Buckskin Gulch Day Hike

Tom from Backcountry Found got us into and out of the canyon safely. I don't think we would have tried the 100' drop into the canyon without his help. Tom was very patient with us and very knowledgeable about the area. We enjoyed the tour and would do it again. Tom is an excellent guide.

A hike into Buckskin Gulch was recommended to us by a co-worker who is an avid hiker. It is something we wanted to do but were a bit intimidated to tackle this on our own. Tom was an amazing guide for us. He shared his knowledge of the local flora, fauna, history, and geology, making the experience both educational and fascinating. He also helped ensure that our trip was safe and enjoyable from start to finish. No detail was overlooked—drop/off pick up at our hotel; a delicious trail-side lunch; and a refreshing cold drink and snack waiting for us at the end of the hike. We felt completely comfortable and well taken care of throughout the day. He allowed plenty of time to appreciate the incredible scenery and natural beauty around us. We would love to return and explore more of this beautiful part of the country!

Took our Scout troop to Wire Pass down to Lees Ferry. The folks at Back Country Found were easy to deal with, professional, and flexible. Friendly staff and knowledgeable. They picked us up at Lees Ferry and dropped us at Stateline Campground. Perfect!!!

Our guide, Tom was amazing! He helped us navigate the terrain safely as we were inexperienced in this type of hiking. The views were amazing and Tom was wonderful throughout the hike. Would highly recommend!

This shuttle service botched our pickup time and location after very clear communication. Come to find out that it was more convenient to the driver's schedule to be an hour late than it was for our schedule. Messed up and do NOT recommend this company after the owner chose to do nothing to make it right with me.

Our trip through Buckskin Gulch was absolutely magical, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Tom took the four of us on an unforgettable adventure and made our girls’ trip truly the experience of a lifetime. His knowledge, professionalism, and genuine passion for what he does made every moment special. If I could give more than five stars, I absolutely would. Tom created memories for us that we’ll be talking about for years to come. Highly, highly recommend!

We booked this tour without knowing the true difficulty of the hike down to Buckskin. We were contacted last minute by our tour guide, who explained to us the level of difficulty of a almost 100 foot tall Scramble 3 hike down to get to the Canyon, something we couldnt possible do. Thankfully, Alex our super cool and knowledgeable guide, went out of hid way to take us to a different hike so that we didn't lose the money and live the experience of hiking through Buckskin. We ended up entering the Canyon through Wired Pass, it was super pretty and felt otherwordly. For us the experience was unforgettable and worth it. We spent 5 hours walking a 5 mile trail walking through mud, puddles and amazing places. Truly memorable. Please read all the description carefully as this experience could be too hard for you, just as it was for us.

Tom was very helpful and friendly, he gave us lots of information about the canyon. Would happily use these guys again!!!!!

Absolutely 💯 one of the best hikes we have done with a guide!! Even with a class 3 scramble going down into the Gulch, our guide Tom was very knowledgeable and patient! While in the Gulch, every corner you turned down was yet another postcard view! And Absolutely MUST while staying in Utah!!

This tour was an unforgettable experience, and is a must do for every one looking to do adventurous activities in the largest slot canyon in the world. We went through the middle route, having to climb and descend rock formations, and walk in the water between the giant walls of sandstone. The guide Tabby is a super experienced hiker and we did 17 miles in approximately 6 hours! There was nobody down there too. The tour company also provides lunch, snacks and a pickup and drop off at Page. I really recommend it!

Buckskin Gulch is a really wild and magnificent place, so different from crowded Antelopes. We enjoyed a lot this hike even if it was a little tough for us, Thanks also to our great guide Alex.

My husband and I are experienced backpackers, but with reduced physical capabilities as we are now seniors. We thoroughly enjoyed are hike up the Middle Route from Buckskin Gulch to the trailhead with Wagner from Backcountry Found as our guide. To ensure that we did not miss the Middle Route trail, Wagner had showed up early to our meeting spot within Buckskin Gulch about 7 miles from the Buckskin Gulch/Paria River confluence. With his guidance we were able to scramble up the steep part of this route and subsequently enjoy the history, geology, flora and fauna of the desert atop the gulch. Wagner brought the desert alive with his entertaining and knowledgeable conversation, all the while finding shady spots for a rest, providing tips on footing and generally looking out for our safety. When we reached his van for a shuttle back to our car, a variety of ice cooled drinks awaited. It was a perfect end to our five day backpack trip that had started Lees Ferry.

