Coyote Buttes South — Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Wilderness Trailhead Road
Sand, slots, and solitude on the Vermilion edge.
Most people have heard of Coyote Buttes North and The Wave — but the south section is rawer, less photographed, and accessed by a sandy two-track off House Rock Valley Road that will swallow an unprepared rig in a heartbeat. The route runs south from US-89 through open sage flats and eroded sandstone benches, ending at the Wire Pass trailhead — the gateway to Buckskin Gulch, a 13-mile slot canyon that squeezes down to shoulder-width in sections and pools with stagnant water after rain. The drive itself is flat and sandy but deceptively technical when wet — the Entrada Sandstone clay turns into a skid pan that even experienced drivers have had to camp on until it dried.
High-clearance 4WD is essential, and lockers help when it’s damp. Airing down to 18 psi is standard practice on the sandy approach. The BLM requires a day-use permit for Coyote Buttes South — self-issue at the trailhead kiosk, no lottery required unlike the North unit. Carry your own water; none on route. Best season is March to May and September to November — summer flash floods can trap you in the gulch with zero warning. Kanab, Utah is your fuel and resupply stop about 45 minutes north on US-89.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4900 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Kanab, UT |
| Land manager | BLM Arizona Strip Field Office / Vermilion Cliffs National Monument |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
A stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle like a 4Runner, Wrangler, or Tacoma will get through under normal conditions. Deep sand sections will test your aired-down tire game, so drop to 20-25 PSI before you start — a lifted or modified rig isn't required, but momentum and low-range judgment are.
When should I avoid this trail due to weather or road conditions?
Summer monsoons (July–August) turn the dirt and sand two-track into a mess fast, and flash flood risk in Buckskin Gulch becomes genuinely life-threatening. Winter closures and snow are possible November through February. Stick to March–May or September–November for the best shot at passable roads and safe slot canyon conditions.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here, and what does it cost?
Yes — a permit is required for Coyote Buttes South, managed by the BLM Arizona Strip Field Office. Permits are issued through recreation.gov and are limited to control crowds in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Check current fees and availability directly at blm.gov/visit/coyote-buttes-south, as quotas and pricing can change seasonally.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The deepest sand sections near the Wire Pass end are where rigs get stuck — it's not technical rock crawling, it's sustained soft sand driving where wrong tire pressure and panic braking will bury you. The water crossings are generally shallow but can run higher after rain; know what you're getting into before committing to the wash.
Is there any water or fuel I should plan around before heading out?
There is zero cell service on this entire trail, so any emergency is on you to handle. Fuel up in Kanab, UT before leaving — it's your last reliable stop and you're looking at roughly 18 miles of backcountry plus your return. Water crossings exist on trail but treat anything you drink from them; carry all your own potable water.
Trail track
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