Comments on: Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 17:51:51 +0000

Good question Greg. I don't have experience with this hike at that specific time of year, but I think your plan is a good one. If the air temperature is going to be hot and sunny (maybe 80+ degree highs), then you'll probably welcome some cool water on your feet. Any colder than 70 or 60 and you'll want some warmth for your feet. Neoprene socks are a great idea for this. The water sources you'll be trudging through aren't super cold, but they would definitely be cold enough to give you a chill if the outside temps aren't hot. Wool socks are also a good idea for warming up cold/wet feet when your hiking day is done. Socks are one of the very few things we're willing to bring an extra pair or two of for comfort and warmth on multi-day trips. Hope that helps!

By: Gregory Broyles

Gregory Broyles — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:01:10 +0000

Hi all,
Thanks to the authors for excellent information. I'm leading a hike from White House to Lee's Ferry the last weekend of April 2020. I'm very excited. I'm trying to disseminate all useful information to my group (six of us, total), and a common question is the water temperature in late April. I'm planning on using neoprene socks (with merino Darn Toughs as spares) with Adidas Terrex river shoes. Trying to persuade others in my group that their feet will be cold more often than hot. Does anyone know what water temps we can expect in the river and its pools during this time of year?

Thanks!

Greg

By: Jim Grayson

Jim Grayson — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:02:04 +0000

Thank you for info! We are planning a day hike in Feb. on Wire pass into Buckskin and then back out the same way. We will have the appropriate clothing for the weather and ice cleats. We would like to avoid any wading if there is water instead of ice for obvious reasons. Any recommendations or suggestions?

By: Matt Donnelly

Matt Donnelly — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 21:36:42 +0000

Hey Dave,
I've read in several trip reviews that the sand and salt in the water causes some pretty irritating rashes on people's legs. Any suggestions on how to prevent that along the trail or treat it once it becomes a problem? Thanks!

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:23:15 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth Hingley.

You're welcome Elizabeth! Honestly, you can't go wrong with either, as both are spectacular. Buckskin is probably my favorite of the two, but the permits are hard to come by. And some people probably prefer Coyote anyway. Have a great trip!

By: Elizabeth Hingley

Elizabeth Hingley — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:22:05 +0000

Hey, thanks for the thorough reviews and recommendations. If we were choosing between Coyote and Buckskin Gulch, which would you recommend? Thanks in advance!

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:43:14 +0000

In reply to Joshua E. Pritchett.

Hi Joshua, I wouldn't be too concerned about pack abrasion on this route, except for the one boulder blockage where you'll have to lower your pack on a rope. You might scrape your pack a bit while lowering it, but if you're careful you'll probably be good. I personally wouldn't worry about it, but that's just my take. Have a great trip!

By: Joshua E. Pritchett

Joshua E. Pritchett — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 18:39:07 +0000

I'm doing Wire Pass to Lee's Ferry at the end of October. I also have an Arc Blast (great pack!). Is there any need to carry a pack cover for this trip due to abrasion, or is that not a concern in Buckskin? Thank You.

By: Florin D

Florin D — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 03:32:11 +0000

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for the information on this website. Very very useful.
I am hoping to do a part of this great hike around the end of May this year but will only have a few hours for it. I am interested in starting at the Wire Pass Trailhead and then going for as much as we like/want.
My question is, in your opinion, what is the best part of the entire hike? Or, in other words, by hiking only a couple of miles from Wire Pass, will we be able to see some of the interesting parts or we will be missing a lot?
And, regarding flash flood danger, is calling/asking at the Paria Ranger Station the best way to check?

Thanks a lot,
Florin

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 20:52:23 +0000

In reply to Brian E.

Hi Brian, good question. If the weather is warm, I doubt you’d need them. The water in the Narrows in Zion would be much colder. That said, if the weather looks cool, or you get cold easily, you might still prefer having them. For me personally, I’d probably leave them behind if the weather was going to be sunny and in the 70s or higher. Hope that helps!