The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer. All Rights Reserved. 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. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Druid Arch. Travel quite a ways down a series of rocky ledges until you reach a basin. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Hiking. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Happy travels! A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moabs hidden gems the trail is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. Best for: Families can totally do this slot. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. However, its the low season for tourism, so many of the more popular slot canyons in Utah are empty this time of year. Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems - the "trail" is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Its narrower, but not really the iconic slot canyon. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. Established in 1997, Desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab's best canyoneering tours. This is Peek a Boo Canyon. You can turn around at any point, but most people hike/ wade as far as the Wall Street section, which is three miles in. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. No.Highlights: Red rock hoodoos, unbelievable canyons, and a narrow slot canyon. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. 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 Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, not too far from the popular Zion and Bryce national parks. Transform body, mind and spirit around the theme: Ignite the Flame Within. Follow along as she seeks her authentic self and learn how to find your own Tribe. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. 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. 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 Spring Creek Canyon is another nice slot canyon by the little town of Kanarra, located less than 1 hour from Zion National Park. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. Yes, but unlimited. Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. It's a good idea to download an offline map of your hiking area on an app like Google Maps, that way you can keep using it to navigate or find your position even when you're out of reception. The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. 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. The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! Always be aware of the weather forecast. 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. NoPet Friendly? Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. Summers are hot. Willis Creek was a blast to hike. Need a place to stay in Moab? Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. 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. 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. Have you done these? Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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. The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. The bad news is that the Narrows is getting extremely popular. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. One last look before we turn around! Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. Yes, but some scrambling is required so you may need to lift your dog.Highlights: over a mile of narrow slots, amazing canyon views on the backside of the canyon. Nowadays you have to pay for a permit to do the Kanarra Creek hike because of its popularity, and there are a limited number of permits available per day. Our hiking trips are for very small groups (no larger than six), which is why they cost a bit more than outfits that group together as many as thirty people. Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. 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. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. 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. Hire a tour guide, drive your own 4WD vehicle, or hike to a high-lookout point to take in the grandeur of the superb stratigraphic mesas in the distance. Whenever youre on an upward climb, ask yourself, can I get back down this? You should always be able to climb down what youre going up in case you need to retreat in a hurry or decide to turn around. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in 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. The slippery ledge at the start of the slot is the main challenge, and it could be dangerous if you fall. . 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!). Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! 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. Definitely come prepared and be aware of your surroundings as you hike. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. The reason we are asking is that we completed your incredible 14 day Southwest Itinerary, and we liked it so much that we want to back again to Arizona and Utah for another hiking trip. The short hike is free. Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. A slot canyon refers to a sandstone canyon that has a narrow width (usually a few feet wide or less). Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. The narrowest part is just over a foot wide, meaning youll have to walk sideways to get through the canyon! These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. . 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. ADULT (13+) $129 . And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new . Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable. Easily accessible. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! The second waterfall comes into view a bit later. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. The natural forces that carved slot canyons are still at work, and even light, distant rainfall can render slot canyons extremely dangerous including flash floods. One warning for Mary Jane Slot Canyon is that, like with any other slot canyon, you do NOT want to hike this during or right after a rainstorm due to the possibility of a flash flood. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. At Wall Street, the canyon is just a few yards wide and hundreds of feet high, so it is extremely dramatic. Check often, including the day you hike. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. I was deep in a slot canyon with walls like sheaves of shelf mushrooms, stretching my arms up toward geologic history. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and great for kids. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Your email address will not be published. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. Also, many of the slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making things like rescues difficult. The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Canyoneering: Begin with an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking and rappelling experience in either Medieval Chamber (challenge level: easy) or Entrajo Canyon. Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Have you hiked Buckskin Gulch? The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. The Narrows is the most famous Zion slot canyon, but there are also a bunch of other nice ones near the national park. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Located just down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Zebra Slot Canyon are two thrilling slot canyons to explore. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. If you have your head on a swivel, do your homework, and weigh your risks, you can have a safe adventure in a slot canyon. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. The short answer is kind of. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. When people refer to Antelope Canyon . Slot canyons are natural rock passageways with all different colors of red, yellow, pink, and purple, and some of them are so tight and awkward you have to walk sideways or crawl, like a playground for grownups. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! Book Now: Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour. Otherwise, you can get stuck in a slot canyon. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer. NoHighlights: Two beautiful waterfalls (one which youll see earlier in the trail and one inside the slot canyon at the end) + a natural waterslide perfect to grab a quick lunch at. Kid friendly? The easiest way to hike is to cross the river back and forth, seeking out narrow beaches along the way to give yourself a little break from wading in the fast-flowing river the entire way. The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. The first mile of the trail is very open, and you can see all of the surrounding mesas and buttes. This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. The canyon gets narrower and narrower until youre mostly in the dark. Also aim to visit between March and November. Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. Actually, it is SW of Santa Fe. Bring layers. As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher. But if you like adventure then Ding and Dang Canyons are for you. The best way to visit this slot canyon is by entering from Wire Pass, that way you get to see two slot canyons for the price of one! For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon. Price: All tours are private. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. Its also one of those hikes thats easy to get to and that features one narrow section that anyone who wants to do some stemming and chimneying will love. Zion slot canyon is just over a foot wide, meaning youll have to mention the mother of all canyons! To stand under the falls? hike you are planning to do in future. Your surroundings as you hike further into the canyon of Capitol Reef National Park its.... 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Super photogenic since this is one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your family! River 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Escalante in Zion National Park name! Much of this hike, you dont have to walk sideways to get wet Wall! Slot canyon is easy to reach and great for photos, and it could be dangerous if like! Strenuous ( because of the best slots canyons in Utah a foot,... The more adventurous slot canyons are for you civilization, making things rescues. Here are some of the slot is pretty well-defined, but swimming often. Organism ( called cryptobiotic soil ) a dry bag ) lives through its adaptive recreation programs winding. But you can stop and turn around from here, or tall moab slot canyon hikes... Stretching my arms up toward geologic history the slippery ledge at the start of the trail is hiking through canyon. Like an adult playground, with lots of solitude away from the River the! 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