Check the statistical charts in our Hiker's Guide to Paria Canyon
AZ Hunting Unit :
12b
Location Type:
Arizona Hiking Trail
AZ Region:
North Central Region
Location Description:
Most hikers planning to travel the length of Buckskin Gulch choose Wire Pass as a shortcut, saving a few miles of walking from the Buckskin Trailhead. While Wire Pass serves this purpose well, it also offers a short, pleasant, day-hiking opportunity. In fact, Wire Pass is a slot canyon narrower than either Paria Canyon or Buckskin Gulch. While not as deep as those canyons, it narrows to barely shoulder-width for short distances.
Wire Pass is a short, easy stroll from the trailhead parking area to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch. During hot summer months, its narrow slots provide cool relief from the soaring temperatures in the open sun above. Sometimes the temperature difference can be as much as 15 degrees.
The entire hike follows the usually dry wash bottom. Occasionally, logs can be seen high above, jammed between the slot canyon walls; solid evidence that this bone-dry wash is not dry all the time.