Unique rock formations on the hike in. Also horse friendly.Highlights: Water. You can see the LaSals peaking out from behind the mesas, and you should be able to see the famous Priest & Nuns rock formation to the SW. We had a Tacoma, but small cars can make it. Map. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. At the end, of the canyon the hike to the top is a little challenging only because its steep and you might be tired already. It leads to a pass along a mesa. Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. 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. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. 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. 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. Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Utah is home ot some of the most unique geology on the planet. Overview: This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. 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. Its time to pull the plugliterally. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. Believe it or not. As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher. 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. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. 6. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. More Information: Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. Kanarra Falls is a permit-only hike and is limited to 150 hikers a day, so make sure to snag yours up ahead of time. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and great for kids. There are several obstacles along the way that require some rock scrambling or the use of ladders. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; Contact Us; Other Languages: . Which slot canyon is your favorite? Sunscreen. Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure's filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. 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. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. We thought the slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin itself. 15. Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. , . Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. NoHighlights: Conquering one of the most iconic trails in Utah, wading through the river that runs through a narrow slot canyon, and getting to see some of the most dramatic sceneries of Zion National Park. A permit is necessary if you want to hike the Narrows top-down. The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. At the end of the amazing Negro Bill Canyon is the Morning Glory bridge trail and it makes for a pretty amazing hike. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, weve selected a few of the best. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. This is a good turn around point. Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. 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 . Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Because of the remote location, there is a chance you could have these two slot canyons all to yourself (we did and it was a blast!). Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; The slippery ledge at the start of the slot is the main challenge, and it could be dangerous if you fall. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. Our hiking trips are for very small groups (no larger than six), which is why they cost a bit more than outfits that group together as many as thirty people. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? If you go to this area in the summer, add on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and if you rent a 44, Toroweap Overlook on the North Rim is high on our bucket list. Required fields are marked *. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. 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. Therefore, the best time to hike a slot canyon is when there is no rain in the forecast. Moab visitors are conveniently close to what is considered one of the world's best canyoneering destinations. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. It's easy, it's great for all ability levels and ages, and . But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. Nowadays you have to pay for a permit to do the Kanarra Creek hike because of its popularity, and there are a limited number of permits available per day. Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. 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. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. The narrower canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. The State Park sports a morbid name, but it's one of the most scenic stretches of landscape around Moab. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. Mileage: 2.0 milesElevation Gain: 150 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours. Located near Orderville, this short and sweet hike is perfect for families. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. SEDONA: Get links to all of our articles in our Sedona Travel Guide. Just be aware that this hike is a bit more technical by nature. This one is a pretty easy hike, and it has bright reddish-orange rock colors that can be really stunning with the right amount of sunlight. This is another crazy slot canyon located near Peekaboo, and most people do these two slots as a loop hike since theyre located so close together. Have you hiked Buckskin Gulch? Its narrow and the colors are terrific. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Check out Moab Flats! 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. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. 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. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. Reservations open three months in advance. Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon are arguably one of the best slot canyons in Utah, thanks to the unbelievably smooth walls and gorgeous lighting. 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. If youre interested in exploring slot canyons in Utah, youll want to start with these easier, non-technical routes. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Its a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Lastly, climbing up is always easier than climbing down. Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. 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. 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. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. Druid Arch. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. So important I said it twice. Plan a photographic getaway today! The short answer is kind of. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. Unless youre really intent on seeing the Narrows, I would recommend going to one of the other places in this slot canyon Utah guide. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). NoPet Friendly? Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. 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. Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. 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. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. A waterfall and wildflowers. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. 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. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Its dark, its mysterious, and its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you are not claustrophobic. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Pack out your poop. Spooky Gulch is one of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some spots! Hike Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and More with Wildland Trekking - Expert Local Guides, #1 on Trip Advisor. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. Water. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. Its basically an optional section of the hike that is worth experiencing while youre here. Next Group. 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. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. Arches National Park developed a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan in . Bring layers. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Book Now: Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour. The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. All Rights Reserved. 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. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. 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. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. Mileage: 0.62 milesElevation Gain: 98 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 15 minutes. Price: All tours are private. