Private Buckskin Gulch Tour: World's Longest Slot Canyon

Inside the world's longest slot canyon: 16 miles of sandstone walls, ancient petroglyphs, and shifting light

A private guided hike into Buckskin Gulch, the world's longest slot canyon near Page, Arizona, where you walk between walls over 500 feet deep and narrow enough in places to touch both sides at once. The tour runs 5 to 9 hours depending on how far into the canyon you go. A guide leads you through water-and-wind-sculpted rock formations and points out ancient petroglyphs. Bottled water and air-conditioned vehicle transport are included. Children from age 5 are welcome, though the hike requires at least moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Buckskin Gulch slot canyon

• Begin hiking at Buckskin Trailhead
• Explore world's longest slot canyon
• Observe sandstone formations and petroglyphs
• Take photography opportunities
• Complete hike and return

The experience

Buckskin Gulch is 16 miles long from the trailhead to where it meets Paria Canyon, and the Bureau of Land Management rates it over 500 feet deep at that confluence. What makes it singular is the walk itself: you are literally inside the canyon walls for the entire route, moving through a corridor of red and orange sandstone that narrows and widens as you go. The rock faces show water-and-wind-carved patterns (swirls, striations, color shifts) that change continuously as light moves through the slot. National Geographic Adventure Magazine ranked it among the top 10 hikes in the world.

Your guide leads you through the canyon at a pace that lets you stop for photographs and to examine the petroglyphs carved into the walls by people from the Archaic period, some dating back 9,000 years. The hike is an alternative to The Wave or South Coyote Buttes if you don't hold a permit for those sites. The tour length varies, 5 to 9 hours, depending on how far into the gulch the group ventures and the conditions underfoot. Your guide decides the turnaround point based on the day and the group's pace. Bottled water is provided, and you travel to and from the trailhead in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The canyon demands at least moderate fitness: the terrain is uneven, there are sections where you step over rocks and through shallow water, and the depth of the slot means no direct sun for much of the walk. Children from age 5 can join, though they need to be comfortable with the physical demands. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from the trailhead.
• private guide in English leading the hike through the canyon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (19 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Seeking Treasure Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hike into a canyon rather than across open desert, and if you're drawn to the geology and ancient rock art as much as the landscape itself. A minimum of three people is required to book, so it works well for small groups or families. Solo travelers or pairs should check availability or consider joining a shared departure if one is offered.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How deep is Buckskin Gulch at its deepest point?

Buckskin Gulch reaches over 500 feet deep where it meets Paria Canyon, and in many sections the canyon walls are narrow enough that you can touch both sides at the same time while walking through.

What kind of petroglyphs will I see on this hike?

The rock writings in Buckskin Gulch date from the Archaic period, with some as old as 9,000 years. Your guide will point them out as you move through the canyon and explain what archaeologists know about them.

How long does the tour actually take?

The tour runs between 5 and 9 hours depending on how far into the canyon the group travels and the pace of the hike. Your guide sets the turnaround point based on the day's conditions and the group's fitness level.

Is this tour a good alternative if I don't have a permit for The Wave?

Yes, Buckskin Gulch is specifically mentioned as a strong alternative to The Wave or South Coyote Buttes when you don't hold a permit for those sites. It was ranked among the top 10 hikes in the world by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

What do I need to bring, and what's included?

Bottled water is provided. You'll need sturdy hiking boots with good grip, sun protection, and a camera if you want to photograph the canyon walls and light. Transport to and from the trailhead is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.