moab slot canyon hikes
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. Best for: Families can totally do this slot. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon. 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. 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. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? 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). The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. (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. After climbing quickly to the valley, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs. 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 canyon gets narrower and narrower until youre mostly in the dark. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! Definitely come prepared and be aware of your surroundings as you hike. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot 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. Or, hike the entire length of the Narrows from the top-down, either as a very long and challenging one-day hike or as a two day backpacking trip. Clutching my hat with both hands, the wind roared and whipped by as I stood atop a rugged red rock formation, gazing out into the vastness of The Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. Brimstone Gulch is what many Utah slot canyons aspire to be. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. Leave it better than you found it. Its also one of the most popular hikes in the area so make reservations well in advance (like months) and do not expect to have this place all to yourself. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Price: All tours are private. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. 4-13 people - $112/person. The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? 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. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. Here are the places that seven of Utahs most well known women writers knew and loved most. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Easily accessible. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. Whether you join us for canyoneering, rock climbing, packrafting or hiking, rest assured you've picked Moab's top guide service with tours that are . 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. There are a lot of pebbles and rocks in the creek, so its better if you have fully closed water shoes like these so you dont have to stop to get the rocks out of your shoes. The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. 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. A hat helps too. , . Mileage: 6.4 milesElevation Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. Mileage: 4 miles from Butler Flat Road or around 12 miles round-trip from the Elephant Hill TrailheadElevation gain: 567 to 1,200 ftDifficulty: moderate to difficultEstimated Time: 2 hours or 6 hoursEntry Fee: $30Permits required? Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! 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. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Slot Canyons Near Moab & Arches National Park, Utah Hiking Guide Best Utah Hikes & Trails, Zion Hikes Guide Best Hikes In Zion National Park, 16 Great Zion Hikes: Best Hikes In Zion National Park, James Bond Island Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Tour (Phuket), Maine Lighthouses Map: The 15 Best Lighthouses In Maine, Breckenridge Troll Hike: Isak Heartstone Location & Directions, Acatenango Volcano Hike: Volcan De Fuego Guatemala, Tikal Guatemala Ruins: Map & How To Visit Tikal National Park, 15 Best Things To Do In Singapore Airport (Changi Layover), Maya Bay Thailand: The Beach Is Open! There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. The solitude is one of the appealing features of this trek. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Book a Trip Today! Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. 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. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. Last year we were able to go on a big road trip around the American Southwest while seeing many of the best slot canyons in Utah along the way, and afterwards we put together this slot canyon Utah guide and map! Book well in advancePet Friendly? My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. Required fields are marked *. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. No guide is necessary. 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). 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. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. 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 hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Hike Details. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. Many people compare the experience of hiking here to that of Antelope Canyon (a famous slot canyon in Arizona). Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. 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. Be sure to check out. That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visit Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, explore Monument Valley, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Bring layers. Print/PDF map. 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. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. 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. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. . Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. NoPet Friendly? Hiking. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Yes, but unlimited. Experience one of the most unique slot canyons in Utah with the Spooky and Peek a Boo Canyon loop. 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. Its also moderately difficult and I wouldnt describe it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still do it. Spring can see wet days, so check the forecast. 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. Mileage: 1.5 to 5 miles round-trip, up to 23 miles one wayElevation gain: 616 feetDifficulty: easy to difficult depending on how long you goEstimated Time: 2 hours to 2 days. Summers are hot. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Thanks and happy travels! Beautiful desert scenery. Sunscreen. 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. Hello Sandra. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. The first waterfall is near the start of the slot canyon, and its easy to pass thanks to a new metal ladder that was just installed by the city of Kanarraville. Are you ready to go exploring? Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. 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. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. Dont trash the canyon! Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. 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. Columnist Libby Kinder at the tail end of a hike through three slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante . Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. Image courtesy of Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Planning a trip to Utah? You can hike the narrowest (and most fun) section of Little Wild Horse as a fast out-and-back hike, or do this as a loop, adding on a second slot canyon named Bell Canyon. Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. Distance: 3.5 miles. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. 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 when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. The short hike is free. 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! 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. Fun rock formations. 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. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. When canyoneering through the Robbers Roost area, the power of nature is on full display in its slot canyons, landscapes and lingering traces of ancient inhabitants. 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. 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. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. 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. Pastor Ron And Patty Williams,