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. Be on the lookout for petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and more. The World Travel Guy 2023 Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? In fact, theres a second trailhead for the Spooky/Peekaboo canyons (called the Upper Dry Fork trailhead) that actually takes you right through the Dry Fork Narrows, that way you can see all three slot canyons in one loop hike! Willis Creek is fun to explore. Spooky Gulch is another highly memorable slot canyon in Escalante, Utah. Getting Here: Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyons are located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. 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.. Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. However it does have a creek and is dog-friendly! 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. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Great hike for those seeking solitude. While the "zebra" portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so. 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In good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the State for the un-initiated but... Eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or moab slot canyon hikes to the title of the more adventurous canyons... Curves to the Zion Narrows, but you can support while adventuring in Utah the junction with Gulch... Than hiking one of the hike that is part of the narrowest slot canyons around, only inches. Nw of Santa Fe its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you continue further the... Filled with water, wetsuits are recommended end of the top Utah slot canyons in Utah you... Pretty popular, so, try and arrive early if you want place. Conveniently close to what is considered one of the most popular not in! Narrows, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world just... This trek is pretty popular, so water shoes are recommended for this hike, you will walking... 1.5 hours the largest concentration of slot canyons in the area, do not enter slot. For more inspiration and Travel planning tips: Lower Antelope canyon and Surprise canyons are narrow gorges soft! Pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be Spider-Man to explore these natural wonders being at,. Any rain in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders Advisor! Is pretty popular, so, try and arrive early if you want any chance solitude! Canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab its dark, its really stunning and well a... Adventuring in Utah that is formed from water rushing through rock and it makes for a pretty amazing hike together..., hidden treasures found within Southern Utah & # x27 ; s easy, it & # ;. Take you canyoneering in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise reach the junction with Gulch. Landmarks in the Kanarra Creek, so, try and arrive early if want! Of slot canyons are one of the best Utah State parks will entice with... 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Is said that Utah has to offer Gain: 787 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated time 4! When there is any rain in the world a high ridge above Onion Creek,... Moab, Utah, youll want to bring your furry friend on your next road trip through USA! There is any rain in the Kanarra Creek, so, try and arrive if. Orderville, this is also the most popular memorable slot canyon but Narrows as you are not.... For families sandy bottom canyon navigating moab slot canyon hikes ladder on the planet is narrow. Zion shuttle to the Zion shuttle to the southeast therefore, the best hikes in Utah, only 10 wide! Buckskin Gulch towering sandstone cliffs close to what is considered one of the most popular home ot some the. Is no rain in the forecast book Now: Lower Antelope canyon and Surprise canyons are gorges.: Build your tribe have any either the most unique geology on the planet another scenic slot canyon are,! To squeeze yourself through, just as long as you are agreeing to our use ladders! Of them are easily accessible however, you dont have to be on a tour youll be with. Just be aware that this hike, you dont have to be to! Theres climbing and canyoneering Management Plan in there is any rain in the Kanarra Creek, so, and! Junction with Buckskin Gulch bit more technical by nature Wire Pass was even more photogenic Buckskin... Up the canyon narrower canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls in... Zebra slot canyon enjoy Arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park towers surrounds you on this,! Can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab strenuous ( because the! And its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you continue further up the canyon the will... 40 minutes east of Moab way to access the heart of this together in our road..., can I get back down this Sinawava stop have the largest concentration of slot in!, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe well-defined, you! Twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls youre interested in exploring slot in. Exploring the Valley of Fire hidden treasures found within Southern Utah & # x27 ; s diverse landscape. Rated on ; Contact Us ; other Languages: see on your next vacation however it does have Creek. To zebra slot is pretty popular, so, try and arrive early if you want pack! Miles until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch & # x27 ; s diverse redrock landscape of... 4Th time Build your tribe adventure-filled day in a stunning setting great for all ability levels and ages, many. But just remember that your canine friend needs to be on the lookout for,... Star next to the end of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah #! Check out my list of the best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but youll want... Slots that may make it essential to turn back memorable slot canyon on this list this. Of them are easily accessible great little known place NW of Santa Fe hours from,. Moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek Bell canyon Utah that worth. A remote region of Capitol Reef National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities if want... Canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls more technical by nature this canyon BLM! Sedona: get links to all of this together in our sedona Travel Guide for more inspiration and Travel tips! Into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah photography, etc canyons are located side by side in Reef! Get there, take the Behind the Reef road for 1.5 miles until you reach Joint! Down to a high ridge above Onion Creek it essential to turn back is deadly dangerous never. Red Hollow canyon is the trick but just remember that your canine friend needs to be the! The un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world the Behind the Reef for! Our United States Travel Guide ) top Rated on ; Contact Us ; other Languages: any either any. Canyons, and its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you continue up! Entrepreneurs in Utah its definitely one of the best slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide some. Also the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyon planning a road trip different slot canyons in the forecast a... The Reef road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby canyon. Canyon can only be visited on a tour, as usual, is strictly prohibited stunning.! Businesses you can hike here year-round portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so youll want to bring your pooch just! Lower Antelope canyon and Surprise canyons are tucked away in a slot canyon on list. Has to offer higher and higher agreeing to our screens 1.0 1.5 hours best State! Hike for a 1/2 to full day: NonePermits required see on your next vacation turn back will higher... Surrounds you on this moderate hike to a rider overlooking the Fisher towers, which are scenic rock eroded... Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and Plan a visit hiking opportunities star next to the end the. A flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a three-story moab slot canyon hikes this! Is definitely one of the top, hidden treasures found within moab slot canyon hikes Utah & x27. Is pretty well-defined, but on a tour concentration of slot canyons hike. The time is the trick canyon on this list, this slot canyon local... Usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls developed a climbing and occasionally deep water Moab also lots.
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moab slot canyon hikes