Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass at a glance
Buckskin Gulch is a narrow sandstone canyon reached from House Rock Valley Road, an unpaved road off US 89. Wire Pass is a side canyon that joins Buckskin Gulch, and the short Wire Pass hike is the common way to see the slot.
That short hike is not the full Buckskin Gulch walk. An overnight trip needs its own permit.
Day use, overnight and other permits
These are different passes for different areas. A day-use pass does not cover the other permits below. Prices are the 2026 figures from BLM and Recreation.gov.
| Pass | Cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Day use (Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass) | $6 per person per day, $6 per dog | Sunrise to sunset, groups of up to 10 connected people |
| Overnight in Paria Canyon | $5 per person or dog per day | Separate permit, booked in advance, up to 20 new people per day |
| Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) | – | Separate lottery permit, see the The Wave page |
| Coyote Buttes South | – | Separate permit through Recreation.gov |
There is no general daily quota for day use. The day-use pass does not give access to the North or South areas or to overnight stays.
Slot canyon and desert tours from Kanab
Guided day trips to slot canyons and the Vermilion Cliffs area, with live prices and availability.
How to buy the day-use pass
Buy the pass digitally in advance on Recreation.gov, or scan the QR code at the trailhead. BLM lists credit card payment. Put the receipt or the PASS ID where it shows on your dashboard, and sign in and out at the register.
The America the Beautiful, Senior and Access passes give no discount on this fee. For children, Recreation.gov lists the per-person price and mentions no discounts, while a state tourism page says younger children are free. Check the current child rule when you buy, and do not count on a discount.
Permits for The Wave and Coyote Buttes South are sold only through recreation.gov and BLM.
The Wire Pass hike
Wire Pass is the short, popular route. The state tourism office lists it at 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip, about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a hike into the slot canyon, not the full Buckskin Gulch walk.
There is no drinking water on the route. Obstacles in the canyon can make the walk difficult for dogs, so think about whether your dog can manage it. Bring water, food and a charged phone, and tell someone where you are going.
This is a short outing, not a full crossing of Buckskin Gulch. The word "easy" in trail listings describes the effort. It says nothing about the water or the weather.
Flash floods: when not to go
Do not enter Wire Pass or Buckskin Gulch if rain is forecast. Rain that falls far upstream can send water into the canyon even when your sky is clear, so look at the weather for the whole area, not just at the trailhead.
- Check the forecast and any warnings before you leave Kanab. The National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City publishes a flash flood potential rating for southern Utah.
- Check the route conditions on the day. A general season average does not replace a local warning.
- The monsoon season runs roughly from 15 June to 30 September, according to NOAA and NIDIS. It does not rain every day, and storms can still happen after the end of September.
- If water appears or the weather turns, turn around.
See the Kanab weather page for the monthly climate and the best time to visit.
Getting to the trailheads
Both trailheads are on House Rock Valley Road, an unpaved road off US 89. BLM gives about 4.5 miles (7 km) from US 89 for the Buckskin trailhead and about 8.3 miles (13 km) for Wire Pass. Recreation.gov rounds the Buckskin figure to about 5 miles.
In the BLM road report of 16 October 2026, House Rock Valley Road was rated 2WD high clearance, with muddy stretches north of Wire Pass that drivers could go around. That is a snapshot, not a promise. After rain the road can become impassable, and a standard rental car is not guaranteed to get through. Check the latest report, and do not drive the road without a suitable vehicle. A guided tour is an alternative if you do not want to drive it yourself.
Plan to reach the trailheads by car or on a guided tour.
Nearby on the same road
Other places you can fit into a day around Kanab.
Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass: frequently asked questions
How much does the Buckskin Gulch day-use pass cost?
$6 per person per day, and $6 per dog (2026). Groups can have up to 10 connected people. The pass is valid from sunrise to sunset.
Are children free?
Recreation.gov lists the per-person price without discounts, while a state tourism page says younger children are free. Check the current rule when you buy.
How long is the Wire Pass hike?
About 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip, or 1.5 to 2 hours. It is not the full Buckskin Gulch walk.
Can I camp in Buckskin Gulch?
Only with a separate overnight permit, booked in advance. BLM lists $5 per person or dog per day and a limit of 20 new people per day. The day-use pass does not cover overnight stays.
Can I go if it has rained nearby?
Not if rain is forecast or has fallen upstream. Flash floods can arrive without rain overhead. Check the forecast and warnings, and turn around if conditions change.
Is there drinking water at the trailhead?
No water is available on the Wire Pass route. Bring all the water you need.