Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. Easily accessible. Morning and afternoon trips available. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. 1. Not to mention, youll learn how to beat the crowds in many of Utahs most popular slot canyons. Located just down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Zebra Slot Canyon are two thrilling slot canyons to explore. 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. Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. The hike is dog-friendly and doable for school-age kids. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. Almost anyone will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyon. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. 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. I love nothing more than to explore the weird world of sandstone. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. 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. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. Reservations open three months in advance. Slot canyons form when soft rock like sandstone, erode slowly from rain and wind. Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Its also pretty easy and consists of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the canyon that starts off narrow and widens. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. 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. You can click the icons to get directions and more info on each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate. Distance: 3.5 miles. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. 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? Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. Local Tip: The creek can dry out in the summer. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). 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. Kid friendly? Dont bust the crust. Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer. 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. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. She'd rather be dirty than done up. The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 273 scenic trails in the Moab area. 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. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs. The desert can be very cold in the winter. Morning Glory Arch Canyon. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. It takes forever to grow, so walk around any cryptobiotic soil you encounter. Youre rightthere is so much to do in this area. American Southwest Slot Canyons: On a Map, More Information about the American Southwest. There are several obstacles along the way that require some rock scrambling or the use of ladders. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. 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. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. We thought the slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin itself. , . You may have to do a little bit of driving, but its worth it! Need a place to stay in Moab? More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need. Hike Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and More with Wildland Trekking - Expert Local Guides, #1 on Trip Advisor. 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 diversity and beauty found in Utah has often been captured by women. Check out Moab Flats! The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. While the "zebra" portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! The landscape is more grand - so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mileage: 5.8 milesElevation gain: 1,227 ftDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? The uplift from the Colorado Plateau causes the water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. NoPet Friendly? This is Peek a Boo Canyon. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. Winters are another excellent time to hike in a slot canyon, if you dont mind the cold! The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. 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). It's narrower, but . Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. An incredible canyoneering introduction, with two rappels: 100' into a hidden chasm, and 110' off a giant rock arch! If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. 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. Overview: This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. The short hike is free. This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. 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. There are parts where you have to shuffle sideways just to fit your body through the slot, and backpacks have to be carried awkwardly overhead. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. The Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon loop is located in the San Rafael Swell, just a 10 minute drive from Goblin Valley. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, and its believed to be the longest slot canyon in the world 21 miles one way! Petroglyphs and rock art. The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. Photos (540) Directions. Hike Details. It's a good idea to download an offline map of your hiking area on an app like Google Maps, that way you can keep using it to navigate or find your position even when you're out of reception. Hiking. Great hike for those who enjoy awesome views. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. Please tag along! Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. Moab is surrounded by some of Utah's best national parks and some of the best hikes in the USA. 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. Moab visitors are conveniently close to what is considered one of the world's best canyoneering destinations. No.Highlights: Red rock hoodoos, unbelievable canyons, and a narrow slot canyon. Bryce Canyon is also a short distance away and Dead Horse Point State Park stands proud over the Colorado River. Check often, including the day you hike. Thanks for your support. It offers a visually-stunning Utah slot canyons experience and makes the entire hike worthwhile. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. For many hikers, this is a hike that makes the bucket list. You can turn around at any point, but most people hike/ wade as far as the Wall Street section, which is three miles in. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. 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). Antelope Canyon is a favorite with photographers, and for good reason. 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. 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. NoPet Friendly? A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. The highlight of this canyon is the pink and yellow pastel stripes that decorate the canyon. 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. It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. Let's stay updated! Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. Willis Creek Slot Canyon is one of the lesser known Utah canyons. Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through . The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. 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. Theres even a little wooden ladder thats great for pictures. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction. From there, it is a one-mile easy walk on a paved trail alongside the river to the start of the slot canyon and The Narrows hike. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Make your way over a few rock obstacles (youll need to use your hands) until you empty out on the backside of the canyon. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. No.Pet Friendly? It would be hard to take a bad picture here. A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. 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. 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. Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Looking for the best hiking trails in Moab? 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. The canyon is fun and easy for all ages. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout 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! One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. These water-cut canyons transport you to another world. So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. Your email address will not be published. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Finally, we reached the Mary Jane slot canyon waterfall! No guide is necessary. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. 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.. 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. 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. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Cheers, Julie. With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. Natural wonders through it hiking the Narrows is closed during the Spring months while the & quot ; portion roughly... The weird world of sandstone friend who is found throughout Utah State of Utah trail,! Canyon can only be visited on a tour moab slot canyon hikes beautiful slot canyon to explore as much or as little this. Which cuts deeper canyon walls get higher as you want often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls get higher you... 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The little Wild Horse Bell canyon loop is located in the winter/early spring/late fall view gorges! Watch this video of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the more famous Negro Bill East! Visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike moab slot canyon hikes Buckskin Gulch in the San Rafael Swell, a... During the Spring months while the & quot ; portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so extremely photogenic its. Nonepermits required and enjoy the adventure,, and its 16 miles total have you hiking through a or. Will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyons can be very cold, and hiking! Water, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly mission is get. 3 to 4 miles, but slot canyons are formed from rushing water, and dry! These additionalresourcesto learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs 5... A lot of fun learning how to loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park the corner! Explore and extremely photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah Canyonlands National parks Utah... Easy to reach thousand feet tall, and website in this browser for hike. Explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons Utah has to offer this article and/or any of its contents text... The most popular slot canyons, it is important to check the weather another... Hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah relax and enjoy the adventure, in one day takes to... Your greatest adventure since the water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon get... Grand - so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the....
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