In south-central Utah, right on the Arizona border, sits Coyote Buttes North a/k/a “The Wave” that only a few hikers a day can get a permit to enter. I’ve entered the lottery many times over the years and never got drawn. Fortunately, the area is filled with other amazing hikes, and this year we tried a new one that starts on the same trail as The Wave.
The Navajo Sandstone began in the Jurassic Era, and the wind from that time is petrified into rock and sculpted again by wind and water. Soon the trail heads into a slot canyon called Wire Pass.
After climbing over and under huge tree that had been swept into the canyon during the flash floods that carve and smooth the walls, the gorge opens briefly into a wonderland of twisted, curling rocks before heading back into the slot canyon.
Wire Pass eventually enters into Buckskin Gulch, which at 17 miles is the longest slot canyon in the world. At the junction of the canyons, a thousand years or so ago, the Ancestral Puebloans carved petroglyphs into the wall.
The opening where the canyons intersect allows you to see how deep the canyon is since you usually can’t see the top while hiking in the narrow gorge.
Buckskin Gulch goes for miles in each direction.
And look in the other direction.
Despite the long dry period, some water still flows at your feet reminding you how the gorge was carved over eons. It also creates lots of mud as the canyon narrows, and discouraged us from hiking further up the canyon.
After a snack to sit and revel in the view, it was time to head back up Wire Pass.
And enjoy the open space of twisted rocks before heading back into the slot.
The slot canyon ends with chances to enjoy more expansive views while walking past the trail to The Wave and hoping to win the lottery some day and hike again in this magical place.