Wow! My experience with Tom being my guide was great! He was responsive to my messages from day one. As a solo traveler, I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed it as much w/o Tom, he was knowledgeable and shared historic Info. He was very accommodating and held my dog Saiije when she seemed tired. We had great conversation and I felt safe. He captured great photos and brought a delicious healthy lunch. I intend on having tom as my guide for Grand Canyon in the future. Thank you for an amazing and memorable birthday!!

I highly recommend this experience. Buckskin Gulch is nature at its best - and with Tabby, our tour guide, we had such a knowledgeable and lovely tourguide to experience it with! Tabby was able to flex the tour due to my fear of heights, she took good care of us (1 adult, 2 teenagers) explaining the surroundings and natural phenomena we saw, made us a sweet lunch and we had chilled drinks and watermelon waiting for us at the end of this amazing hike. We loved Buckskin Gulch, and we loved Tabby!

It was truly an adventure we were looking for. Our guide, Tabatha Conteras, gave us energy, courage and strength that we would never think we would have to make this hike. She was strong, supportive and resourceful! We totally enjoyed it and, of course, absolutely recommend this trip (for experienced hikers!)

The Buckskin Gulch day hike with Alex was amazing! I took my 17-year-old son who had no problems up and down the canyon wall, I on the other hand was nervous, but Alex was calm and guided me right through it without a scratch. The hike was great, and views were awesome. I would have to say the most strenuous part was the very end back to the vehicle, mostly because it was the hottest part of the day and it's a sandy uphill walk. I recommend to anyone in the area.

Had an incredible experience with Wagner and Shelby and another couple. The whole experience was amazing including the climbing down and back up the 100 foot face of rock to the culture and views of the gulch and slot. Some of the most spectacular views and history on the rock formations will ever experience. The guide made it special and enjoyable. You will also learn about the vegetation in the area. They will tell you to bring a lot of water and that is true statement. My wife and I brought 6 litters of water and definitely bring a backpack and snacks. The clothes you wear is key beginning with a hat, long sleeve shirt and pants. Bring extra if you want to wear less. Sunscreen a must. We’re 66 and 67 and made it through the day. Best experience ever.

Todd had to pivot on where the hike was going to be due to weather. He led a wonderful hike! Highly recommend. Very communicative & accomdating. He also has lots of outdoor experience.

It’s one of the best day hike I have done. I have done many many best day hikes in USA, even though this one is not on the list, it should be. It challenges me both mentally and physically, mostly because the climbing involved in this middle rout to hike Buckskin Gulch. It’s definitely class 4 climbing, but my guide, Tom, is spectacular in guiding me through this tough section. Tom is amazingly knowledgeable and pleasant. I enjoyed this hike tremendously. I don’t think you should try this yourself without a guide unless you are an experienced climber. It’s too risky

My wife and I took a tour provided by Dreamland Safari Tours in Buckskin Gulch. We are seniors and were looking for something commensurable with our age, yet fun and some challenge. The tour exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Jen (Janet Roberts) was excellent. She took us to the Wire Pass, and not to the beginning of the Buckskin Gulch as signs showed, saving us about 14 miles of boring hike in a wash. Without the guide we would have been lost, as we saw quite a few parties that needed Jen's help finding their way. Road to the wide pass is not paved and generally passable by an average SUV, but it is clay, so it is very slippery when even slightly wet, and quite bumpy. Navigating it needs experience and I suggest using a guide. Wire pass requires a bit of scramble, but Jen was excellent in showing us how to navigate the drops and boulders obstructing the way. In one place with especially high drop there is new ladder installed, so no more rope or bypass requiring mount goat skills (although Jen competently led us over the cliffs - the ladder is so new, it was installed just a couple of days before our hike). Jen was excellent in managing time, showing us the way, and points of interest along it. And I can honestly say that we would not have competed the hike without her, as the obstacles in the canyon looked pretty serious; we would have just turned back and did not get to see the splendor of the Gulch. It is as spectacular as you can read in all other reviews. The pictures are breathtaking, tall vertical walls on the sides of the narrow pathway. It is quite dangerous to hike there, as the water during flash floods comes up high, carries enormous boulders (as we saw them deposited on the floor), and there is absolutely nowhere to hide if you get caught. But guides monitor the weather conditions and take you there only if there no danger whatsoever. Jen told us quite few stories about rescues, and she carries with her a satellite phone (there is no cellular reception anywhere there) and first aid kit. The tour is totally worth it, and we got so many memories out of it. Dreamland provided great service, no hiccups whatsoever, and our guide Jen gave us great experience accompanied with very interesting stories. Overall, we highly recommend this tour.

