HDT Day 37: Upper Buckskin Gulch

Daily Miles: 12.3, Total Miles: 501.9

I had about a 5% chance to get a Wave permit and was not successful – oh well, I tried. A few people I met have reinforced that it may not be worth trying to sneak in. BLM has stepped up patrols and permit checks and then there’s the $1,000 fine and possible jail time.

I walked across the street from the Visitors Center and started hitching. After about an hour, Lori, who I had seen at the lottery, drove by and said she could take me out to the TH after taking care of some business. I was on the trail by 11am – thanks Lori!

I made my way down Upper Buckskin Gulch, still quite a few muddy pools that cows were taking advantage of. After about eight miles, the wash met with Coyote Valley Road and the Buckskin Gulch TH. I met a few hikers near the TH and yogied two liters of water – warmest day on the trail so far.

The Gulch changed from limestone walls to steeper red sandstone walls. It eventually narrowed to a slot the last mile before meeting Coyote Wash and the path out to Wire Pass. Thought I better camp here in a wider spot before entering the long narrows and the wetter Lower Buckskin Gulch.

Saw my first two snakes of the hike today, both non-venomous.