The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. 7- 9 Hours. No.Pet Friendly? Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! Hike Details. As we set up camp near Arches National Park, the sun lit up the bluffs and the light melted into the western horizon. Be sure to check out. Distance: 3.5 miles. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. 14+ people - call for pricing and availability. Otherwise youll need to head towards Escalante (4 hours and 45 minutes away) or Kanab (also 4 hours and 45 minutes away) for slot canyons near Salt Lake City. The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. 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.. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. 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. Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Entry Fee: $5 per person and $5 per dogPermits required? Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Dont bust the crust. Great hike for those seeking solitude. 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. The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high. 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. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs. 4-13 people - $112/person. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. The desert can be very cold in the winter. I was deep in a slot canyon with walls like sheaves of shelf mushrooms, stretching my arms up toward geologic history. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. The other good news is that the Dry Fork Narrows are wider and tamer than the slot canyons at Spooky and Peekaboo, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery as you walk through. Brimstone Gulch is what many Utah slot canyons aspire to be. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. The short answer is kind of. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon passageway formed in rock (usually sandstone) that has been eroded by water over time, eventually creating a keyhole-like crack in the rock that is just wide enough for a person to fit through. Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. 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. . Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, and its believed to be the longest slot canyon in the world 21 miles one way! As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. 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. 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. We have not hiked all of these slot canyons, at least not yet. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). Hiking. Learn More: How to Hike the Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Loop. All Rights Reserved. Price: All tours are private. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. In terms of pure enjoyment, these are our favorites on this list. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. 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). 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. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. 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. If you visit youll probably find standing water at the bottom. 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 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. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. Youre rightthere is so much to do in this area. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. We are planning a trip at the end of February, from Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert to Joshua Tree NP, and this looks like another cool area to explore. No guide is necessary. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. The landscape is more grand - so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! NoPet Friendly? Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. The Narrows is the most famous Zion slot canyon, but there are also a bunch of other nice ones near the national park. The solitude is one of the appealing features of this trek. Brimstone GulchEastern Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. American Southwest Slot Canyons: On a Map, More Information about the American Southwest. 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. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. 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. Best season: Year-round. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. Its an essential part of keeping erosion in check in the desert. A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. Fun rock formations. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. Are you ready to go exploring? The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. 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? More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Visitors can explore the intricate and narrow gorges cut through beautifully layered sedimentary deposits over immense time in the Colorado Plateau, which provides the artistic foundation for the natural . You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction. 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. 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. Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? The diversity and beauty found in Utah has often been captured by women. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Travel quite a ways down a series of rocky ledges until you reach a basin. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? 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. 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. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? A waterfall and wildflowers. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? 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. Winters are another excellent time to hike in a slot canyon, if you dont mind the cold! Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. 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. This is a great one for beginners. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. 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. The Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon loop is located in the San Rafael Swell, just a 10 minute drive from Goblin Valley. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. Theres one very tight slot thats great for chimneying or stemming, where you place your back against one wall and then push your feet on the other wall to cross the gap. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, weve selected a few of the best. 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. Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. Canyoneering: Begin with an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking and rappelling experience in either Medieval Chamber (challenge level: easy) or Entrajo Canyon. Hiking within the narrow canyon, hopping and skipping over the creek, and watching as the canyon walls steadily grew higher and higher over us as we headed downstream was such a great experience. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! The big highlight are the unique patterns along the canyon walls a lot like zebra stripes. Both ways work and meet up. 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