Special hike MODERATE HIKE Buckskin Gulch/Wire Pass Slot Canyon

Details
MODERATE hike: Buckskin Gulch/Wire Pass slot canyon

Hike Distance: 5-6 miles (minimal AEG)(out and back)
Depart from Sleep Inn at 8:00 am
Trailhead: Wire Pass
Driving Distance: 43 miles
Driver’s Fee: $7 plus $2 dirt road fee = $9
Hike Leaders: Paul Feeney & Warren Wasescha
Note: We are doing this hike with the Motivated level but will go at our own pace and less deeply into the canyon.
Trail Description: Buckskin Gulch is one of the world’s longest continuous slot canyons, known for its deep, winding beauty. It passes through roughly 16 miles of unique formations and undulating sandstone walls in the northern stretch of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. We start at the Wire Pass TH and hike through a sandy wash into the Wire Pass Slot Canyon. Expect narrow passages (sometimes only 2-3 feet wide), high walls (up to 400 ft), sand, boulders, and climbing up or down ladders and boulders. The hike is relatively flat, allowing us to go as far as we want before turning back and retracing our steps.
Directions to Trailhead: 43 miles (1 hour) from Sleep Inn, west on Rt 89 from Page to House Rock Valley Rd, then 8.7 miles south on a rough, dusty dirt road to TH. House Rock Valley Road is passable to cars in dry weather, barring severe runoff damage and steadily ascends 2.5 miles to a saddle separating The Cockscomb and Buckskin Mountain. Ignore the right fork to Fivemile Mountain at the saddle, then descend to a crossing of the Buckskin Gulch wash after 4.4 miles.
NOTES: We will not attempt this hike if there has been rain during the prior month or rain is predicted due to the danger of flash flooding. There may be too much water in the slot to allow passage. A $6 day use permit per person is required. Best practice: purchase this day use permit online at https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/10006177at the Sleep Inn before departing. Permits are also available at the TH via phone & QR code (but cell phone signal may be sketchy). The National Parks Senior Pass does NOT apply! IMPORTANT: The printed permit must be displayed on your car’s dash. If the permit is purchased online or via phone at the TH, the permit number must be written on the cash envelope at theTH and this envelope must be displayed on your car’s dash.
Hike Leaders’ contact info: Paul (480-843-9547)
Warren (651) 343-8256

Alternate hike on Tuesday, March 17: Spencer Trail (4.4 mi; Up to 1600' AEG as determined by group)(out and back)
Trail Description: The trail climbs steeply to a plateau above the steep cliffs of Kayenta and Navajo sandstone that border the north side of Lee's Ferry, giving excellent views south down the river and northeast across Glen Canyon towards Page and Lake Powell. The path is steep, and we will take our time, and decide how far we want to go before we turn around. But if we make it all the way, the views from the top are stunning.

Driving Directions: From the hotel type in "River Trail Trailhead" near Lee's Ferry into Google Maps across Navajo bridge to Marble Canyon and continue on Lee’s Ferry Rd. 5.8 miles to its end where there is a large parking area with restrooms. Park at the gravel parking lot at the end of the paved area where you will see a TH sign.