Page/Kanab: Adventurous Buckskin Gulch Day Hike

If you’re dreaming of exploring one of Utah’s most spectacular natural features, the Buckskin Gulch Day Hike with Backcountry Found might just be your perfect adventure. This guided tour promises to take you into the heart of the world’s longest slot canyon, away from the crowds that flock to places like Zion or Antelope Canyon. It’s an experience that combines jaw-dropping scenery, a physically demanding journey, and a taste of wilderness solitude.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers an intimate, private experience—you won’t be sharing the canyon with dozens of travelers. Second, the scenery is truly breathtaking, with towering, sculpted Navajo sandstone walls and panoramic views of the Vermillion Cliffs. On the flip side, a consideration is that this is not a walk in the park; it’s a challenging hike requiring good fitness and comfort with heights. Yet, for those who love adventure and want to see a less-traveled slice of Utah, this trip hits all the right notes.

This tour suits active travelers who are prepared for a full day of rugged terrain and a combination of scenic walking and steep scrambles. If you’re a hiker who enjoys a physically demanding journey and appreciates authentic landscapes, you’ll find this experience both rewarding and memorable.

Key Points

• Longest slot canyon in the world, delivering an epic landscape.
• Private, intimate experience with minimal crowds.
• Full-day adventure suitable for fit and active hikers.
• Challenging terrain, including a steep Class 3 scramble.
• Stunning views of Navajo sandstone and Vermillion Cliffs.
• Weather-dependent: rain can affect access; full refunds offered for rain cancellations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Buckskin Gulch Adventure

An Introduction to Buckskin Gulch

Buckskin Gulch is a true marvel. As the longest slot canyon on the planet, it’s a place that demands respect and preparation. The canyon slices through Navajo sandstone, revealing intricate, sculpted walls that have been carved over millennia by water and wind. Unlike the more crowded Zion or Antelope Canyon, this tour guarantees a more solitary experience—you’re unlikely to encounter other groups during your exploration.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins early, with pickup around 7:00 AM in Page, Arizona, or at a designated meeting point at the Paria Contact Station near Kanab. The transportation provided makes logistics straightforward, saving you the hassle of arranging your own transfer into this remote area. The guide will call the evening before to confirm details, ensuring everyone is ready for the day ahead.

The First Hour: Wide Open Views

The initial part of the journey involves a modest hike across desert terrain—about 1.2 miles over roughly 45 minutes—leading to the canyon’s edge. During this stretch, you’ll enjoy expansive panoramic views of the Vermillion Cliffs, a landscape so striking it’s worth pausing for photos and soaking in the vastness. This open terrain serves as a prelude to the more enclosed world awaiting below.

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Entering the Slot Canyon: The Steep Descent

Once at the canyon’s lip, the real adventure begins. Descending into Buckskin Gulch requires a steep 100-foot descent which involves a Class 3 scramble—a steep, technical climb that demands sturdy footwear and a good head for heights. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, this part might be a deal-breaker, but for those physically prepared, it’s an exhilarating challenge.

The guide will demonstrate and assist with the scramble, and you can view an example here: Class 3 scramble video. It’s a steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery process, but it’s also a chance to test your skills in a safe environment, guided by experienced hands.

The Shady Sanctuary of Navajo Sandstone

Once inside the canyon, you’re enveloped in a world of narrow, sculpted walls, with only a thin slit of sky visible above. This cool, shaded environment provides relief from the desert sun and offers a sense of adventure that few other landscapes can match. The walls are so close that you might feel like you’re walking through a giant, natural sculpture gallery.

Ancient Petroglyphs and Cultural Touches

Along the way, you’ll encounter petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloans, adding a layer of cultural significance to your journey. These ancient carvings remind us that this remote landscape was once part of a human story, and seeing them up close connects you to a long history of exploration and habitation.

