Antelope Canyon is a favorite with photographers, and for good reason. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon. Moab visitors are conveniently close to what is considered one of the world's best canyoneering destinations. The hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. Columnist Libby Kinder at the tail end of a hike through three slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante . Please tag along! 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. Every guided tour is private, so your adventure is tailored to the abilities and goals of your group. Visit Utah writer Kristen Pope met Dr. Jayne Belnap, one of the worlds top experts on biological soil crusts, to learn about the importance of biocrusts to Utah's desert landscapes, and how to protect them. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. 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. 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. Pack out your poop. More Information: Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. Entry Fee: $5 per person and $5 per dogPermits required? 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. Lastly, climbing up is always easier than climbing down. There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. 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. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play in on a hotter day. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. 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. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. Willis Creek is pure fun. 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. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. 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. It may not be the most impressive and colorful slot ever, but it's still very photogenic and family friendly, and you can do it on a day trip from Moab. 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. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. Its a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. Spring can see wet days, so check the forecast. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Slot canyons can be several meters wide or just one foot wide. 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. It ends up a 234-foot natural rock with amazing views and a lot of quiet serenity along the way. 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. Moab Canyon Pathway is a bike/pedestrian byway in Moab, Utah, that is not to be missed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Great hike for those seeking solitude. Definitely come prepared and be aware of your surroundings as you hike. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. 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. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. The narrowest part is just over a foot wide, meaning youll have to walk sideways to get through the canyon! At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. Otherwise, you can get stuck in a slot canyon. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. Mileage: 2.0 milesElevation Gain: 150 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours. 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. Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. 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. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. NoPet Friendly? Mileage: 0.62 milesElevation Gain: 98 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 15 minutes. Lots of solitude. 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. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Believe it or not. 7- 9 Hours. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. Bring layers. Here are several tours and entrance tickets to popular slot canyons in the American Southwest. Gateway to some of the most stunning trailheads, remote camping and off-road driving in the country, this highway city in eastern Utah is the mecca for adventurists. Thanks and happy travels! 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. Morning Glory Arch Canyon. 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. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? 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. 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.. . The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. 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. Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. The State Park sports a morbid name, but it's one of the most scenic stretches of landscape around Moab. The narrower canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls. Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Our friend was in a Camry and made it just fine, but slowly. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Mileage: 5.8 milesElevation gain: 1,227 ftDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high. ADULT (13+) $129 . 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. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. 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. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? 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. Yes. Directions From Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to . Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. 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. Great hike for those who enjoy awesome views. The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. 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! This is a great one for beginners. Canyoneering Moab: Morning Glory Arch & Medieval Chamber. 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. When you venture out to these two slot canyons, you are really going off-the-beaten-path. Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. If you visit youll probably find standing water at the bottom. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. 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. Use this map if you are driving from Moab. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). 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. (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. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. 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