To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. Although you dont need any technical gear, a helmet isnt a bad idea since youll be climbing up and down 10-foot sections of rock. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Great hike for those who enjoy awesome views. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. Comment below! NoPet Friendly? We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the trail was almost completely empty, so thats another thing it has going for it! Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. 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. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Its a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. A permit is necessary if you want to hike the Narrows top-down. Druid Arch. 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. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Winters are another excellent time to hike in a slot canyon, if you dont mind the cold! Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. The entirety of Buckskin Gulch canyon is one of the longest slots in the world. Utah is home ot some of the most unique geology on the planet. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. 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. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. Capitol Reef is breathtaking, but as you stare across the ledge you realize that some of the best scenery is only accessible by dropping in, 20, 50, sometimes 100 feet or more. The highlight of this canyon is the pink and yellow pastel stripes that decorate the canyon. Spooky Gulch is one of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some spots! How a series of hiking and camping trips in Utahs parks and wilderness put Elisabeth Brentano on a transformative journey from urbanite to nature lover. 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. From here youll see the Dry Fork Narrows to the left (save that for last) and a slot canyon that starts about 10-feet up a rock wall. Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure's filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas. Travel quite a ways down a series of rocky ledges until you reach a basin. This travel guide is not a complete list of all Utah canyons, or every slot canyon hike in the United States, but these are just some of the best slot canyons in Utah in our opinion. In spite of the difficulty and awkwardness, we still had tremendous fun doing this hike, and its undoubtedly one of the best slot canyons in Utah! Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. Previous Group The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. 6. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some people do this as a loop hike with Bell Canyon, which takes quite a bit longer, but the best parts of Little Wild Horse slot canyon can be seen in only an hour roundtrip, which is perfect for people wanting to skip to the good stuff. Willis Creek was a blast to hike. . This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. 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. 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. The next half mile is a scenic section of the canyon with soaring sandstone walls. It is dark and narrow with just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. 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! 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. There are several obstacles along the way that require some rock scrambling or the use of ladders. All Rights Reserved. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. The World Travel Guy 2023 One last look before we turn around! But if you like adventure then Ding and Dang Canyons are for you. Its time to pull the plugliterally. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. Morning and afternoon trips available. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable. 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. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. Its a very photogenic hike, with nice red rock colors and steep canyon walls. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. Our website uses cookies. 1. Hiking. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. 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! Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. The Ultimate Guide Dog Friendly Hikes in Escalante, Utah! 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. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. . Other than that, youll need 4wd with clearance to get to the trailhead and should bring tons of water/sunscreen since this hike is full exposure. Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. No guide is necessary. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! Hike Details. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? It would be hard to take a bad picture here. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. 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. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Plan a photographic getaway today! Canyonlands or Arches National Park, whats right for me? Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. Thanks for your support. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. Inside this guide to the best slot canyons in Utah youll get expert advice about how to safely enjoy these stunning environments. Theres even a little wooden ladder thats great for pictures. While the "zebra" portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. However, its the low season for tourism, so many of the more popular slot canyons in Utah are empty this time of year. Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn't desire to go. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. You can do this if you plan to Loop the Fold, a one day road trip around a remote region of this park. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? Recommended by Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. Print/PDF map. It takes forever to grow, so walk around any cryptobiotic soil you encounter. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. This is a great one for beginners. Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. 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. But if you only have time for one, how to you decide which one to visit? Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. No special equipment is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help. Kid friendly? A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. 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 most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. Learn More: How to Hike the Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Loop. Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. 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. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. Otherwise, you can get stuck in a slot canyon. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Experience one of the most unique slot canyons in Utah with the Spooky and Peek a Boo Canyon loop. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. The desert can be very cold in the winter. Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. Dont become a statistic! Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. It is possible to do this as one long day hike, going point to point, although some hikers do this in two days, camping overnight along the trail. Easily accessible. You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. Here are several tours and entrance tickets to popular slot canyons in the American Southwest. Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom. Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. We have not hiked all of these slot canyons, at least not yet. Highlight of this Park a series of rocky ledges until you reach a basin 636... 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Rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past years. River flowing through it Fox is a giant gorge with walls a feet. You encounter spires, tight slot canyons in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument forget check!