Flexible Exploration and Hearty Lunch

Depending on your energy level and interest, you can choose how far to venture into the canyon. The tour is flexible, lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 hours. The guide encourages a leisurely pace, allowing you to explore as much or as little as you like. Along the way, a hearty lunch and snacks are provided, along with electrolyte drinks to keep your energy up.

The included lunch is a thoughtful touch, especially given the physical exertion involved. After hours of exploring, you’ll appreciate the chance to refuel with a meal in this pristine environment, surrounded by silence and the grandeur of nature.

Return and Climbing Out

Near the end of the day, you’ll retrace your steps, climbing out the same steep descent. The ascent is mostly uphill, which can be tiring but also rewarding to complete. The return hike offers more stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you make your way back to the trailhead, arriving back in town around 5 or 6 pm.

What to Bring and Practicalities

Preparation is key. You’ll need a small backpack, 2-3 liters of water, and sturdy, broken-in shoes with good grip. Sun protection is essential—think hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bandana. For colder weather, a jacket or fleece and a hat will keep you comfortable. The guide provides a wooden hiking stick if needed, and neoprene socks are available if conditions are wet from recent rain.

The tour is priced at $200 per person, which includes a permit, transportation, a full meal, snacks, drinks, and safety gear, making it a solid value for an all-inclusive adventure. Remember, it’s designed for fit and active hikers comfortable with challenging terrain and heights.

Weather and Safety

The guide carefully monitors weather conditions to avoid flash flood risks. If rain is forecasted, the hike may be canceled with a full refund—your safety is the top priority. Since entering the canyon involves a steep scramble, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or anyone with a strong fear of heights.

Group Size and Flexibility

Limited to a small group of 8 participants, this tour fosters a more personal experience. The pace, total distance, and exploration time are flexible, allowing adventurers to tailor the day to their interests and stamina.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Buckskin Gulch experience offers a rare chance to see one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes without the crowds. It’s ideal for adventurous, fit travelers eager to challenge themselves physically and enjoy pristine wilderness. If you’re looking for a scenic hike with a bit of a technical edge, this tour will leave you with stories and photos that stand out.

However, if you prefer leisurely strolls or are uneasy about heights, this might not be the best fit. The demand for physical effort and the steep descent mean it’s best suited for those in good shape, prepared for a full day’s outdoor activity.

For those who love stunning views, authentic landscapes, and the thrill of a physical challenge, this guided Buckskin Gulch hike offers a genuine taste of Utah’s wild side—an adventure worth considering.

Is transportation provided to the trailhead?
Yes, transportation from Page, AZ, or the Paria Contact Station is included in the tour, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How early do we need to meet the guide?
The guide will pick you up at 7:00 AM in Page or meet you at the contact station in Kanab at 8:30 AM during daylight savings, or 7:30 AM outside of daylight savings.

What should I bring on the hike?
A small backpack, 2-3 liters of water, sturdy footwear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a jacket or fleece if cold, and any personal gear you might need.

Is the hike suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 due to the physical demands and heights involved.

What if it rains?
Entering the canyon is only allowed if it’s safe from flash flood risk. The guide will monitor weather conditions and may cancel the hike for safety reasons, offering a full refund if so.

How physically demanding is the hike?
It’s a full-day hike between 6 to 10 miles, with a 500-foot vertical climb at the end. It requires good fitness and comfort with steep, technical descents.

Can I explore as much of the canyon as I want?
Yes, the tour is flexible. You can choose how far to go and how long to stay in the canyon, depending on your interests and stamina.

What if I have a fear of heights?
The descent involves a steep scramble that could be uncomfortable for those with strong heights fears. It’s not recommended if heights are a concern.

Does the tour include meals?
Yes, a hearty lunch, snacks, and electrolyte drinks are included, and special dietary needs can be accommodated.

In the end, the Buckskin Gulch guided adventure offers an authentic, memorable outdoor experience for active travelers eager to see one of Utah’s most awe-inspiring landscapes in a more personal setting. It’s an opportunity for those willing to put in some effort to witness stunning natural artistry up close.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby