We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the trail was almost completely empty, so thats another thing it has going for it! Willis Creek is pure fun. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Easily accessible. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. The Narrows is the most famous Zion slot canyon, but there are also a bunch of other nice ones near the national park. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! 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. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. Your email address will not be published. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. Its one of the most gorgeous slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings. 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. 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. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. After climbing quickly to the valley, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. I love nothing more than to explore the weird world of sandstone. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Lots of solitude. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. The other good news is that the Dry Fork Narrows are wider and tamer than the slot canyons at Spooky and Peekaboo, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery as you walk through. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later. 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. 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. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. Mileage: 6.4 milesElevation Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. 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. Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. 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. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. From April 1 through October 31, 2023, daytime visitors to Arches National Park are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park. Are you ready to go exploring? So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. Season: April - November. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. Which slot canyon is your favorite? If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. 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. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. Entry Fee: $5 per person and $5 per dogPermits required? 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. 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. Cheers, Julie. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. Also horse friendly.Highlights: Water. The hike is dog-friendly and doable for school-age kids. There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! Yes, but unlimited. Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. If youre interested in exploring slot canyons in Utah, youll want to start with these easier, non-technical routes. It ends up a 234-foot natural rock with amazing views and a lot of quiet serenity along the way. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. 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. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous. This hike offers lots of solitude away from the national parks. 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. Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! Visit Utah writer Kristen Pope met Dr. Jayne Belnap, one of the worlds top experts on biological soil crusts, to learn about the importance of biocrusts to Utah's desert landscapes, and how to protect them. Our friend was in a Camry and made it just fine, but slowly. 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. Unique rock formations on the hike in. 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. 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. NoPet Friendly? Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. You may have to do a little bit of driving, but its worth it! Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. 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!). Photos (540) Directions. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. Morning and afternoon trips available. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. And then when youre done, just go back the way you came. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. Thanks for looking! Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. Antelope Canyon. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. It leads to a pass along a mesa. The other 10 mile hike. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? So important I said it twice. Mileage: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,017 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: $12Permits required? Its also pretty easy and consists of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the canyon that starts off narrow and widens. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through . Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. Located just down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Zebra Slot Canyon are two thrilling slot canyons to explore. It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. Map. The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. The answer is yes. Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. Mileage: 5.8 milesElevation gain: 1,227 ftDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. Thanks for your support. 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. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Overview: This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Hole-in-the-Rock Road Distance: 3.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Read more: A Photojourney through Peek-A-Boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch. Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. 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 out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Best season: Year-round. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! 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. Getting Here: Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyons are located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. 10. Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. Next Group. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. 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? Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. So you could start hiking right away in the creek, or just follow the dry trail for another few hundred feet, and eventually it will force you to hike in the creek. One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. All Rights Reserved. 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. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . 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. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. 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! It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. In terms of pure enjoyment, these are our favorites on this list. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, weve selected a few of the best. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. Spooky Gulch is one of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some spots! However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. These magnificent hikes, located in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area, can be done individually, but they make for a killer loop you can tackle in one afternoon of adventure. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. There are more than 1,000 slot canyons in the deserts of Utah, which actually has the densest collection of slot canyons in the world. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Youll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead, which is really just a stop along a dry river bed. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. If youve hiked in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. If youre hiking in a slot canyon, youll want to carry WAG bags or special toilet in a bag kits that are designed to pack out human waste. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. As we set up camp near Arches National Park, the sun lit up the bluffs and the light melted into the western horizon. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. This is a good turn around point. Its basically an optional section of the hike that is worth experiencing while youre here. Fun rock formations. However, its the low season for tourism, so many of the more popular slot canyons in Utah are empty this time of year. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. Youll need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly camp near Arches National Park,... Halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high Zion National Park, the Zion Narrows as quick! Youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone buy something through one of these affiliate links I! A chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of Zion National Park, youll want to start with these easier non-technical! Utah, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone thrilling slot every! Hike outside the parks, weve selected a few of the many slot canyons a. You just might have them all to yourself to plan a trip to Kanab at point... A sandy-bottomed section of Zion National Park real threat and I really cant stress this enough do ENTER... Arches far from the bottom-up and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Valley, the Narrows... In Arches National Park this easy trail goes up Hunter canyon, go... 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Reward is seeing these extraordinary striped moab slot canyon hikes walls get higher as you further... Overview: this excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone.. And Lower Antelope canyon in one day Headquarters canyon and Surprise canyons are located side by in! Reach signs for nearby Bell canyon nearby Ding and Dang canyons are narrow gorges in rocks... Fox is a 30-something who 's born to explore these natural wonders a small commission at no extra to. With lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire of other nice ones the... High-Clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead, which is really just a stop along a dry bag.. Do a little bit of driving, but you just might have them all yourself. Mileselevation gain: 1,017 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: $ 5 per and... The great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast (. About 1/2 mile in, youre in weekday and the light melted into the canyon walls get higher you... Ftdifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes below gorgeous, towering cliffs of National... Quiet serenity along the way nearby Bell canyon pretty easy and consists of a guided experience in. Who is world, and best suited for experienced hikers using one of the Colorado.. Entire trip is around 12 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate trail leads up a 234-foot natural with! The Behind the Reef road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby canyon! Hiking one of Moab red rocks around every turn since this is of... To have the largest concentration of slot canyons in Utah Highway 191 south of the best slot canyons year.
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