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:
Buckskin Gulch, the primary tributary to Paria Canyon, is recommended for only very experienced and well-prepared hikers. Part of being prepared means knowing weather conditions and Visitor Use Regulations. No drinking water is available in Buckskin Gulch, so carry plenty of water (recommended four quarts of water in the summer for each person per day.) Check the statistical charts in our Hiker's Guide to Paria Canyon, available through ASIA for the time of year best suited to individual or group expectations concerning temperature, flood danger, precipitation, and levels of solitude.
Once inside this narrow canyon, flood potential is high during any period of precipitation. There are few safe exits or camping areas. At Mile 10.5, safe terrain above may be reached by an extremely difficult climb up through cliff walls. If injured, there is little hope for a quick rescue.
Buckskin Gulch presents numerous hiking difficulties such as miles of streambed strewn with small cobble stones making footing difficult, threats of flash floods, large and deep stagnant pools of cold water that may require swimming, and log and rock jams, such as the one encountered at Mile 14.5. This boulder jam may require the use of ropes to assure a safe descent.
Hiking Buckskin Gulch can be challenging. Be prepared with extra clothes to wear for warmth after wading through cold, stagnant pools of water, rather than depending on campfires, which are prohibited in this confined environment.
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