It was a great alternative to antelope canyon, it's free, it's desolate, its very pretty. Just one drawback I did see a snake but that is to be expected in the wilderness.

My husband (50) and I (40) did the Buckskin Gulch Day Hike with Todd. On May 4th. We did a lot of adventure activities on this trip, and this was hands down our favorite one! We hiked with only two other hikers, and the whole day was very relaxed. I was a little scared climbing down the rock face, but Todd made me feel at ease, and told me every move to make. I had never done anything remotely like that before, and it was not as bad as I made it out to be in my mind. We had a great lunch, lots of picture opportunities, and a nice stroll through the slot canyon. We saw only two other people besides our group. The hike out is the only part i would really say is strenuous. It’s hot and sandy and uphill. You don’t have to be in tip top shape to do this hike, but I wouldn’recommend it for minimally active people. So thankful for Todd and his excellent communication, calm demeanor, and easy going nature. Would recommend this to anyone who is physically able. I think we will be back to do the whole hike! Kevin and Mary Colorado Springs

My son Tate and I absolutely loved this hike. It was challenging (probably more for me than my 13 year old) but our tour guide Tom was great. There was laughter, smiles and overall fun. Tom's passion about the environment, the history and the hike itself was evident every step of the way. You will not only get a great workout, you will also learn in the process. The views were spectacular as well. It was a magical experience and I urge everyone contemplating this hike to do it! This hike will forever be etched into our memories.

We booked this guided hike even though we are experienced hikers who would rarely consider needing a guide and we were so happy we had Tom to guide us. We were the only 2 people in the group (and we only saw 8 other people during the entire hike). Tom knew just how much to talk to us to provide geological, nature and historical information while making sure we didn't miss a good viewing point; while allowing time for quiet reflection on the amazing wonders we experienced. He brought a wonderful lunch spread which we shared on a rock in the gulch. I was a little worried about the downclimb into the middle of the gulch, due to a fear of heights. Turns out that it's tiered, so that you never look straight down more than about 20 feet, so my fears were not triggered. The climb up was a little tricky for my short legs, but Tom was there to help. We are still talking about this to everyone who will listen! BEST DECISION OF THE TRIP - to book this tour.

Absolutely amazing! Wagner was a great guide and full of knowledge. We had the entire hike to ourselves, which was so peaceful and humbling. I recommend this hike, and will probably do it again next time I’m in the area!

This was an amazing trip and the highlight of our vacation. Tom was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable about the area and the hike itself. It is a challenging hike getting down into the gulch but once we were in it we did not see another person all day!

