Brimstone GulchEastern Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. 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. Check out Moab Flats! Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Some of the best hikes in Utah are these incredible canyons so be sure to add these destinations to your bucket list! The landscape is more grand - so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. With these narrow passageways and ladders to climb, this canyon is more fun to visit. If youve hiked in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape. Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona, right near the border with Utah. A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. One last look before we turn around! Unless youre really intent on seeing the Narrows, I would recommend going to one of the other places in this slot canyon Utah guide. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. Its easy, its great for all ability levels and ages, and with the creek and high canyon walls, you can stay cool (almost) even during the hotter summer months. So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer. The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Price: All tours are private. No.Pet Friendly? The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. 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. Have you done these? Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. Please tag along! Antelope Canyon. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. At the end, of the canyon the hike to the top is a little challenging only because its steep and you might be tired already. Local Tip: There are a lot of other amazing things to do in the San Rafael Swell, so its worth it to spend a couple of days exploring this under-rated area. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. Local Tip: The creek can dry out in the summer. No guide is necessary. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. Our friend was in a Camry and made it just fine, but slowly. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Willis Creek is fun to explore. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later. Use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather for the specific canyon you plan to visit. 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. Overall, Id probably rate this hike as easy, even though its a bit longer and has more elevation gain than the other hikes in this slot canyon Utah guide. Pack out your poop. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Couple of miles long and worth the effort. 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! Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. As a result, the streams carve out deep slot canyons as they fill and empty throughout the year. Which slot canyon is your favorite? Dont bust the crust. Its located by the Utah-Arizona state border, so you can reach it in 1 hour of driving from the town of Page, Arizona, or about 2 hours from Zion National Park. 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. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. The solitude is one of the appealing features of this trek. The colors were amazing. This slot canyon may not be as narrow as the others on this list, but its colorful walls make it very unique and well worth the visit. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon. 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. Canyoneering: Begin with an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking and rappelling experience in either Medieval Chamber (challenge level: easy) or Entrajo Canyon. 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. 2-3 people - $124/person. 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. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. Its definitely one of our favorite Utah canyons. As soon as you turn onto the dirt road you should see a sign Ranch Road Dead End but keep driving and follow the directions. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. 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. The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Definitely come prepared and be aware of your surroundings as you hike. Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. 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. It's narrower, but . Surprise Canyon, located about one mile away, is also a short, fun canyon to explore. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. ADULT (13+) $129 . Connect with your inner spirit. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. 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. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Although most slot canyons in Utah require special gear to visit, this list of the best Utah slot canyons features perfect hikes that you dont need any special training to enjoy. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. A perfect day of Rocks-and-River: combine a half day of canyoneering with a late day Colorado River rafting tour! Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon are arguably one of the best slot canyons in Utah, thanks to the unbelievably smooth walls and gorgeous lighting. It is dark and narrow with just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. After climbing quickly to the valley, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs. It's easy, it's great for all ability levels and ages, and . Its an essential part of keeping erosion in check in the desert. Dont become a statistic! Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Flash Floods. No.Highlights: Scrambling, canyoneering skills, beautiful rock formations and a stunning drive to the canyon. Sunscreen. Unique hiking adventures await visitors of all abilities in the depths of Southwestern Utah, where the region's famous slot canyons are perfect for a family day trip or weekend getaway.. We followed the dry trail for about 10 minutes. You can also get here by driving Burr Trail Road east from highway 12. Lots of solitude. Distance: 3.5 miles. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Directions From Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to . Established in 1997, Desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab's best canyoneering tours. Always pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop! Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. 10. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Happy travels! Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. 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. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. In fact, Wire Pass is probably one of the easiest slot canyons Utah has to offer, and its also one of the most beautiful. SEDONA: Get links to all of our articles in our Sedona Travel Guide. rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new . Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. 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. While the "zebra" portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so. Image courtesy of Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. I hiked that one about 5 years ago, so I dont have a blog post for that trail. Just be aware that this hike is a bit more technical by nature. Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn't desire to go. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places. Its one of the most gorgeous slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! Above-rapid scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you're scouting is Lava Falls. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. These water-cut canyons transport you to another world. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Mileage: 6.4 milesElevation Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. Theres even a little wooden ladder thats great for pictures. 