WHY Wire Pass?

Most people head out to this part of the country to visit the famous Wave. The Wave is a badass, gorgeous sandstone rock formation located in Northern Arizona right below the Utah border. It’s been and will always be on my bucket list. One day, I’ll finally time it right and get a permit so I can actually go! For those of you who were lucky to visit the Wave, GO YOU, it isn’t easy! For those of us who didn’t, don’t just pack up and head somewhere else, I still recommend hiking through the slot canyons of Wire Pass. Wire Pass is one of the gateways to the Wave and is stunning as well.

Getting to wire pass

After the ranger at BLM Kanab Visitor Center sadly informs you that you didn’t win the Wave lottery, head back to your car and drive to Wire Pass. It takes about an hour. I definitely recommend having a SUV to get back to the trailhead. Most cars could make it, but the road is extremely uneven, bumpy and even flooded in some areas, so be prepared for that.  The ranger told us the trail is light trafficked so there should be plenty of parking. Thankfully, there was. The hike is only 4 miles round-trip but make sure to bring a lot of water, because there is no shade for half of it. I recommend starting as early as possible, even in November it got super hot.  I’d rank Wire Pass as an easy hike although, there are a couple of difficult parts in the slot canyon. The hike starts with a sandy wash and that goes for about a mile. Just as soon as you start to get bored, you’ll start to notice the cliffs on each side start to narrow. Then you’ll see the entrance of the slot canyon.

What the f is a slot canyon?!

A slot canyon is very narrow canyon that is formed by the wear of water rushing through the rock. That water rushing is called a flash flood.  Warning: Flash floods can be unpredictable so you must always be aware of that. The ranger said there was no rain in the forecast so we would be ok, but always ask. Flash floods are extremely dangerous.Don’t let this information scare you, this place is awesome and for the most part flash floods are predictable. Plus, they occur in the months of July-September and you don’t want to be out here then anyway. It’s. So. Damn. Hott. We hiked for over a mile and still no sight of another person!This is where the trail gets a bit difficult. There was a few fallen rocks keeping us from getting down to this area easily. If you struggle to climb or are slightly afraid of heights, I’d call it a day here but if you’re up for it just be careful!Going to let ya scroll through these beauties for a minute…

When ya can’t get your wave permit, here’s the next best thing

So obviously it isn’t The Wave, but can ya really be sad when ya come to this after having a slot canyon all to yourself?!Then you start adventuring into a new slot canyon! The canyon starts to change shape at this point of the hike. Lots of beautiful smooth flat rock.This is where we saw the first two humans of the day! FYI, when you’re walking the Wire Pass, you will see some signs for The Wave. There is no one stopping you for the first mile but we learned from a few other hikers that right before you get there, there is someone checking for your permits.  Just for anyone who is thinking it might be easy to sneak in, it’s not!

Things can get a little muddy

This is where it technically starts to turn into Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon. You can venture in a bit to make your Wire Pass hike a little longer. We tried, but it got way too muddy so we had to turn around! If the mud doesn’t stop you, you could easily turn a short hike into a half day hike.

Friends along the wire pass

You will run into a lot of lizards and a potential snake or two, so keep an eye out for them!

Don’t get stuck in wire pass

Remember earlier when we I mentioned there were a few fallen rocks? Well this is the same spot on the way back.
Definitely wasn’t easy getting back up so if you don’t want to climb/boulder a bit I wouldn’t continue past this point. But we had a blast and were cracking up tying to get back up!

Overall, Wire Pass is a wonderful hike and I’d say a must see! If you’re looking for an adventure and having a slot canyon all to yourself head here to check it out!

There are many more beautiful slot canyons in this part of the United States! Check out another awesome, but much busier slot canyon called Lower Antelope Canyon HERE.