Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, UT

Hike Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, UT

Class 2 4.5 miles 400 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Mar 4, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch GPX Track

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Buckskin Gulch is a gorgeous nontechnical slot canyon that goes on for over 20 miles in one direction. It's generally completed as a backpacking trip, but we just wanted a taste. To do this, we took the standard route into Wire Pass, a short slot canyon used as a shortcut to get into Buckskin Gulch. Wire Pass has a few down-climb obstacles, including a short drop, and then we were within Buckskin Gulch. We continued south in the canyon and turned around when it was getting late. The canyon is incredibly scenic, but I think we got a nice feel for the personality of the slot.

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From Wire Pass Trailhead, follow a wash for a while.
From Wire Pass Trailhead, follow a wash for a while.
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The wash narrows for a bit, and there is a single 8-foot obstacle to get around within Wire Pass.
The wash narrows for a bit, and there is a single 8-foot obstacle to get around within Wire Pass.
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Wire Pass narrows.
Wire Pass narrows.
Exiting the Wire Pass narrows.
Exiting the Wire Pass narrows.
Wire Pass narrows opens up into a confluence with Buckskin Gulch.
Wire Pass narrows opens up into a confluence with Buckskin Gulch.
Buckskin Gulch.
Buckskin Gulch.
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We hiked until we got to a watery section, and rather than continue through freezing water, went back to make dinner.
We hiked until we got to a watery section, and rather than continue through freezing water, went back to make dinner.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!