Hiked Buckskin Gulch with Grand Circle Tours. Owner Kyle was most accommodating to our many questions. Our guide Angie was so informative and tailored the hike to our desires and skills. We learned so much, had an incredible hike and saw amazing natural rock formations.
Gottport
Gottport Cape May, NJ
We booked a tour to White Pockets from Page, Arizona with Grand Circle Tours. Angie is a great guide. She was very organized in the logistics of the tour, and made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and flexible with the schedule.
Bananamom45
Bananamom45 Los Angeles, CA
The famous TeePees of Vermilion Cliffs. Amazing views! Breathtaking experience! Angie was so accommodating to our group and was a wealth of knowledge. An experience we won’t forget!
AHarrington3
AHarrington3 Dyersburg, TN
Buckskin Gulch Guided Hiking Tour


Grand Circle Tours - Vermilion Cliffs

Grand Circle Tours is pleased to offer exciting and safe small group hiking and photography tours to The Vermilion Cliffs, including The Wave, Buckskin Gulch, Coyote Buttes North, Coyote Buttes South, White Pocket, and The Tee Pees. For tours of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and St. George area please call or visit our other website GrandCircleTours.net for 7 additional tours.

The outstanding scenery, desert wildlife, colorful history, and opportunities for primitive recreation of Vermilion Cliffs will remain free of man's influence and be protected for future generations by the Bureau of Land Management, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful ecological formations in the world. The Cliffs are located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Nowhere will you find a comparable concentration of such varied geologic phenomena. There is more sandstone in this area than anywhere on earth, making it the number one choice for landscape photographers.

Tours to White Pocket are primarily vehicle-based, while the Coyote Buttes, Teepees, Buckskin Gulch, and Wire Pass Canyon are hiking trips.

The hikes to Buckskin Gulch, Coyote Buttes, and The Wave typically last 7 to 8 hours in total. We provide bottled water and snacks during the journey, but you can also bring your Camelback, personal food and anything else you want to bring for the day.

Grand Circle Tours is a company licensed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and has operated locally for over 20 years with safe, enclosed vehicles and fully insured guides. Our number one goal is always safety and providing an unforgettable day of nature and photography. Each of our trips will be small groups to ensure a personal experience. We currently offer VIP custom trips to any of the areas mentioned on our site. These are available upon request. Vermilion Cliffs casts a spell, not unlike Sedona with astounding views of golden and red sandstone known throughout the Colorado Plateau. It’s a powerful experience not to be missed. Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy! Thanks for your consideration.

Offering 8 New Hiking Tours for 2023!

Book your Dream Adventure Now!

Grand Circle Tours offers exclusive hiking tours of The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

+ Buckskin Trailhead

This is an all-day canyon hike with the option to venture out of the wash and onto rock formations that rival The Wave and White Pockets.
Tour Details ->

+ Wirepass Trailhead

This section of Buckskin is the right choice if you're looking for slot canyons with excellent light for photography.
Tour Details ->

+ Middle Route

This tour requires navigating down into the Gulch revealing views of White Pockets, North & South Coyote Buttes, and large parts of the Buckskin itself.
Tour Details ->

+ Double Trouble

This is a combined hike to both the Wire Pass and Buckskin trailheads, providing an epic day of desert slot canyon hiking.
Tour Details ->

+ White Pocket

The White Pocket guided tour in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the go-to spot for the serious photographer.
Tour Details ->

+ Coyote Buttes South

This tour requires a much shorter hike than the North tour and is considerably more varied from a photographer’s point of view.
Tour Details ->

+ Coyote Buttes North

The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North tour, is a world-famous destination. Permit required.
Tour Details ->

+ The Tee Pees

Hiking to the Teepee formation is an excellent hike in spring, fall, and winter.
Tour Details ->

11 Additional Tours at GreaterZionTours.net

Visit our other website, GreaterZionTours.net, for tours of Zion National Park.

7 Additional Tours at GrandCircleTours.net

Visit our other website, GrandCircleTours.net, for additional tours and different locations.

