Wire Pass | Utah
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
HOURS
Sunrise to Sunset (Day-use only-No overnight). This permit does not cover access to any other permit area including overnight use for the Paria Canyon, Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), or Coyote Buttes South.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery (The Wave)
- Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery (The Wave)
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BLM enhances permitting process for The Wave in Coyote Buttes North. To learn more visit the Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) Homepage. Apply here.
- Coyote Buttes North Advanced Lottery (The Wave)
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Planning 4 months in advance? To learn more about the Advanced Lottery, visit the Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) Homepage. Apply here.
Paria Canyon Overnight Permits
- Paria Canyon Overnight Permits
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Get permits, human-waste bags, maps & information at these locations:
Arizona Strip District & Public Lands Info. Center
345 E. Riverside Dr.
St. George, UT 84790
435-688-3200
[email protected]Kanab Field Office (permits available for pick up Nov. 16 - Mar. 14)
This is not the Kanab Visitor Center
669 S. Highway 89A
Kanab, UT 84741
435-644-1200
[email protected]Paria Contact Station (permits available for pick up Mar. 15 - Nov. 15)
U.S. Highway 89 (44 miles east of Kanab, Utah)
435-689-0801
[email protected]As a reminder, permits must be picked up in person at the specified location you selected when making your reservation; all trash and solid human waste must be carried out; and all fires are prohibited. For a complete list of Rules & Regulations, visit the "Need to Know" section on Recreation.gov.
Active Advisories & Alerts in Effect
Check out the advisories and alerts in effect to help plan and prepare for your next adventure. Help prevent wildfires! Learn more at Utah - Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).
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Directions
From Kanab, UT drive 37 miles east on Highway 89
From Page, AZ drive 36 miles west on Highway 89
Turn south onto House Rock Valley Road and drive about 8.3 miles to the Wire Pass Trailhead.
The road that accesses the permit area is unpaved and minimally maintained. Most of the time, it is possible to reach the trailhead in a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle. However, four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles may be required when the road is wet. During the rainy season and the winter months, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel-drive.