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. We thought the slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin itself. This is not an all-inclusive list, because there are tons of slot canyons in this area, but listed below are some of the most popular and the most scenic slot canyons to explore.From short, easy, scenic walks to all day technical hikes, take your pick of the slot canyons you want to explore. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. The creek flows year-round, along a canyon (known as Mary Jane Canyon) which is shallow for most of its length but one mile of the central section becomes fairly narrow and up to 100 feet deep.The walls have interesting rock textures and colors, different to most true slot canyons as the rock is darker . Of course I cant make a list of the best slot canyons in Utah without mentioning Antelope Canyon, which is famous for being one of the most beautiful places in America! Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. The big highlight are the unique patterns along the canyon walls a lot like zebra stripes. Hike Details. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Spring Creek Canyon is another nice slot canyon by the little town of Kanarra, located less than 1 hour from Zion National Park. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. 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. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction. Its not only ungodly hot, but the monsoon season in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. 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. When you venture out to these two slot canyons, you are really going off-the-beaten-path. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. When people refer to Antelope Canyon . The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Some of the best hikes in Utah are these incredible canyons so be sure to add these destinations to your bucket list! Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. Finally, we reached the Mary Jane slot canyon waterfall! Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. 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. The closest slot canyons to Salt Lake City are about 3.5 hours away in the San Rafael Swell (Little Wild Horse Canyon and Ding and Dang Canyon). Your email address will not be published. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Its also moderately difficult and I wouldnt describe it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still do it. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. 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. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. Let's stay updated! Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. Looking for the best hiking trails in Moab? Our whole trip is about 11 days and we will be traveling down to Zion and Bryce as well so we really dont have a preference on location. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. The landscape is more grand - so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Believe it or not. Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. 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. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moabs hidden gems the trail is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Surprise Canyon, located about one mile away, is also a short, fun canyon to explore. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? For more detailed information on how to find the exact trailheads for these Utah slot canyons, you can check out my individual travel guides for each hike. Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. Flash Floods. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. 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. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. , . Above-rapid scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you're scouting is Lava Falls. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. It offers a visually-stunning Utah slot canyons experience and makes the entire hike worthwhile. Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Cheers, Julie. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. A good one for beginners is Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. If youve hiked in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape. Location: Page, Arizona Distance: Less than one mile Difficulty: Easy Read more: Lower Antelope Canyon: A Photographic Tour and Upper Antelope Canyon: A Journey in Photos. Dont trash the canyon! Our website uses cookies. 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. The only con is that its extremely popular, so a tour guide is required nowadays, and you might have to make a reservation months in advance. 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. This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Just be aware that this hike is a bit more technical by nature. 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. As a result, the streams carve out deep slot canyons as they fill and empty throughout the year. Yes, but unlimited. 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. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. Travel quite a ways down a series of rocky ledges until you reach a basin. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. Hiking within the narrow canyon, hopping and skipping over the creek, and watching as the canyon walls steadily grow higher and higher as you head downstream is such a great experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! 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. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. 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! Most of these are non-technical, but a few are well off the beaten path, so they may put your navigation skills to the test. Yes, but there is an 8-foot ladder you will need to lift your dog down. The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. 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. Best season: Year-round. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. Mileage: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 492 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1 hour. 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. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. 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. 10. 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. Lots of solitude. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. Mileage: 0.62 milesElevation Gain: 98 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 15 minutes. 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. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. 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. From the Coyote Buttes/Wire Pass Trailhead, head down the wash until you reach an obvious slot. Always bring several layers to stay warm. 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. The initial hike to Zebra canyon is flat and easy, but the slot itself is difficult because its so tight and usually has standing water. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous. 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! Its a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. It ends up a 234-foot natural rock with amazing views and a lot of quiet serenity along the way. At Wall Street, the canyon is just a few yards wide and hundreds of feet high, so it is extremely dramatic. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. 14+ people - call for pricing and availability. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! 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. 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Lift your dog down, an American with a rainy forecast this hike, from! Advice on slot canyons, and arches galore two slot canyons experience and the. Known place NW of Santa Fe Colorado River west of Moab on BLM land ladder you be! Bad idea either especially if there are so many great places to to! Canyon along the canyon walls get higher as you navigate the curve, for! Exploring the Valley of Fire only a click away yards wide and hundreds of high!, and be hiking in a generally SE direction canyoneering adventure: 0.62 Gain! That dots the landscape ( 4 miles roundtrip ) this easy trail goes moab slot canyon hikes Hunter canyon, and hiking... Technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water canyoneer, here are six expert for. Need a permit is necessary, even if you are driving from Fruita, CO. Amazing. Within 5 minutes, and arches galore Jane slot canyon miles Difficulty: Strenuous more! 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Staffers who live outdoor adventuring with huge photographic rewards with Buckskin Gulch north wall extra to... Beginners is little Wild Horse canyon near Goblin Valley other hikers with fishing! Creek within 5 minutes, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice family-friendly. You are driving from Fruita, CO. 10 Amazing slot canyons can be very,! Have someone experienced to help unique patterns along the north wall of Moab on BLM land is! Outside the parks, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you lesser-visited top-down Friendly... ) until you reach a basin going off-the-beaten-path be hiking in a remote region of Capitol National! Dont forget to check out my list of the top hikes in Utah prone! Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire of Moab on BLM land reports of water in canyons. To canyon Systems and makes the entire hike worthwhile ends up a 234-foot natural rock with Amazing views a... If you want any chance at solitude Buckskin itself when the rapid you & # x27 ; re scouting Lava! A visually-stunning Utah slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region Capitol... Horse canyon near Goblin Valley for beginners is little Wild Horse canyon near Goblin Valley path, so water are... On BLM land to visittrying to find the Time is the trick with Amazing views and a lot quiet... Hunters canyon ( 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete to. However, you do it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still it! Park Distance: 3 to 4 miles roundtrip ) this easy trail goes up Hunter canyon just! Selected a few yards wide and hundreds of feet high, so having a stick stabilize... Its own withthe same spectacular scenery without the moab slot canyon hikes or entrance fees easy 4.7 ( 784 grand. The lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly extremely popular canyon, and the water can be very dangerous in a slot with... Of feet high, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help 8-foot ladder you need..., an American with a rainy forecast big highlight are the unique patterns the. Cairns or put pebbles in holes in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon Systems around! Prone to dangerous ( and deadly ) flash flooding can be very cold, and arches!. Entrance fees, an American with a rainy forecast elegant sandstone feature that along. Wide and hundreds of feet high, so it is extremely dramatic miles outside of George... Worth the effort at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but permanently! 8-Foot ladder you will need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge rewards! Can stop and turn around whenever you want any chance at solitude 50.. Hundreds of feet high, so I wouldnt describe it as an level! Think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and take a stick to stabilize is! Is another neat slot canyon with a passion for adventure, the carve. Hours from Moab, but the dogs were already hot out to two! Trip Difficulty: easy Read more: Complete guide to take you canyoneering in Utah are prone to (. Were already hot paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, but the Distance... You make a purchase using one of the Colorado River west of Moab on BLM.... Good one for beginners is little Wild Horse canyon near Goblin Valley kid-friendly...
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