Tour 5
Coyote Buttes North
Length: 7 Miles (min)
Difficulty: Strenuous (summer) / Moderate (off-season)
Cost: $199.00 - 2 person minimum
(Child $99.00)

Book Now
The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North tour, is a world-famous destination. If you are one of the lucky few, who have a permit to enter Coyote Buttes North, you are in for a real treat.
Wave formations are made of Jurassic-age Navajo sandstone and are approximately 190 million years old. Scientists who study The Wave tell us that ancient dunes became compacted rock over time, calcifying in vertical and horizontal layers. Erosion by wind and rain created the spectacular landscape that appears today. A good time for photographing The Wave is during the few hours around mid-day when there are no shadows in the center, although early morning and late afternoon shadows can also make for dramatic photos. Pools of water that form after a rainstorm can also provide great shooting opportunities.
Guided hikes to The Wave take about an hour and a half. The total distance is approximately six to seven miles, while photo tours often total 10-12 miles. Fruit and bottled water are provided. There is some walking uphill and through sandy and rocky areas, this is not a challenging hike. Be aware that summertime temperatures reach triple digits and can cause heat exhaustion. We have guided several hundred Wave tours and can lead you to special photo ops. We take your safety very seriously. You should be in good shape to tackle this tour.
BLM PERMIT REQUIRED
Daily Lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909
Advanced Lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309
BLM Permit Information: Permit Information

Tour 5
Coyote Buttes North
Length: 7 Miles (min)
Difficulty: Strenuous (summer) / Moderate (off-season)
Cost: $199/person or $269 Photo Tour
Book Now
The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North tour, is a world-famous destination. If you are one of the lucky few, who have a permit to enter Coyote Buttes North, you are in for a real treat.
Wave formations are made of Jurassic-age Navajo sandstone and are approximately 190 million years old. Scientists who study The Wave tell us that ancient dunes became compacted rock over time, calcifying in vertical and horizontal layers. Erosion by wind and rain created the spectacular landscape that appears today. A good time for photographing The Wave is during the few hours around mid-day when there are no shadows in the center, although early morning and late afternoon shadows can also make for dramatic photos. Pools of water that form after a rainstorm can also provide great shooting opportunities.
Guided hikes to The Wave take about an hour and a half. The total distance is approximately six to seven miles, while photo tours often total 10-12 miles. Fruit and bottled water are provided. There is some walking uphill and through sandy and rocky areas, this is not a challenging hike. Be aware that summertime temperatures reach triple digits and can cause heat exhaustion. We have guided several hundred Wave tours and can lead you to special photo ops. We take your safety very seriously. You should be in good shape to tackle this tour.
BLM PERMIT REQUIRED
Daily Lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909
Advanced Lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309
BLM Permit Information: Permit Information

 

Coyote Buttes South Guided Hiking Tour The Tee Pees Guided Hiking Tour

Tour 5
White Pocket Tour
Length: 2-3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $269.00 - 2 person minimum
($135 Child)

Book Now
The White Pocket guided tour in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the go-to spot for the serious photographer. Grand Circle Tours has been exploring this area for over ten years, and we’ve identified several top sites which make for beautiful pictures. This is a delicate area, as the fragile fin-like rocks can be easily damaged. Our guides will show you the best places for the hiker and the photographer. The elevation of White Pocket is around 6000 feet which makes it a bit cooler than other Cliffs locations like Teepees and Coyote Buttes. Road conditions through the southern section of Vermilion Cliffs will dictate the specific length of the trip. White Pocket is an area often described as “another planet,” but, we assure you, it's in Arizona, and no visa is required other than a sense of adventure. We use an SUV 4x4 to negotiate the difficult backcountry roads, and our group sizes are at five or less to keep the experience intimate. The whole area can be seen in one to two hours of hiking. This is a straightforward hike for anyone able to walk over uneven rocks. We’ll work with you individually to discuss optimal lighting conditions on photographic tours. Custom overnight tours are available on request. Tour includes fruit and bottled water.

Tour 5
White Pocket Tour
Length: 2-3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $269/person or $299 Photo Tour
Book Now
The White Pocket guided tour in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the go-to spot for the serious photographer. Grand Circle Tours has been exploring this area for over ten years, and we’ve identified several top sites which make for beautiful pictures. This is a delicate area, as the fragile fin-like rocks can be easily damaged. Our guides will show you the best places for the hiker and the photographer. The elevation of White Pocket is around 6000 feet which makes it a bit cooler than other Cliffs locations like Teepees and Coyote Buttes. Road conditions through the southern section of Vermilion Cliffs will dictate the specific length of the trip. White Pocket is an area often described as “another planet,” but, we assure you, it's in Arizona, and no visa is required other than a sense of adventure. We use an SUV 4x4 to negotiate the difficult backcountry roads, and our group sizes are at five or less to keep the experience intimate. The whole area can be seen in one to two hours of hiking. This is a straightforward hike for anyone able to walk over uneven rocks. We’ll work with you individually to discuss optimal lighting conditions on photographic tours. Custom overnight tours are available on request. Tour includes fruit and bottled water.