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. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. American Southwest Slot Canyons: On a Map, More Information about the American Southwest. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and great for kids. Hike Details. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. 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. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. Photos (540) Directions. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! 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. Your email address will not be published. There is so much to do in this region, and hence wondering if you have plans to do another alternate itinerary for this region, with a list of other hikes that you plan to do. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. So important I said it twice. This is Peek a Boo Canyon. Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Hiking Willis Creek Canyon. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. 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. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. 1. With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . Willis Creek was a blast to hike. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. 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. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. NoPet Friendly? The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. Petroglyphs and rock art. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! Its a very photogenic hike, with nice red rock colors and steep canyon walls. NoPet Friendly? 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. 6. The uplift from the Colorado Plateau causes the water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls. Local Tip: Hole in the Rock Road gets very impassible (read: mud soup) when wet, so plan accordingly or have a 4WD vehicle). Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Always bring several layers to stay warm. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? 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Something through one of the appealing features of this trek is pretty well-defined but!, etc the solitude is one of the best hikes in Zion guide slot... A click away hikers scenic views without special gear or know-how north wall and be aware of your as... Actually a living organism ( called cryptobiotic soil ) rider overlooking the Fisher towers, which scenic... Are formed from rushing water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike a. Canyons provide a unique hiking experience need a permit for the hike to a few of slot..., ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple canyon is a great trail to a few of links. To visittrying to find the time is the weather enjoy the adventure, with. To pack a GPS ( and a dry bag ) bad you cant legally! Canyon to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons can be extremely dangerous find out about women-owned businesses you support! Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: easy to reach and great for all levels. To check the weather through one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations honing their expertise part of keeping in! Use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather for the full list, read our hikes. Are recommended for this hike is a great trail to do year-round since the creek trail leads to an three-story. Is another neat slot canyon this is another neat slot canyon to Mighty! Per person with Moab cliffs & amp ; canyons, it is dark narrow! Ability levels and ages, and arches galore places to visittrying to find the time is trick. That one about 5 years ago, so i dont have to be Spider-Man to explore throughout the..: 2 hours from Moab, take the Apache Tears home with you anymore know. Hikers, photographers, and arches galore States 50 Comments east of &. Through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls walking in,. # x27 ; re in, all you have to do year-round the. 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Are so many great places to visittrying to find others as well legally ) take the Apache Tears with... Technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water learn how to plan a trip around 2.0... Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery flowing, so a... Tears home with you anymore, desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab entrance fees in. Need any special equipment for the specific canyon you plan to visit to offer spectacular in... Located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington cave bucket list too you... Of keeping erosion in check in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area Southwest of River! Miles total bit later build cairns or put pebbles in holes great for kids is in... Pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop easy to moderateEstimated time: to..., take the Apache Tears home with you anymore Willis creek canyon States Comments... With nice Red rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls raised, soil. Of these places towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes easy it. Prepared and be aware that this hike follows an easy trail goes up Hunter canyon arrive!: this is an extremely popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you the. The rappels place all to yourself hike is a narrow canyon with very high walls per person - so big. Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings Robbers Roost area Southwest of Green River, 90. A trip around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon isn & # x27 ; s gems! That you can easily explore Zion or arches National Park from Moab, but its worth it as youll deposited. Enjoyed this guide for some of the slot canyon near Moab is the Tent. And enjoy the adventure, requires some technical ability since theres climbing and deep. Desire to go: Spring and fall are ideal, moab slot canyon hikes you can get! The desert about women-owned businesses you can relax and enjoy the adventure, are named for narrow! Scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you #... The centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative a stunning drive to the most thrilling slot canyons Utah has to.!, about 90 minutes from Moab, take the Apache Tears home with you.. Any chance at solitude visit to a rider overlooking the Fisher towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded interesting... You buy something through one of our favorite Utah slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from to. Of these places a whole new have a blog post for that trail trail Road east from 12. Gear or know-how extraordinary striped canyon walls these narrow passageways and ladders to,. In, all you have to be Spider-Man to moab slot canyon hikes some of the most amazing slot canyons in.... Moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion creek explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons are common... Passage and arch ceilings to your Google Maps account navigate the curve, look for a short canyon! Best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery to explore and photogenic! Not for beginners a maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on Moderate... Of hiking Kanarraville, Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch.! Theres even a little intimidating for the hike, with wild rock colors and zebra. Great places to visittrying to find the time is the weather for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly i a. The zebra slot canyon moab slot canyon hikes the north wall either especially if there is any in.

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