Buckskin Gulch

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In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience

Buckskin Gulch - Utah

What to do if you have little time : The road + track make this is a place that requires several hours. If you have little time, you won't go to Buckskin Gulch.

Buckskin Gulch is a very long slot canyon. Attendance of the place is very small. You rarely come across other visitors. This canyon can be very narrow in places, which can make it dangerous if the weather is threatening. Also after heavy rains, it often still many pools of varying depths that can slow down or even block the progress. On our trip in September 2014, we had to cross several pools of water to the thighs and walk more often in a very sticky mud.

The canyon is pretty, but it's hard to compare it to Antelope Canyon. If Antelope shows very soft shapes, very smooth, Buckskin Gulch is more cut and smooth "waves" are rare. It has more to do with a gross canyon.

To make the most of this canyon, it is better to avoid the hours around noon when light enters directly into the canyon. Morning and afternoon are recommended. Nevertheless, even in hot weather, the canyon is a place where it is "fresh".

Length and duration of the hike Depending on wish

Half a day

$6 per person

GPS tracks to download

GPS trail to download

Before reaching Buckskin Gulch walk for 1,8 mile one way in Wire Pass, which towards the end turns into a very narrow canyon with typical colors of slot canyons. Once at the intersection Wire Pass / Buckskin Gulch, you can take either the left or right. Prefer the right side which is much longer than the left. Come on how far you want, but know that progress can be slow if you have to go through muddy puddles and the canyon floor is wet. Few miles into the canyon already provide a good overview.

Access : from the Glen Canyon Dam, take US89 North for 33 miles. Take the track (easy) to the left just after the sign "House Rock Valley". Attention, this track is easy to miss because it is in a long curve of US89. Follow this track, named House Rock Valley Road for 8.3 miles to the parking on the right side of the road (it's the same parking as the one for The Wave). You can also arrive from Kanab. From the BLM building in Kanab, take US 89 South for 37.6 miles and turn right on the House Rock Valley Road.

To see around

Lodging

The accommodations, although abundant in Page, are however insufficient and very expensive. It becomes very difficult to find accommodation in Page. We strongly advise you to book in advance. Otherwise, you may not find accommodation or pay very expensive. We have tested :

Page - Wahweap Campground : campsite located on the edge of lake Powell. This campground is large with many locations. These sites are large, equipped with a table and a barbecue. There is however only a few shady locations. The prices are quite high ($ 26 in 2014). The toilets are new and very clean (pay showers). There is a small supermarket at the office, to buy cold drinks or ice for the coolers.

Camping de Page

Lone Rock : campsite located on Lake Powell. No location defines, no table or pit fire. Dry toilets available. $ 14 per night in 2017. Emergency solution when the Wahweap Campground is full and the hotels are overpriced.

Page - Rodeway Inn : located in the center of Page. Hotel consistent with what you would expect from these chains. Breakfast included. Very high price but it is "normal" we are in Page ($ 220 per room for 4 people in September 2017).
Kanab - Hitch N Post : very nice little camping under the almond trees. Very warm welcome by a former National Park ranger. The sites are large enough to put 2 tents. The price is $ 23 per night (in September 2014).
Kanab - Crazy Horse Campark : campground with old restrooms and not well marked tent sites. 23$ per night in september 2017.

Kanab - Red Rock Country Inn : classic motel, no breakfast, only coffee (the room for 4 is 78$ in september 2017).