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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. Best for: Families can totally do this slot. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon. 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. 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. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? 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). The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. (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. After climbing quickly to the valley, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs. 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 canyon gets narrower and narrower until youre mostly in the dark. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! Definitely come prepared and be aware of your surroundings as you hike. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot 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. Or, hike the entire length of the Narrows from the top-down, either as a very long and challenging one-day hike or as a two day backpacking trip. Clutching my hat with both hands, the wind roared and whipped by as I stood atop a rugged red rock formation, gazing out into the vastness of The Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. Brimstone Gulch is what many Utah slot canyons aspire to be. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. Leave it better than you found it. Its also one of the most popular hikes in the area so make reservations well in advance (like months) and do not expect to have this place all to yourself. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Price: All tours are private. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. 4-13 people - $112/person. The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? 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. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. Here are the places that seven of Utahs most well known women writers knew and loved most. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Easily accessible. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. Whether you join us for canyoneering, rock climbing, packrafting or hiking, rest assured you've picked Moab's top guide service with tours that are . 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. There are a lot of pebbles and rocks in the creek, so its better if you have fully closed water shoes like these so you dont have to stop to get the rocks out of your shoes. The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. 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. A hat helps too. , . Mileage: 6.4 milesElevation Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. Mileage: 4 miles from Butler Flat Road or around 12 miles round-trip from the Elephant Hill TrailheadElevation gain: 567 to 1,200 ftDifficulty: moderate to difficultEstimated Time: 2 hours or 6 hoursEntry Fee: $30Permits required? Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! 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. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Slot Canyons Near Moab & Arches National Park, Utah Hiking Guide Best Utah Hikes & Trails, Zion Hikes Guide Best Hikes In Zion National Park, 16 Great Zion Hikes: Best Hikes In Zion National Park, James Bond Island Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Tour (Phuket), Maine Lighthouses Map: The 15 Best Lighthouses In Maine, Breckenridge Troll Hike: Isak Heartstone Location & Directions, Acatenango Volcano Hike: Volcan De Fuego Guatemala, Tikal Guatemala Ruins: Map & How To Visit Tikal National Park, 15 Best Things To Do In Singapore Airport (Changi Layover), Maya Bay Thailand: The Beach Is Open! There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. The solitude is one of the appealing features of this trek. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Book a Trip Today! Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. 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. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. Last year we were able to go on a big road trip around the American Southwest while seeing many of the best slot canyons in Utah along the way, and afterwards we put together this slot canyon Utah guide and map! Book well in advancePet Friendly? My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. Required fields are marked *. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. No guide is necessary. 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). 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. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. 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 hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Hike Details. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. Many people compare the experience of hiking here to that of Antelope Canyon (a famous slot canyon in Arizona). Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. 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. Be sure to check out. That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visit Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, explore Monument Valley, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Bring layers. Print/PDF map. 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. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. 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. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. . Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. NoPet Friendly? Hiking. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Yes, but unlimited. Experience one of the most unique slot canyons in Utah with the Spooky and Peek a Boo Canyon loop. 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. Its also moderately difficult and I wouldnt describe it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still do it. Spring can see wet days, so check the forecast. 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. Mileage: 1.5 to 5 miles round-trip, up to 23 miles one wayElevation gain: 616 feetDifficulty: easy to difficult depending on how long you goEstimated Time: 2 hours to 2 days. Summers are hot. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Thanks and happy travels! Beautiful desert scenery. Sunscreen. 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. Hello Sandra. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. The first waterfall is near the start of the slot canyon, and its easy to pass thanks to a new metal ladder that was just installed by the city of Kanarraville. Are you ready to go exploring? Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. 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. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. Dont trash the canyon! Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. 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. Columnist Libby Kinder at the tail end of a hike through three slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante . Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. Image courtesy of Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Planning a trip to Utah? You can hike the narrowest (and most fun) section of Little Wild Horse as a fast out-and-back hike, or do this as a loop, adding on a second slot canyon named Bell Canyon. Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. Distance: 3.5 miles. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. 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 when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. The short hike is free. 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! 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. Fun rock formations. 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. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. When canyoneering through the Robbers Roost area, the power of nature is on full display in its slot canyons, landscapes and lingering traces of ancient inhabitants. 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. 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. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. 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.