One of the coolest adventures I’ve ever done! I finally stumbled upon Backcountry Found after calling multiple companies in the area and none of them were running Buckskin hikes due to slow season. There were no groups going out I could join, and the other companies were quoting me an insane price to go solo. I wrote to Backcountry Found and they said it would be no problem to take me by myself at their standard price, which was very reasonable compared to other companies as well! They were great to communicate with and my guide Wagner called me the night before to go over all details. I’m pretty confident in my athletic abilities, but am not a super experienced hiker. I was legitimately nervous about the rock scramble, but after reading other reviews I felt like I could do it. Wagner is probably one of the best guides I’ve ever had. His manner put me very at ease when tackling the scramble into the canyon, and he showed me handhold by handhold and foothold by foothold exactly how to execute each step to get me to the bottom safely. He really seems to be an expert hiker, especially in this area, and knows Buckskin Gulch inside and out. I felt extremely safe with him guiding me. A super cool part of the rock scramble is that the Middle Route is actually marked by ancient footholds created by indigenous people and petroglyphs guiding you down into the canyon, so you are literally following in the footsteps of the canyon’s ancestors who executed the same route time and time again over the years. So much cooler than simply hiking into the canyon! I would say that as long as you don’t have major mobility issues, have good shoes with tread, and you follow Wagner’s directions, you will be fine on this part of the hike. Successfully executing the scramble will give you such a huge sense of accomplishment! I would highly recommend Backcountry Found because of this amazing guided experience. Yes, you can do Buckskin on your own, but the usual trafficked routes lead you into huge puddles of mud and water where most people have to abandon the hike and don’t see much. This was an amazing full day adventure; the rock scramble Middle Route drops you off right in the middle of the canyon so you see the best (and driest) parts to hike and as much of the muddier, but photogenic, first section of the canyon as you wish to explore. Since the groups are so small, or private, you can really do as much or little as you want to do and completely customize your experience. Wagner did an amazing job at teaching me about geologic formations and the cultural history of the area; we saw so many cool petroglyphs and ancient artifacts that I would never, ever have noticed myself! He also has a lot of photography experience and took some great shots of me, and I was able to get some cool photos of the canyon myself. I would definitely not have appreciated this hike so much if I had simply gone myself on the standard route. In addition, this route is extremely infrequently trafficked; we only saw 2 other people on the trail and absolutely no one in the canyon the whole day. It is such a must do for nature and adventure lovers. I would absolutely love to hike with Backcountry Found again and you should as well! Ask for Wagner as your guide!

Best hike ever. My guide Wagner was amazing, he made me feel at ease and knew what he was going to T. Highly recommend, the most incredible hike ever!

I am almost speechless at this experience. It was that amazing. As this was not the private tour, we were not sure if there would be another group joining us. There wasn’t so it was just my friend, myself and our guide, Tom. Tom did a great job coordinating when to pick us up from our hotel as well as checking on any dietary restrictions since he provided lunch. The hike itself was great but Tom made this whole trip that much better. Personally, I am mildly wary of heights. Tom was an excellent guide in navigating us down the gulch. The 100ft descent may sound daunting but it was no sweat. The slot canyon offers incredible photo opportunities and is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure. An added bonus is that Buckskin has very little foot traffic. We saw a total of five other hikers on our trek. You really do get a personalized experience. As long as you are comfortable with some mild rock scaling, this trip is for you!

Amazing hike with Wagner Kelley as our guide. It was myself and my 2 teenage kids (15 and 18). Wagner called me 2 days before to go over the meet time, place, and any preparations needed. He met us early at 6:30am due to the predicted heat of the day of 108 degrees. He drove us to the trailhead in his van. What an amazing hike! Wagner immediately began talking to us about the native americans cultures, the geography, the plant life. He was so knowledgeable. Our descent into the canyon was so cool. What a gorgeous hike with spectacular formations, petroglyphs. He had packed a delicious lunch for us and allowed us to go at our own pace- never pushing. The ascent out of the canyon was more difficult for me because the rocks were so hot! Once out he was very patient with us and took it slowly finding multiple shade stops because it was 105 degrees when we hiked the last mile back to the van. All together we put in about 6 miles. At the van he had drinks and watermelon in a cooler. We only saw 2 other people on the hike so it was like we had the place to ourselves. I felt safe the whole time with our guide's experience and knowledge of the terrain. 100% satisfied and what an incredible day. My kids loved it too! Highly recommend if you are up for an adventure.

Highly recommend booking the Buckskin Gulch Day Hike! Absolutely gorgeous walking through the gulch. Our guide, Marci from Backcountry Found, was very knowledgeable and pointed out several different sights/features along the hike. Backcountry Found made all the arrangements (getting permits, providing transportation, packing snacks and lunch, etc). All we had to do was be ready for a fun adventure! Thank you Marci for guiding us on an amazing hike!

