Shortstop – 415 Independence, Big Water, UT 84741

GPX File: UHT – Buckskin Gulch Trail

Maintained By: Unknown.

Directions: From Kanab, UT drive 37 miles east on Highway 89. From Page, AZ drive 36 miles west on Highway 89. Turn south onto House Rock Valley Road and drive about 5 miles to the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead.

The road that accesses the permit area is unpaved and minimally maintained. Most of the time, it is possible to reach the trailhead in a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle. However, four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles may be required when the road is wet. During the rainy season and the winter months, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel-drive.

The parking lot can accomodate large trailers and the road is mostly washboard. As of April 2026 there are no potholes or areas of high clearance needed. LQ owners may want to avoid due to the bumpy washboarding, but it would be passable if desired.

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