Most hikers planning to travel the length of Buckskin Gulch choose the 1.7 Wire Pass Trail as a shortcut, saving a few miles of walking from the more arduous Buckskin Trailhead. Wire Pass also offers a pleasant short and easy day-hiking opportunity. While not as deep or difficult to traverse, Wire Pass is a slot canyon that is actually narrower than either Paria Canyon or Buckskin Gulch, barely shoulder-width at some points for short distances. During hot summer months, it provides cool relief from the soaring temperatures above, with a temperature difference of as much as 15 degrees. The entire hike follows the usually-dry wash bottom, but occasionally logs can be seen jammed between the slot canyon walls high above; evidence that the dry bed is not always as tame as it seems. There are two access points to the trailhead, one is via US 89 between Kanab, Utah and
Page,and the other is US 89A between
Fredonia and
Marble Canyon. Fees, reservations and permits are required.