This one is a pretty easy hike, and it has bright reddish-orange rock colors that can be really stunning with the right amount of sunlight. This is the quintessential slot canyon hike. Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure's filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas. Capitol Reef is breathtaking, but as you stare across the ledge you realize that some of the best scenery is only accessible by dropping in, 20, 50, sometimes 100 feet or more. If youre new to hiking slot canyons in Utah (or anywhere for that matter) there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. Be sure to check out. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. From there, it is a one-mile easy walk on a paved trail alongside the river to the start of the slot canyon and The Narrows hike. The Ultimate Guide Dog Friendly Hikes in Escalante, Utah! The narrowest part is just over a foot wide, meaning youll have to walk sideways to get through the canyon! Moderate climbing, a fixed rope line, and extremely deep and narrow slots prevent this from being dog-friendly.Highlights: Super-narrow canyon, small climb in the beginning, an arch within the slot canyon. Youll hike many different trails to reach the Joint Trail, unless you have an OHV permit to drive the Butler Flat Road (high-clearance 4WD required). Its located less than an hour from the popular Bryce and Escalante areas, so its definitely a good one to add to your Utah road trip! The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail in Moab gives you front row access to one of the largest and most diverse dinosaur track sites in North America. Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? When canyoneering through the Robbers Roost area, the power of nature is on full display in its slot canyons, landscapes and lingering traces of ancient inhabitants. Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. So you could start hiking right away in the creek, or just follow the dry trail for another few hundred feet, and eventually it will force you to hike in the creek. No.Highlights: Red rock hoodoos, unbelievable canyons, and a narrow slot canyon. It is possible to do this as one long day hike, going point to point, although some hikers do this in two days, camping overnight along the trail. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Looking for the best hiking trails in Moab? Hike Details. Mileage: 15.5 milesElevation gain: 1,017 feetDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: About 8 hours for the bottom-up hike and two days for the top-down trail.Entry Fee: $35Permits required? The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Our whole trip is . Season: April - November. Also aim to visit between March and November. Be on the lookout for petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and more. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. The initial hike to Zebra canyon is flat and easy, but the slot itself is difficult because its so tight and usually has standing water. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Lastly, climbing up is always easier than climbing down. (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 35 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles, Koko Head Hike: Koko Crater Trail & Stairs In Oahu Hawaii, Angels Landing Hike: Epic Chain Trail In Zion National Park Utah, Komodo Island Indonesia: National Park & Dragon Tour. Directions From Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to . When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. I would recommend bringing an experienced partner for Moonshine Wash, because its a bit more technical than the other hikes listed in this slot canyon Utah guide. In terms of pure enjoyment, these are our favorites on this list. I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer. Best done if youre backpacking in the Needles District of the park, this trail features a narrow, straight, steep mini canyon thats a satisfying sight. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. For many hikers, this is a hike that makes the bucket list. Slot canyons can be several meters wide or just one foot wide. Please tag along! Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. Antelope Canyon. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. Getting Here: Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyons are located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park. Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. NoPet Friendly? . Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. I was deep in a slot canyon with walls like sheaves of shelf mushrooms, stretching my arms up toward geologic history. To help you plan your visit, we also have guides to the best things to do in Sedona, the best hikes in Sedona, and how to plan the perfect Sedona itinerary. The other 10 mile hike. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. How to Beat the Crowds at Bryce Canyon National Park, The best slot canyons in Utah that dont require special gear or skills, Info about each canyon including distance, difficulty, and any advanced permits. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. The entirety of Buckskin Gulch canyon is one of the longest slots in the world. . The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. Yes, but there is an 8-foot ladder you will need to lift your dog down. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. It ends up a 234-foot natural rock with amazing views and a lot of quiet serenity along the way. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. Canyonlands or Arches National Park, whats right for me? It may not be the most impressive and colorful slot ever, but its still very photogenic and family friendly, and you can do it on a day trip from Moab. Always be aware of the weather forecast. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places. Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. Beautiful desert scenery. With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . The hike is dog-friendly and doable for school-age kids. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. Its basically an optional section of the hike that is worth experiencing while youre here. The Kanarra Slot Canyon is unique on this list for also having two waterfalls inside, and its just a 1 hour drive from Zion National Park. With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. It would be hard to take a bad picture here. Willis Creek isnt as narrow as other canyons on the list, but its grand and has a bit more vegetation than other slot canyons in Utah. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! As always, be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen and sun hats, and a good map or GPS unit. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. More Information: Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail. Willis Creek is pure fun. Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. Willis Creek is fun to explore. Mileage: 4 miles from Butler Flat Road or around 12 miles round-trip from the Elephant Hill TrailheadElevation gain: 567 to 1,200 ftDifficulty: moderate to difficultEstimated Time: 2 hours or 6 hoursEntry Fee: $30Permits required? The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. Recommended by Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. An incredible canyoneering introduction, with two rappels: 100' into a hidden chasm, and 110' off a giant rock arch! Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch. Comment below! 6. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. A permit is necessary if you want to hike the Narrows top-down. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. 15. Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. Believe it or not. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. The highlight of this canyon is the pink and yellow pastel stripes that decorate the canyon. The short hike is free. Its challenging, its breathtaking in its beauty, and it makes for a very memorable experience. Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play in on a hotter day. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Moab is full of amazing things to do.But, if you are planning a trip, make sure to add hiking in Moab to the top of your list. How a series of hiking and camping trips in Utahs parks and wilderness put Elisabeth Brentano on a transformative journey from urbanite to nature lover. This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. Of all the stops on Burr, theres really nothing like the little slot canyon at an inconspicuous turnoff 11.5 miles down from the starting point. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Mileage: 1.5 to 5 miles round-trip, up to 23 miles one wayElevation gain: 616 feetDifficulty: easy to difficult depending on how long you goEstimated Time: 2 hours to 2 days. Hike Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and More with Wildland Trekking - Expert Local Guides, #1 on Trip Advisor. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. You can see the LaSals peaking out from behind the mesas, and you should be able to see the famous Priest & Nuns rock formation to the SW. We had a Tacoma, but small cars can make it. Columnist Libby Kinder at the tail end of a hike through three slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante . Or, hike the entire length of the Narrows from the top-down, either as a very long and challenging one-day hike or as a two day backpacking trip. The bad news is that the Narrows is getting extremely popular. Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. The premiere way to experience Canyonlands is from the ethers. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. The narrower canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls. Thanks for looking! Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. A perfect day of Rocks-and-River: combine a half day of canyoneering with a late day Colorado River rafting tour! Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. The desert is a delicate place and waste does not break down, so packing out your poo (or using toilets at trailheads) is the best way to respect this fragile environment. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. Morning Glory Arch Canyon. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. Make sure you drop down the little gully (by the no camping sign), then up and over to the other side, following the dirt path. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. If you go to this area in the summer, add on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and if you rent a 44, Toroweap Overlook on the North Rim is high on our bucket list. As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher. There are a bunch of good slot canyons near Zion National Park, and its possible to combine one or two of these with a visit to the park. NoPet Friendly? The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. Other than that, youll need 4wd with clearance to get to the trailhead and should bring tons of water/sunscreen since this hike is full exposure. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. It is dark and narrow with just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Unless youre really intent on seeing the Narrows, I would recommend going to one of the other places in this slot canyon Utah guide. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. Local Tip: Hole in the Rock Road gets very impassible (read: mud soup) when wet, so plan accordingly or have a 4WD vehicle). More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer. Local Tip: Its a tight squeeze to get into the canyon, but it is doable if you hike sideways and think thin or stem (put both feet on the side of the canyon walls and walk up the walls) to get some more room. Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Overview: This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. Pack out your poop. Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. Best season: Year-round. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. Planning a trip to Utah? Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. You dont need any special gear or technical skills to do Zebra, but good fitness and prior experience in slots will help a lot, and you cant be claustrophobic or afraid of wading through dirty water. As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! Slot canyons form when soft rock like sandstone, erode slowly from rain and wind. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. NoPet Friendly? ADULT (13+) $129 . A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. We have not hiked all of these slot canyons, at least not yet. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. Youre rightthere is so much to do in this area. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. It takes most hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. Its also pretty easy and consists of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the canyon that starts off narrow and widens. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! It takes forever to grow, so walk around any cryptobiotic soil you encounter. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Hole-in-the-Rock Road Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: The trail to the slot canyon is easy; the slot canyon can be challenging Read more: How to hike Zebra Canyon. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. If youre hiking in a slot canyon, youll want to carry WAG bags or special toilet in a bag kits that are designed to pack out human waste. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. The big highlight are the unique patterns along the canyon walls a lot like zebra stripes. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. From narrow slot canyons to grand sweeping vistas, sandstone plateaus to meandering rivers, San Rafael Country and the San Rafael Swell are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Arches National Park is one of the top national parks in America: its a 73,234-acre wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and, of course, arches northwest of Moab. You dont need any special gear or technical skills to do this slot, but you do need to be in good shape and not at all claustrophobic. If youre looking for how to enjoy the best slot canyons in Utah like a pro, and not a tourist, then youre in the right place! Starting at the small town of Kanarraville, the Kanarrs Creek Canyon trail is an out and back trail thats 6 miles long and features two amazing waterfalls and a narrow slot canyon. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? 10. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Hiking Willis Creek Canyon. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. Make your way over a few rock obstacles (youll need to use your hands) until you empty out on the backside of the canyon. All Rights Reserved. The World Travel Guy 2023 Otherwise, you can get stuck in a slot canyon. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. Yes, you can purchase it online.Pet Friendly? Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent shape. Our website uses cookies. As a professional writer for the outdoors and full-time adventure blogger, Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing slot canyons. You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Both of these places can be combined into a full day adventure, which you can do as a day trip from Moab or when driving between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park. The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. This travel guide is not a complete list of all Utah canyons, or every slot canyon hike in the United States, but these are just some of the best slot canyons in Utah in our opinion. Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. The hike through Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon! There are a lot of pebbles and rocks in the creek, so its better if you have fully closed water shoes like these so you dont have to stop to get the rocks out of your shoes. Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later. Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through . Dont become a statistic! Map. Youll be using plenty of basic canyoneering and climbing skills such as stemming and bridging (if you dont know what these are, then this is likely a somewhat dangerous adventure for you). Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. A Grand Adventure: Part 4. On most Southern Utah bucket lists, you'll find the local favorite one-two punch of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. There are several obstacles along the way that require some rock scrambling or the use of ladders. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. This canyon is popular for horseback riding, and the whole trail is straightforward and pretty much flat, so overall Id rank it as one of the easiest and most family friendly slot canyon hikes in Utah. Next Group.