 

Buckskin Gulch Guided Hiking Tour Coyote Buttes South Guided Hiking Tour

Tour 5
The Tee Pees
Length: 4-6 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
Cost: $229.00 - 2 person minimum
(Child $115.00)

Book Now
Hiking to the Teepee formation is an excellent hike in spring, fall, and winter. Summer can be sweltering if you don’t head out early in the morning. This hike can take anywhere from one to two hours each way, depending on individual abilities and trail conditions. Two sets of teepee rocks are quite tall and photogenic. The hike is primarily through sand, so this can be difficult for some, but those who can manage this tour will be amazed at these formations. Rarely do we see other visitors, so we should have the place to ourselves just about any time of the year. The walk between the two teepees’ locations takes about 15 minutes. Touring time for this hike is 7-8 hours.

Tour 5
The Tee Pees
Length: 4-6 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
Cost: $199/person or $269 Photo Tour
Book Now
Hiking to the Teepee formation is an excellent hike in spring, fall, and winter. Summer can be sweltering if you don’t head out early in the morning. This hike can take anywhere from one to two hours each way, depending on individual abilities and trail conditions. Two sets of teepee rocks are quite tall and photogenic. The hike is primarily through sand, so this can be difficult for some, but those who can manage this tour will be amazed at these formations. Rarely do we see other visitors, so we should have the place to ourselves just about any time of the year. The walk between the two teepees’ locations takes about 15 minutes. Touring time for this hike is 7-8 hours.
 

 

Coyote Buttes North Guided Hiking Tour Buckskin Gulch Guided Hiking Tour

Tour 5
Coyote Buttes South
Length: 4-6 Miles
Difficulty: Strenuous (summer) / Moderate off-season
Cost: $199.00 - 2 person minimum
(Child $99.00)

Book Now
This tour requires a much shorter hike than the North tour and is considerably more varied from a photographer’s point of view. This is a BLM permit area and attracts fewer visitors due to difficult roads. Special vehicles are required to visit this area, and our guides have the experience you will need. The southern section of Coyote Buttes South has two areas: Paw Hole and Cottonwood. They both feature the giant “teepees” photographers love to shoot. Each is very different from the other. Paw Hole displays more of the deep red iron oxide sandstone than other areas inside the Monument. Offering several delicate and colorful walls, this is an excellent choice for anyone interested in sweeping vistas and fine detail. Lace rock is another great discovery in this section and is showcased in many coffee table books of the area. Cottonwood is another 45 minutes to an hour past Paw Hole. It has a more prominent orange and yellow cast to it. We suggest choosing one area for your tour, as they are both exceptional destinations and should not be rushed. If you are more interested in hiking than photography, it is possible to see quite a large area in Coyote Buttes South. Photographers have consistently rated this section more highly than the Coyote Buttes North area due to the sheer volume of subjects to shoot.
Fruit and bottled water are provided.
BLM PERMIT REQUIRED: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/16851
BLM Permit Information: Permit Information

Tour 5
Coyote Buttes South
Length: 4-6 Miles
Difficulty: Strenuous (summer) / Moderate off-season
Cost: $199/person or $269 Photo Tour
Book Now
This tour requires a much shorter hike than the North tour and is considerably more varied from a photographer’s point of view. This is a BLM permit area and attracts fewer visitors due to difficult roads. Special vehicles are required to visit this area, and our guides have the experience you will need. The southern section of Coyote Buttes South has two areas: Paw Hole and Cottonwood. They both feature the giant “teepees” photographers love to shoot. Each is very different from the other. Paw Hole displays more of the deep red iron oxide sandstone than other areas inside the Monument. Offering several delicate and colorful walls, this is an excellent choice for anyone interested in sweeping vistas and fine detail. Lace rock is another great discovery in this section and is showcased in many coffee table books of the area. Cottonwood is another 45 minutes to an hour past Paw Hole. It has a more prominent orange and yellow cast to it. We suggest choosing one area for your tour, as they are both exceptional destinations and should not be rushed. If you are more interested in hiking than photography, it is possible to see quite a large area in Coyote Buttes South. Photographers have consistently rated this section more highly than the Coyote Buttes North area due to the sheer volume of subjects to shoot.
Fruit and bottled water are provided.
BLM PERMIT REQUIRED: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/16851
BLM Permit Information: Permit Information