Class 3 scramble down/up. 10 miles total. 27,000 steps. Coolest thing - by far - we’ve ever done. It wasn’t easy. But it was so so worth it. Thank you Tom and Backcountry Found for the adventure of a lifetime.

This hiking experience was incredible. Our guides Tom and Todd did an outstanding job of guiding us into the gulch and providing a lot of interesting information along the way. Part of the trip involves navigation of a sandstone scramble that could have been very challenging without the proper guidance. Our guides got us down with ease. The gulch was extremely beautiful and we saw very few people during our few hours there. It made for fantastic photo opportunities. We were extremely happy that we decided to book this trip and without hesitation, would take another trip with the guides of Backcountry Found.

Tom and Todd were great! Very knowledgeable and helpful! Tom was patient and helped us navigate. Lunch was yummy and I would reco them to anyone wanting to experience a truly awesome adventure and a must see destination!

This was an incredible experience and only improved by the knowledge, expertise, patience and kindness displayed by Tom! Even better that not many hikers go through there so you get to connect with nature in an awesome way! Subliminal aspects like the sound of the wind picking up through the slot or the sun beaming through different spots, vegetation add to the imposing character of the slot! Thanks to the guides for facilitating this experience and memorializing the experience with the great photographs!

From first contact, Tom and Todd were wonderful to deal with. My friend was not sure she was up for the downclimb into the canyon on their day hike. Todd sent photos and she decided it was doable. On the day, Tom assisted and all went smoothly. Around ever corner were amazing photo ops, Tom suggested best spots for photos and took a bunch too which he later shared. He pointed out petroglyphs (which we would've walked straight past without knowing) and provided a delicious lunch. The canyon is simply stunning and even though you don't need a guide, Tom's time and guidance were worth every penny (as well as being a knowledgeable and genuinely nice guy). We only saw two others in the canyon while there. Such a wonderful must do experience!

Absolutely incredible experience getting to climb down on the canyon and explore. Todd was my guide and was so thoughtful and knowledgeable of the area and had lots of anecdotes to share. I felt well cared for and had a super time!

This was an amazing experience! I've done Antelope and this was so much more special. Tom took four of us though the Middle Route of Buckskin Gulch and his expertise and knowledge made it a great hike. He showed us numerous petroglyphs, different plants used by the ancient natives, interesting features of the canyon and more. We hiked a total of 11 miles or so out and back and never saw anyone else. This hike is not for everyone, it does require a steep scramble up and down the entry into the canyon, but if you overcome any fear of heights it can be done. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone looking for a unique experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

I went on a 5 day Paria River/Buckskin Gulch with my brother and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Tom and Todd are thoughtful, prepared and knowledgeable guides that made this a very enjoyable trip. Amazing food - check, cool side excursions - yup and a wicked good time had by all. I will be finding my way back to AZ to spend more time with them as soon as I can!

Nick is amazing guide. He was very patience and knowledgeable about the canyon. He never rush us on the hike and we had a lot of time to explore the canyon. Nick is very passionate about his job and loves being outdoors. I was glad I went to Buckskin canyon instead of the Antelope valley canyon. It was less crowded and you almost had the canyon to yourself.

We are a group of four seniors who wanted to experience hiking in a slot canyon. We found the perfect guide who was considerate, knowledgeable, and who paid attention to every detail of our day hike experience. This was a difficult hike for us, but thanks to Tom we made it through safely and were so very proud of our success in completing the hike. At no time were we rushed, and Tom made sure we were safe at all times. We also enjoyed his explanation of the natural beauty and things native to the area. We were lucky enough to find an excellent tour company, Backcountry Found, but even more important was owner-guide who helped us create an exceptional experience.

