Four people have perished on that hike this year. Caught in flash floods in the slot portion.
I'm sad to hear that, most of that hike is narrow with few places to escape to in flash floods. Always important to check the weather upstream for that reason.
Yes, very sad and tragic. Having been through the whole 12-mile length of Buckskin, getting caught in there is no joke. I feel pretty lucky this time for sure, having gotten out at Lees Ferry the day of the tragedy. You could definitely see the dark clouds behind up Paria Canyon that day, and when I look at the hydrography on that day for Paria now, it spiked at 177 cfs (normally about 15), and most of that originated in Buckskin.
You and me both. I am plotting to do it once the kids are out of the house and we feel comfortable leaving in September or October.
I hiked a portion of this a few years ago, and it is memorable. Sorry to hear about the loss of life. It is definitely succeptible to bad weather though
Any of those things are possible. The thing that will save you is situational awareness. Get the weather forecast, and know the possible risks. When on the hike, always keep an eye out for the nearest high ground in case you need to act quickly. And if you do need to “wait it out” somewhere, have enough water/food/clothing be be able to stay an extra night. A rope could also be useful.