 

White Pocket Guided Hiking Tour Coyote Buttes North Guided Hiking Tour

Tired of the crowds in Antelope Canyon? Want to actually go on a slot canyon hike for more than 25 minutes? Buckskin Gulch is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest and possibly the world. It is located in the southern section of the Kanab Field Office along the border with Arizona. This canyon is a major tributary of the Paria Canyon and the Colorado River. Grand Circle Tours offers multiple tour options for all skill levels and interests to explore the Buckskin and its tributaries. These tours are available without a permit and can be booked online via our website. When making a reservation, please remember to note the section of Buckskin you’d like to explore. All tour prices include a $6 per day BLM usage fee.
4 Tours - Starting at just $185 per person.
Tour 1
Buckskin Trailhead
Length: 3-6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Cost: $199.00 - 2 person minimum
(Child $99.00)

Book Now
Tour 2
Wirepass Trailhead
Length: 4-6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $199.00 - 2 person minimum
(Child $99.00)

Book Now
Tour 3
Middle Route
Length: 5-8 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Cost: $220.00 - 2 person minimum

Book Now
Tour 4
Double Trouble
Length: 8 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $239.00 - 2 person minimum
(Child $120.00)

Book Now
Tour 1
Buckskin Trailhead
Length: 3-6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Cost: $185/person or $249 Photo Tour
Book Now
Tour 2
Wirepass Trailhead
Length: 4-6 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $185/person or $249 Photo Tour
Book Now
Tour 3
Middle Route
Length: 5-8 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Cost: $199/person or $249 Photo Tour
Book Now
Tour 4
Double Trouble
Length: 8 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $255/person
Book Now

Tour of The Buckskin Gulch Trailhead
This is an all-day canyon hike with the option to venture out of the wash and onto rock formations that rival The Wave and White Pockets. This area is unlimited in its photo potential and is a “must” for those interested in Southern Utah landscapes. A large petroglyph panel can be seen from the trail, and there is also an exceptional view of the Wave area from the top of the mountainside. Brain Rock is also visible from the trail. The tour can be designed for longer or shorter hikes, whichever you prefer. Elevation gain and loss on this hike is around 400 feet.

Tour of The Wirepass Trailhead
This section of Buckskin is the right choice if you are looking for slot canyons with excellent light for photography. A scenic shortcut into the Buckskin Gulch can be had from the Wire Pass trailhead. There is plenty of photo potential in this narrow section, and it’s an easy walk for all ages. There are a few obstacles in the Wire Pass section to climb or walk over, which change with each flood through the canyon. High canyon walls offer very soft light for the photographer, and there is a large petroglyph panel at the end of the one 3/4-mile walk to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch. If time allows, we can continue down the Gulch or turn back for more great photos. This hike has the most shade in summer and is a favorite with children due to its narrow walls.

Buckskin Gulch Middle Route Tour
This hike is for the more adventurous guest. From the trailhead's beginning, this tour requires navigating down into the Gulch revealing views of White Pockets, North Coyote Buttes, South Coyote Buttes, and large parts of the Buckskin itself. Located seven miles off Highway 89, near Paria Contact Station, we drive to the top of the West Clark Bench to begin this tour. The narrow section of the Gulch is another excellent choice for photographers, both on the way in and within the slot canyon itself.

Double Trouble Tour
This is a combined hike to both the Wire Pass and Buckskin trailheads, providing an epic day of desert slot canyon hiking and large open vistas to please photographers. You will experience an area with more unusual rocks and soft sandstone walls than on any other hike we offer. This hike combines both Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch areas allowable due to weather conditions. Brain rock, Wave shaped rock and possible slot canyons highlight this tour.

The Tee Pees Guided Hiking Tour White Pocket Guided Hiking Tour

Grand Circle Tours