Page/Kanab: Adventurous Buckskin Gulch Day Hike

If you’re into rugged landscapes, vertical cliffs, and a sense of adventure that gets your heart pounding, then a day hiking Buckskin Gulch might just be your next highlight. While I haven’t personally done this exact trip, reviews and descriptions paint a vivid picture of an experience that’s equal parts challenging and awe-inspiring. It’s a trip designed for those who love a physically demanding day with big rewards—namely, solitude, incredible views, and the thrill of exploring one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world.

What really stands out about this tour is the chance to enjoy a private, crowd-free environment and to experience the canyon at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to take in the surroundings. We also appreciate how the tour balances adventure with safety, providing all the essentials like permits, snacks, and even neoprene socks if conditions require. However, it’s not for everyone—this is a full-day, strenuous hike that demands a good level of fitness, especially in navigating steep descents and ascents.

This tour is best suited for fit and active hikers who aren’t afraid of heights or a bit of physical effort. If you’re looking for a less intense or family-friendly outing, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re eager to challenge yourself and see one of Utah’s hidden treasures without the crowds, then this might be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Longest slot canyon in the world: A unique, awe-inspiring geological feature.
• Private experience: Fewer crowds than popular spots like Zion or Antelope Canyon.
• Physically demanding: Between 6 to 10 miles of hiking, with steep descents and climbs.
• All necessary gear included: Snacks, permit, guide, and optional neoprene socks for water.
• Flexible length: The hike can be tailored from 5 to 10 hours, depending on your pace.
• Great for adventurous, fit hikers: Not suitable for children under 10 or anyone afraid of heights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Breakdown of the Buckskin Gulch Day Hike

The Introduction to Buckskin Gulch

Buckskin Gulch is renowned for being the longest slot canyon in the world, cutting through Navajo sandstone with dramatic, narrow walls that create a sense of entering a mysterious, ancient world. Unlike the more popular Antelope Canyon or Zion’s slot canyons, Buckskin offers a more remote and uncrowded experience, which is a big plus if you’re after solitude and a sense of wilderness.

The tour begins early in the morning, with pickup in Page, AZ, around 7:00 AM or at the Paria Contact Station in Kanab at 8:30 AM, depending on where you stay. This early start helps maximize your day, giving plenty of time to explore and absorb the scenery. The drive from your accommodation is brief but sets the tone—expect some anticipation as the landscape shifts from desert to the towering Vermillion Cliffs.

The First Hour: Open Desert and Panoramic Views

Once you arrive at the trailhead, the first part of the trek is an easy, wide-open walk across the desert. It’s about 1.2 miles of gentle hiking that offers expansive views of the Vermillion Cliffs, a highlight in itself. This segment gives you a chance to warm up and soak in the scenery before the real adventure begins. The open terrain makes it a good warm-up, especially if you’re not used to long hikes.

Stepping into the Depths: Descending into the Canyon

After the initial open stretch, you’ll reach the edge of Buckskin Gulch. Here, the trail becomes more dramatic as you negotiate a steep descent of about 100 feet into the canyon. This is where the real fun begins—and also where the hike demands more from your balance and confidence. The descent involves a Class 3 scramble, which is steep and requires careful footing. The guide will provide support, but if heights are an issue, it’s worth considering whether this is the right trip for you. (Here’s a good video showing what a Class 3 scramble looks like: [link])

Once inside, you’re transported into a cool, shaded corridor of towering, sculpted Navajo sandstone walls. The narrowness of the canyon means you’re often walking through a tight, winding maze where the sky is visible only as a thin slit above. It’s a place that feels almost otherworldly, with ancient petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloans adding a touch of history to the landscape.

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Exploring the Labyrinth

The guide will tailor the pace and route to your interests, whether you want to explore for a few hours or push further into the canyon. You’ll see ancient petroglyphs and marvel at the natural formations—each bend revealing new shapes and textures. The canyon’s length means that if you’re up for it, you can venture quite far, but even just a few hours inside offers plenty of stunning vistas.

