A short hike through a narrow slot canyon to a petroglyph panel and the narrows of Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass provides an enticing introduction to the geological wonders and undeveloped beauty of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

From the Wire Pass Trailhead, visitors begin by hiking a little over a mile down Coyote Wash before entering the narrows of Wire Pass. Two short stretches of narrow canyon lead to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch, where visitors can observe a petroglyph panel before continuing into the Buckskin Gulch narrows or turning around and returning to the trailhead.

Wire Pass is most popularly hiked as a day hike. Wire Pass is also often used as a beginning or end point for overnight trips through Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon. Overnight trips require a Paria Canyon Overnight Permit, which must be reserved in advance and are in limited supply.

Please visit Recreation.gov for further information about overnight permits.

Mileage: Wire Pass Trailhead to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch: approximately 1.7 miles one way. Wire Pass Trailhead to the confluence with Paria Canyon* (via Buckskin Gulch): approximately 13 miles one way. *Please Note: The Paria Canyon Confluence is approximately 7 miles from White House, the nearest trailhead.

For more information, detailed maps, and current conditions, contact the Paria Contact Station, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, UT, or the Arizona Strip Interagency Visitor Center in St. George, UT.

Permit Information

Permits are required for day-use and (overnight-Use sold separate, and in advance) in this area. Permits can be purchased in advance or at the trailhead at
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness (Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and Paria Canyon Overnight) on recreation.gov