Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail

Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail is a slot-canyon hike into the upper, wider section of Buckskin Gulch, near Canyon Point, Utah. The route is an out-and-back: you walk down-canyon and turn around at the point that matches your time and comfort with the deeper narrows.

Typical distance for the upper section runs about 1.9–3.3 miles one-way (out-and-back), depending on how far into the canyon you go. Expect a short time commitment for the upper portion, commonly around 1–2 hours if you stay within the accessible narrows.

The trail tread is generally along sandy washes and the sandy canyon floor, with occasional rock navigation. As you progress, the canyon walls tighten and narrows appear, giving a more confined slot experience compared with the wider approach.

A permit is required for day-use in the Buckskin Gulch / Paria Canyon day-use area. Day-use permits can be purchased in advance or at the trailhead, and the vehicle needs to display the permit (printed or with the PASS ID written where required).

Flash-flood risk is a central constraint for slot canyons: if rain is possible, don’t enter. Plan around dry conditions and monitor upstream weather before you go, since conditions upstream can drive dangerous water in the canyon even if it’s clear where you are.

Access is via House Rock Valley Road to the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead. The road is unpaved and minimally maintained; most of the time it’s reachable with a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle, but wet weather can require four-wheel-drive, high-clearance access.

More information: Booking, Buckskin Gulch Utah- An Adventure to Remember, Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail in Utah - Pacer Walking App