Slot
Canyons 3
 Wire
Pass and Buckskin Gulch begin as intermittent water courses that cut through
a prominent reef-like feature that runs nearly dew south from the area below
Bryce Canyon National Park into north-central Arizona. The Cocks Comb as it
is known, creates a barrier along the western edge of the Paria Canyon
wilderness of northern Arizona. This deep canyon wilderness drains a
tremendous area, including the drainages of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch.
Wire Pass begins a gradual plunge into a deepening canyon that narrows
dramatically as soon as the walls begin to rise. Much of the length of this
mile-long slot demands sidling and twisting to pass with a pack and camera
gear. A couple of small boulder blockages require a bit of stretching to
drop over and climb again on the way out. The path is otherwise sandy and
easy going. The confluence with Buckskin Gulch forms a wide open space with
many ancient rock art panels on the walls.
Following Buckskin from this junction soon narrows and deepens. Buckskin
Gulch becomes what has been called the longest slot canyon in the world. It
is also a remarkably deep canyon with walls only shoulder wide and numerous
holes and longer sections of standing water (pretty stagnant much of the
time).
Wire Pass makes a nice, leisurely day-hike most hikers can handle, even with
children. Buckskin takes a bit more and is much longer. A 40-foot rope will
allow climbing a dry fall near the lower end of this spectacular canyon. A
wet suit may be preferable apparel for the deep water.
Utah |
Western Paria Wilderness, Utah & Arizona |
