About Wire Pass
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
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Wire Pass
Heading to Wire Pass? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Wire Pass?
No central reservation system listed for Wire Pass. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16450) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Wire Pass?
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-…
How do I contact Wire Pass?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-644-1200 or email: utknmail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