My partner and I were the only hikers on this trip guided by the wonderful Todd. This private adventure blew our minds. I was initially dying to go to Antelope Canyon because it was all I knew, but as it was closed, I researched an alternative slot canyon. I came across this day hike in my research and decided to give it a try. I cannot be more happy we did. I would recommend this over Antelope Canyon to anyone. We barely saw another soul the entire day and felt like we had the entire canyon to ourselves. Todd was excellent at showing us all the best parts of the canyon at our own speed and leisure. He even took the most epic pictures of us along the way. Definitely the best photos of our vacation. He was also a wealth of information of the area and very fun to chat with. The climb down into the canyon was a bit scary at points but even with a fear of heights we made it! However it’s definitely not for those with an extreme fear of heights or physical limitations. However, if you are fit enough for a trek through the desert and a rather steep climb, it’s definitely worth it. I cannot say enough good things about this hike. And very importantly, the lunch was delicious!

Tom is EXCELLENT and Buckskin Gulch is AWESOME! Tom is knowledgable, friendly, confident and patient. Not for the faint of heart, the hike begins and ends with a scramble into, and out of, the Gulch. Admittedly, I was a little scared but Tom expertly guided, coached, helped and cheered me to the bottom and back up again. Our time in Buckskin Gulch was amazing. If you are a fan of slot canyons this is not to be missed. Please leave only foot prints if you go, help keep our beautiful places pristine. We are already planning our trip back, and if/when we go, Tom will be our guide!

Tom took us (my wife and I) on a great hike. He selected a perfect location for us. We wanted something sort of off the beaten path that would challenge us but not challenge us too much lol. He coached us through the 3 or 4 moments of technical stretches. Even though we were intimidated by the physical challenge, Tom did great at reassuring us and coaching us through. Most of the hike was easy walking through beautiful canyon. He let us choose our distance and breaks. He also helped us on picture duty. Turns out he’s not a bad photographer as all of his photos turned out better than ours lol. Clearly there is a trick to understanding how to manage the different layers of light in a slot canyon picture and Tom knows the trick. We are novices. We had no special equipment. Very little preparation or planning (take water, snacks, and sturdy shoes). And we left the day with a great sense of accomplishment and novel experience! He even picked us up and dropped us off at our BnB accommodations. And btw, Tom is a very laid back fun guy. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, can carry a conversation, but also happy to let us enjoy the quiet nature around us.

Tom is an EXCELLENT guide! He is extremely knowledgeable and made us feel at ease. Great experience!

My wife and I had wanted to go to Buckskin Gulch for a number of years, but we were a little intimidated. Having thought about it for a number of years and hearing so many great things about Buckskin, our expectations were very high. Luckily we found a guide that was up for the challenge of exceeding our very high expectations. After COVID restrictions started to loosen up in Utah, we decided to take a quick weekend trip. We wanted to do buckskin, but we didn’t have the permits that are required to backpack into the slot (very difficult to get and you need to get them well in advance). We wanted to make sure we found an experience that could give us a great adventure outdoors, but also that would be safe during this challenging time. Todd at Backcountry Found was great on both (and all) accounts. The experience that BackCountry Found has put together is completely unique and extraordinary. You drop into the middle section of the Buckskin, which allows you to experience above and below the drop-in point. The middle section drop-in can be hard to find and a bit daunting, so having Todd was the perfect way to experience it. It’s an experience that we will never forget. What was really cool about the approach that Todd took was his attention to detail. He paid attention to all the details, most of which we would have never thought of. Todd delivered by making sure we had snacks, a nice lunch, and a cold drink after the long hike. He was also extremely patient, ensuring that we had the experience we were looking for. We couldn’t have thought of a better experience. Todd also knew amazing details around the botany in the area, which proved to be super interesting. Todd knew where petroglyphs were that we would have most certainly missed. In fact, Todd was gracious enough to point out those petroglyphs to other hikers that had missed them. I don’t think I realized just how unique this experience was. In my experience, no other guides offer this same adventure. The opportunity of dropping in the middle of the canyon was a key to this being such an excellent adventure. You bypass the long portion of the top hike, you bypass the oft-times ridiculously deep water that can sometimes plague the top portion, but you get the best parts of the canyon. You get a perfect dose of everything you look for in an outdoor adventure. Now we just need to figure out how to go on a guided trip with Backcountry Found down the Grand Canyon!

A great hike with Tom, unforgettable adventure, fun, full of surprises thanks to the canyon crossing. Thanks to Tom for his kindness and his explanations of the local flora and fauna and for making us dream.