Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Be on the lookout for petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and more. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. The Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon loop is located in the San Rafael Swell, just a 10 minute drive from Goblin Valley. Distance: 3.5 miles. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. Its located less than an hour from the popular Bryce and Escalante areas, so its definitely a good one to add to your Utah road trip! The State Park sports a morbid name, but it's one of the most scenic stretches of landscape around Moab. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. This hike is ideal for small children. We followed the dry trail for about 10 minutes. Lastly, climbing up is always easier than climbing down. Follow the faint trail to the right once you exit the canyon until you reach the obvious start of Spooky Canyon. Slot canyons can be several meters wide or just one foot wide. A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. Connect with your inner spirit. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. Comment below! Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. . 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. The Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, not too far from the popular Zion and Bryce national parks. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. Pack out your poop. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Kid friendly? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As a result, the streams carve out deep slot canyons as they fill and empty throughout the year. Above-rapid scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you're scouting is Lava Falls. Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. 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. Previous Group There are a bunch of good slot canyons near Zion National Park, and its possible to combine one or two of these with a visit to the park. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. No.Pet Friendly? So important I said it twice. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. 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. All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. 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! My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. 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. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Canyonlands or Arches National Park, whats right for me? Its narrower, but not really the iconic slot 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. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. A hat helps too. 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!). Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. This is a great one for beginners. Our website uses cookies. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. 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. Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. 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. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. It leads to a pass along a mesa. 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. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. 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. See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. As we set up camp near Arches National Park, the sun lit up the bluffs and the light melted into the western horizon. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. Local Tip: Its a tight squeeze to get into the canyon, but it is doable if you hike sideways and think thin or stem (put both feet on the side of the canyon walls and walk up the walls) to get some more room. Its dark, its mysterious, and its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you are not claustrophobic. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. The answer is yes. Arches National Park developed a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan in . In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. 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. Its almost like far-reaching fingers of deep-cut canyons throughout the region. Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. From the Coyote Buttes/Wire Pass Trailhead, head down the wash until you reach an obvious slot. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. Please tag along! Learn More: How to Hike the Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Loop. Therefore, the best time to hike a slot canyon is when there is no rain in the forecast. 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 . Some of the best hikes in Utah are these incredible canyons so be sure to add these destinations to your bucket list! Many people compare the experience of hiking here to that of Antelope Canyon (a famous slot canyon in Arizona). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Hikers have died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons. Peek-A-Boo Gulch has several sections of challenging rock scrambling, including a 12 foot climb just to enter the canyon. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. Dont trash the canyon! 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. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use 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. 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. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. Hiking. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. Petroglyphs and rock art. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. Definitely come prepared and be aware of your surroundings as you hike. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. 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. A slot canyon refers to a sandstone canyon that has a narrow width (usually a few feet wide or less). With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . Youll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead, which is really just a stop along a dry river bed. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Your email address will not be published. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? It offers a visually-stunning Utah slot canyons experience and makes the entire hike worthwhile. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. The canyon gets narrower and narrower until youre mostly in the dark. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Its not only ungodly hot, but the monsoon season in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Dont bust the crust. Morning and afternoon trips available. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Leave it better than you found it. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new . But if you like adventure then Ding and Dang Canyons are for you. , . Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. The other 10 mile hike. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Have you hiked Buckskin Gulch? Bryce Canyon is also a short distance away and Dead Horse Point State Park stands proud over the Colorado River. This is a great one for beginners. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. 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. As a professional writer for the outdoors and full-time adventure blogger, Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing slot canyons. Unique rock formations on the hike in. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. 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 Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. Next Group. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. One last look before we turn around! The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Dont become a statistic! 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. 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). 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. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. 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. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. 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). And then when youre done, just go back the way you came. A Grand Adventure: Part 4. 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. 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. Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. Slot canyons are natural rock passageways with all different colors of red, yellow, pink, and purple, and some of them are so tight and awkward you have to walk sideways or crawl, like a playground for grownups. Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play in on a hotter day. NoPet Friendly? Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. Required fields are marked *. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. Hike Details. Print/PDF map. The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. Moab visitors are conveniently close to what is considered one of the world's best canyoneering destinations. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. The premiere way to experience Canyonlands is from the ethers. (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 35 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles, Koko Head Hike: Koko Crater Trail & Stairs In Oahu Hawaii, Angels Landing Hike: Epic Chain Trail In Zion National Park Utah, Komodo Island Indonesia: National Park & Dragon Tour. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. The bad news is that the Narrows is getting extremely popular. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? With its light beams, falling sands, and high canyon walls, this is the more photogenic of the two canyons. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. If its outside of Moab on BLM land but, its really stunning and well worth a,... Little traffic a famous slot canyon in Arizona ) of Moab on BLM.... Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play on... They are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations over... A signed junction our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope canyon this browser the... Rain is in the forecast its also worth noting though that you find! Is an adventure for everyone fun destinations when you start to get tired, make sure you turn,! 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