Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. This is not an all-inclusive list, because there are tons of slot canyons in this area, but listed below are some of the most popular and the most scenic slot canyons to explore.From short, easy, scenic walks to all day technical hikes, take your pick of the slot canyons you want to explore. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather for the specific canyon you plan to visit. Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. There are several obstacles along the way that require some rock scrambling or the use of ladders. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Map. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. The colors were amazing. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. No guide is necessary. As we set up camp near Arches National Park, the sun lit up the bluffs and the light melted into the western horizon. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Reservations open three months in advance. Antelope Canyon. 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. The drive in. This is a great one for beginners. When people refer to Antelope Canyon . You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Even on a slot canyon hike, there are still plenty of parts on the trail where you'll be exposed to direct sun, so you might want sunscreen. Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Youll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead, which is really just a stop along a dry river bed. No special equipment is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm. Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. We have not hiked all of these slot canyons, at least not yet. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. In spite of the difficulty and awkwardness, we still had tremendous fun doing this hike, and its undoubtedly one of the best slot canyons in Utah! Water. Spooky Gulch is one of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some spots! This is another crazy slot canyon located near Peekaboo, and most people do these two slots as a loop hike since theyre located so close together. Peekaboo Canyon may be our favorite slot canyon Utah has to offer. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. Spooky lives up to its namesake. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. 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. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! Its one of the best slot canyons in Utah Ive ever seen, although the tight Zebra Canyon is a bit tricky to navigate compared to other slots. This one is technically located in Arizona, but its very close to the southern border of Utah and you can visit it on a day trip from there. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. Spooky Gulch is another highly memorable slot canyon in Escalante, Utah. Finally, we reached the Mary Jane slot canyon waterfall! Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. There are parts where you have to shuffle sideways just to fit your body through the slot, and backpacks have to be carried awkwardly overhead. Thanks and happy travels! Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Willis Creek is fun to explore. Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. These magnificent hikes, located in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area, can be done individually, but they make for a killer loop you can tackle in one afternoon of adventure. Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom. Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn't desire to go. Price: All tours are private. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! There are a bunch of amazing slot canyons scattered across the southern half of the state of Utah, especially in places like the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. 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. The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Yes, but there is an 8-foot ladder you will need to lift your dog down. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Happy travels! Here are the places that seven of Utahs most well known women writers knew and loved most. Willis Creek Slot Canyon is one of the lesser known Utah canyons. 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. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. Both ways work and meet up. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. I was deep in a slot canyon with walls like sheaves of shelf mushrooms, stretching my arms up toward geologic history. The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Because of the remote location, there is a chance you could have these two slot canyons all to yourself (we did and it was a blast!). Otherwise, you can get stuck in a slot canyon. Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. Some people do this as a loop hike with Bell Canyon, which takes quite a bit longer, but the best parts of Little Wild Horse slot canyon can be seen in only an hour roundtrip, which is perfect for people wanting to skip to the good stuff. NoPet Friendly? Beautiful desert scenery. Its possible to hike the entire Narrows in one full day if you get a permit in advance, but most people just go partway and then turn back (no permit required for that). The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. Always bring several layers to stay warm. Slot canyons form when soft rock like sandstone, erode slowly from rain and wind. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. A journey into this small desert canyon is not terribly difficult, and along the trail you will find a clear stream running year-round, as well as the magnificent Morning Glory Natural Bridge. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. Next Group. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. The good news is that the Narrows is open to all fitness levels because you dont have to hike to the end of the gorge. Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons in the Dry Fork area of Escalante Utah offer backpacking hikers scenic views without special gear or know-how. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Its also moderately difficult and I wouldnt describe it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still do it. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Kanarra Falls is a permit-only hike and is limited to 150 hikers a day, so make sure to snag yours up ahead of time. American Southwest Slot Canyons: On a Map, More Information about the American Southwest. In fact, Wire Pass is probably one of the easiest slot canyons Utah has to offer, and its also one of the most beautiful. Wire Pass is a side canyon that intersects with Buckskin Gulch, and its actually easier to enter Buckskin through this route, since you spend much less time walking in the hot sun. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. 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. When visiting Utah, make sure not to miss out on visiting Kanarra Falls, which is located less than an hour away from Zion National Park and is considered one of the best slot canyon hikes in Utah. Print/PDF map. Start at the Little Wild Horse Canyon entrance first to avoid swimming up traffic in the narrows. 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. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? Length 8.4 miElevation gain 541 ftRoute type Out & back. The desert can be very cold in the winter. Brimstone Gulch is what many Utah slot canyons aspire to be. Lower Antelope Canyon: A Photographic Tour, Upper Antelope Canyon: A Journey in Photos, A Photojourney through Peek-A-Boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch, How to Hike the Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Loop, Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows, How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park, 10 Days in the American Southwest: The Ultimate Road Trip, Two Week American Southwest Road Trip: Grand Canyon & Utahs Mighty 5, Grand Canyon Road Trip: 5 Itineraries from Las Vegas. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. Located near Orderville, this short and sweet hike is perfect for families. With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. The Ultimate Guide Dog Friendly Hikes in Escalante, Utah! Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. - . So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. Lastly, climbing up is always easier than climbing down. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. But if you like adventure then Ding and Dang Canyons are for you. Overview: This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. The Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, not too far from the popular Zion and Bryce national parks. Entry Fee: $5 per person and $5 per dogPermits required? All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. We spent the next morning riding our e-bikes along the Moab Can yon Pathway, This paved trail loosely follows Old Highway 191 past Arches National Park and . Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. She'd rather be dirty than done up. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. During the first part of the trail, you will find yourself walking next to a creek, but soon you will enter the slot canyon and the only choice will be to walk directly through the water. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. Its narrower, but not really the iconic slot canyon. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. Simply hike into Willis Creek Narrows, a southern Utah slot canyon, for easy, scenic adventures of less than 5-miles (round trip) and many creek crossings. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! The Willis Creek Slot Canyon is another short and easy trail through some scenic narrows in southern Utah, with wavy vanilla-colored rocks and impressive passageways. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike the Zebra slot canyon waterfall is... Stunning setting Loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly Canyonlands National Park eroded into interesting.... 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