BUCKSKIN GULCH AND PARIA CANYON

Buckskin Gulch is known as the longest slot canyon in the world, and at the same time is one of the most scenic and photogenic.  Many people backpack through the Gulch and finish up at Lees Ferry (a 5 day trip) or at White House Trailhead (typically 2 days).  Permits for overnights are limited and are snatched up well in advance, so I usually consider various day hikes for which only a $5 user fee is requested.   In addition, carrying a lot of camera gear (as in at least two bodies and four lenses, tripod, film, etc.) is more practical in the day-hike mode.

There are several ways to day-hike the Gulch.  a)  Down and back from Wire Pass, where you can go as far in as time allows (give about equal time in and out).  b)  In at Wire Pass, all the way to the confluence with the Paria and back up the Paria River to White House Ruin (~22 miles), followed by a mountain bike ride (~15 miles) back to your car at Wire Pass.   Or  c), drive your car on the dirt road to the middle trail entry for  the Gulch.  Proceed down into the slot and continue around to White House Ruin (~13 miles) followed by a ~10 mile bike ride.  I have done both a) and c), taking 1 day each, in order to see basically the whole Gulch.  Going to the Middle Trail has the advantage of obtaining some spectacular views down over the Gulch from the rim above.  To get to the middle trail, go west past the White House ranger station about a mile and then left on a good dirt road up Long Canyon.  Once you get to the bench, follow the main track (with a little sand) bearing left around to the car park.  Kelsey's map is OK.

The slot itself is a great photogenic experience.  It is not particularly technical but makes up for this with its incredible alcoves, wall sculptures and colorations.  A must do!  Be sure to take a tripod.  I often use a polarizer, even in the dark.  The details in the rock are revealed better at certain polarization angles.

Ref:  Kelsey,  Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau, Kelsey Publishing, 1999.

The BLM ranger station at White House gives useful information and has maps.  They are quite protective about the permitted areas of the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, so don't expect a lot of detailed route advice unless you have a permit.