Buckskin Gulch 2020

Buckskin Gulch, the longest deepest slot canyon known in the world is Buckskin Gulch in Southern, Utah. Its nestled in the Paria Canyon area. It’s been carved out from erosion over millions of years. I was lucky enough to get permits for a three-day trip to the slot canyon to backpack roughly 30 miles in some of the most remote areas of Utah.

It started with an easy drive up to Page, AZ. Here we stayed the night got one last good cooked meal and beer before heading down in the canyon. Early Friday morning we dropped a couple vehicles at White House Trailhead, which was our ending point. We piled everyone into the shuttle vehicles and made our way to Wire Pass Trailhead. This is where we dropped into the canyon.

We began our trek into Buckskin Gulch. We made our way through the narrow canyon and through just a couple puddles and mud spots. Enjoying the scenery along the way, stopping for short breaks and running ahead to try and scare people behind the shadowed labyrinth. After a long day of hiking we finally hit the intersection where the canyon meets the confluence. At this point in the day the sun was already setting, our bodies were tired and cold and we just wanted to get camp set up. We found a great camp spot perched up on top of a large sand bank that fit all 7 tents. After everyone pitched their tents and broke out dinner we settled in for the night and called it early.

Waking up Saturday morning we left camp set up and took our day packs and headed out for a 10-mile round trip to get a water resupply. This day started with frigid water crossings, Mormon dads and fruit snacks. Eventually we made it Big Spring and topped off water. We got back to camp much earlier this day and enjoyed some hot chocolate. I had cooked my Trailtopia meal and enjoyed a glass of backpacking wine. This was another early night as we had a long day to get out on Sunday.

Sunday came and I we had an early start in the morning. As I began to strike camp, I let my jet boil fire up and cook my coffee. I got everything packed into my pack and took one final wag bag poop in our poop loop branch we found, which was literally a natural toilet seat. This morning was the coldest of all. Armed with neoprene socks and water shoes we started the journey out of the canyon. Another day with almost knee-deep water covered in thin layers of ice made it very cold for the first half of the day. Venturing north through Paria, the canyon gradually got larger and the sun began to shine on us. After the last few miles of the slot canyon we finally got in to the open wide part of the canyon filled with sand flats and washes. A quick stop to drop some warming layers and eat a snack. We made the final push towards White House Trailhead. Finally, we arrived at the end point and had celebratory beers. Feet still wet, gear dirty and a beer in hand gave a great satisfaction in completing the 30-mile backpack trip.

As always this was a truly amazing trip with an awesome group of guys! It was also nice to celebrate one of the couple’s honeymoon on the trip. I can’t wait to get back to the area and explore more around. Remember this is a permitted area and the permits have to be reserved far in advance in order to make the trek. I know this post is a couple months late but it has been a busy holiday season with work, family and friends.