Lunch and Rest Breaks

A significant perk of this tour is the hearty, included lunch. After several hours of hiking, this will be a welcome relief, giving you energy for the return journey. The tour provides snacks and electrolyte drinks to keep you hydrated and energized. You can also request special dietary accommodations like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

The Climb Out: Leaving the Canyon

The return route is similar to the descent—mostly uphill, with a steep climb out of the canyon. That 45-minute to 1-hour ascent can be taxing after a day of exploring, but it’s also rewarding, as you get to enjoy the panoramic views from above and reflect on your adventure.

Duration and Flexibility

One of the tour’s strong points is its flexibility. You can choose how long to explore—anywhere from 5 to 10 hours—depending on your preferences and energy levels. The longer you stay, the more of the labyrinth you’ll see, but even a shorter hike offers a full day of adventure.

Practical Considerations

• Physical Fitness: This is a physically demanding hike, with 6-10 miles of walking and some tricky terrain. Expect steep descents and ascents, especially the scramble into and out of the canyon.
• Gear Needed: Bring a small backpack, water (2-3 liters), and sturdy, broken-in footwear. Sun protection is essential—hats, sunscreen, sunglasses—and a jacket or fleece if the weather cools.
• Weather: Recent rain can mean muddy patches or pools of water, and the guide will decide if conditions are safe from flash floods. Rain cancellations are fully refundable, which adds peace of mind.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, so the experience feels personal and tailored.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a lot of value with included permits, transportation, snacks, a hearty lunch, a guide, and safety gear like a satellite device and first aid kit. You’ll need to bring your own backpack and water bottles, but otherwise, essentials are covered. The neoprene socks are a thoughtful addition if the water levels are higher than expected.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This hike fits travelers who are physically fit, adventurous, and comfortable with heights. If you love challenging hikes and want to see a less-visited canyon, this tour offers an authentic experience away from tourist crowds. It’s not ideal for young children, those with mobility challenges, or anyone uneasy about steep, technical descents. Also, if you prefer shorter, less strenuous outings, you might want to look for a more relaxed alternative.

The Sum Up

The Buckskin Gulch Day Hike from Page/Kanab offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most stunning slot canyons in the world, all without the crowds that flock to Zion or Antelope Canyon. Its combination of breathtaking scenery, ancient petroglyphs, and adventurous terrain makes it a compelling choice for active travelers seeking a full day of discovery. The included gear, flexible length, and small-group setting add to its appeal, making it a well-organized, enjoyable outing—so long as you’re ready for the physical challenge.

If you’re craving a unique landscape and the thrill of exploring a remote wilderness, this tour could become a highlight of your trip to Utah. Just be sure you’re comfortable with heights and prepared for a demanding hike—then you’re set for an unforgettable adventure in one of nature’s most dramatic settings.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 due to the physical demands and steep scramble involved.

Do I need to be in good shape?
Yes, this is a physically demanding full-day hike with up to 10 miles of walking and elevation changes. Good fitness is important.

What should I bring?
A small backpack, 2-3 liters of water, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and a weather-appropriate jacket.

Is the hike safe from flash floods?
Your guide monitors weather conditions carefully. If there’s any risk, the hike can be canceled for safety, with full refunds.

How long does the hike last?
It can range from about 5 to 10 hours depending on how far you choose to explore and your pace.

Are snacks and lunch provided?
Yes, a hearty lunch, snacks, and electrolyte drinks are included, with dietary needs accommodated.

What is the terrain like?
Expect a mix of open desert, steep descents, narrow canyon walls, and rocky scrambles, including a steep Class 3 scramble.

Will I need special gear?
Sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes are essential. Neoprene socks are provided if conditions are wet. Bring a daypack for your water and gear.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can the hike be shortened or extended?
Yes, it’s flexible from 5 to 10 hours depending on your preferences and stamina.

If you’re after a true wilderness adventure in Utah’s breathtaking desert landscape, this Buckskin Gulch hike stands out as a rewarding challenge—just make sure you’re prepared for the physical effort and heights involved.

You can check availability for your dates here: