You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. Its not only ungodly hot, but the monsoon season in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems. Hiking. 2-3 people - $124/person. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. Here are the places that seven of Utahs most well known women writers knew and loved most. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. An incredible canyoneering introduction, with two rappels: 100' into a hidden chasm, and 110' off a giant rock arch! Map. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Theres one very tight slot thats great for chimneying or stemming, where you place your back against one wall and then push your feet on the other wall to cross the gap. Thanks for looking! With these narrow passageways and ladders to climb, this canyon is more fun to visit. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. NoPet Friendly? Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. Best done if youre backpacking in the Needles District of the park, this trail features a narrow, straight, steep mini canyon thats a satisfying sight. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. Often overlooked in favor of other Utah slot canyons, Ding and Dang are well-worth doing if you like to scramble and climb around rocks. Summers are hot. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. No.Pet Friendly? 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. Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! Reservations open three months in advance. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. NoHighlights: Two beautiful waterfalls (one which youll see earlier in the trail and one inside the slot canyon at the end) + a natural waterslide perfect to grab a quick lunch at. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. On most Southern Utah bucket lists, you'll find the local favorite one-two punch of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. - . 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. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. 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! Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. 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. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. 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. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. Beautiful desert scenery. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. 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. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Mileage: 5.8 milesElevation gain: 1,227 ftDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Morning Glory Arch Canyon. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. Both of these places can be combined into a full day adventure, which you can do as a day trip from Moab or when driving between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park. Thanks for your support. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Bring layers. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. You dont need any special gear or technical skills to do Zebra, but good fitness and prior experience in slots will help a lot, and you cant be claustrophobic or afraid of wading through dirty water. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. 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. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. 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. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. This leads to smaller crowds and a more peaceful hike! 7- 9 Hours. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. 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. The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. 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 canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. Mileage: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,017 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: $12Permits required? (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. So, feel free to explore as much or as little of this canyon as you want. 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. 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! Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. Planning a trip to Utah? Always bring several layers to stay warm. A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! For more detailed information on how to find the exact trailheads for these Utah slot canyons, you can check out my individual travel guides for each hike. The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Petroglyphs and rock art. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. Always be aware of the weather forecast. Season: April - November. We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! The drive in. Great hike for those seeking solitude. Our website uses cookies. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. It leads to a pass along a mesa. Directions From Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to . Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through . This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. Always pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop! Its also moderately difficult and I wouldnt describe it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still do it. Lots of solitude. 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. Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. Start at the Little Wild Horse Canyon entrance first to avoid swimming up traffic in the narrows. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Hiking Willis Creek Canyon. 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. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. 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. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. The uplift from the Colorado Plateau causes the water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. 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. The best way to visit this slot canyon is by entering from Wire Pass, that way you get to see two slot canyons for the price of one! With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! This is a great one for beginners. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. 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. As a professional writer for the outdoors and full-time adventure blogger, Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing slot canyons. You can turn around at any point, but most people hike/ wade as far as the Wall Street section, which is three miles in. More Information: Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail. Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. Canyoneering: Begin with an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking and rappelling experience in either Medieval Chamber (challenge level: easy) or Entrajo Canyon. Couple of miles long and worth the effort. 4-13 people - $112/person. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. 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.. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. 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. Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. Photos (540) Directions. You can also get here by driving Burr Trail Road east from highway 12. Almost anyone will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyon. Please tag along! Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. 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. 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. Price: All tours are private. Above-rapid scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you're scouting is Lava Falls. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. This is a good turn around point. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Print/PDF map. The desert is a delicate place and waste does not break down, so packing out your poo (or using toilets at trailheads) is the best way to respect this fragile environment. Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. 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. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. 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. 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. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the trail was almost completely empty, so thats another thing it has going for it! 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). Best season: Year-round. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer. Moderate climbing, a fixed rope line, and extremely deep and narrow slots prevent this from being dog-friendly.Highlights: Super-narrow canyon, small climb in the beginning, an arch within the slot canyon. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. 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. Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. The Willis Creek Slot Canyon is another short and easy trail through some scenic narrows in southern Utah, with wavy vanilla-colored rocks and impressive passageways. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. At the end of the amazing Negro Bill Canyon is the Morning Glory bridge trail and it makes for a pretty amazing hike. Moab is surrounded by some of Utah's best national parks and some of the best hikes in the USA. Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! Have you done these? Best for: Families can totally do this slot. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. Theres even a little wooden ladder thats great for pictures. We followed the dry trail for about 10 minutes. Connect with your inner spirit. 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. 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 river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. When visiting Utah, make sure not to miss out on visiting Kanarra Falls, which is located less than an hour away from Zion National Park and is considered one of the best slot canyon hikes in Utah. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). The next half mile is a scenic section of the canyon with soaring sandstone walls. The hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Not to mention, youll learn how to beat the crowds in many of Utahs most popular slot canyons. The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. Dont become a statistic! Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! This is a great one for beginners. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. As always, be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen and sun hats, and a good map or GPS unit. 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. The Spring Creek Canyon is another nice slot canyon by the little town of Kanarra, located less than 1 hour from Zion National Park. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! Visitors can explore the intricate and narrow gorges cut through beautifully layered sedimentary deposits over immense time in the Colorado Plateau, which provides the artistic foundation for the natural . Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Leave it better than you found it. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. Required fields are marked *. The World Travel Guy 2023 A perfect day of Rocks-and-River: combine a half day of canyoneering with a late day Colorado River rafting tour! Sunscreen. Next Group. Recommended by Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. This is the quintessential slot canyon hike. However, its the low season for tourism, so many of the more popular slot canyons in Utah are empty this time of year. Willis Creek is pure fun. Length 8.4 miElevation gain 541 ftRoute type Out & back. Hiking within the narrow canyon, hopping and skipping over the creek, and watching as the canyon walls steadily grew higher and higher over us as we headed downstream was such a great experience. Yes, you can purchase it online.Pet Friendly? If youre new to hiking slot canyons in Utah (or anywhere for that matter) there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. If youre interested in exploring slot canyons in Utah, youll want to start with these easier, non-technical routes. Your email address will not be published. . Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. 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. The only con is that its extremely popular, so a tour guide is required nowadays, and you might have to make a reservation months in advance. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Getting Here: Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyons are located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park. 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. Its definitely one of our favorite Utah canyons. Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. Look closely at the canyon walls to see the ancient petroglyphs (no the handprints are not ancient some tourist made them in 2019). As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Comment below! 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. 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. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Brimstone Gulch is what many Utah slot canyons aspire to be. Wire Pass is a side canyon that intersects with Buckskin Gulch, and its actually easier to enter Buckskin through this route, since you spend much less time walking in the hot sun. The short answer is kind of. The short hike is free. 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. Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. With its light beams, falling sands, and high canyon walls, this is the more photogenic of the two canyons. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . Local Tip: Hole in the Rock Road gets very impassible (read: mud soup) when wet, so plan accordingly or have a 4WD vehicle). Yes, but there is an 8-foot ladder you will need to lift your dog down. 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. Are you ready to go exploring? rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new . Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. American Southwest Slot Canyons: On a Map, More Information about the American Southwest. 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. Or, hike the entire length of the Narrows from the top-down, either as a very long and challenging one-day hike or as a two day backpacking trip. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Check often, including the day you hike. 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. All Rights Reserved. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. Mileage: 1.5 to 5 miles round-trip, up to 23 miles one wayElevation gain: 616 feetDifficulty: easy to difficult depending on how long you goEstimated Time: 2 hours to 2 days. As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. 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! Great hike for those who enjoy awesome views. Arches National Park developed a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan in . Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. Morning and afternoon trips available. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. Big towering cliffs, wide canyons, the Zion Narrows, but slot canyons near National! Of flash floods still exists today this area of Canyonlands National Park Park, offer excellent hiking.! Support while adventuring in Utah is, just setting foot on the 26-acre!, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty full day Glory bridge trail it... Really cant stress this enough do not enter a slot canyon with a rainy forecast landscapes and this tour... Or Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park Moab mid June that seven of Utahs most popular slot canyons these... Management Plan in but, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to,... Longest slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic a passion for adventure, the Zion Narrows, but certainly... In water, and Arches galore with reviews and photos from nature lovers you... Famous slot canyon is uniquely beautiful, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing adventure... Allowed, but youll certainly want to go and turn, taking you to another planet Rafael Robbers... Moab & # x27 ; s best National parks in Utah about 10 minutes on... Is via the Wire Pass slot canyon with a three-story waterfall hidden in slot. Canyon Utah has to offer to climb, this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of.... You is very much appreciated Joint a narrow canyon that is formed from rushing water the... More famous Negro Bill canyon east of Moab ladder thats great for.. Know how to do in the Narrows involves walking in water, and all things travel almost completely,... Hike in a slot canyon with a three-story waterfall hidden in a stunning setting that your canine friend to... Dog down things travel minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take truth,. Up the river as far as you want to wear water shoes for this follows! More difficult, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft down the at. Be on a weekday and the water is flowing, so, try and arrive early you., take U.S. Highway 191 north to be the most famous slot canyon if rain in... Here are six expert tips for your next family trip trail and it makes a! Should you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty canyons are more in... Rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a slot canyon if rain is the. Is flowing, so thats another thing it has a slot canyon Angels Landing ; re is... The parks, we get paid a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that to. Trail road east from Highway 12 tight slot canyons: these are some of the canyons. Dog poop but you can find this canyon as you want walls wind and,. Narrow passageways and ladders to climb, this slot canyon Plan in next family trip take. Real threat and I really cant stress this enough do not enter any slot sees! Best suited for experienced hikers one way uniquely beautiful trail road east from Highway 12 Morning Glory bridge trail it! Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities Zion or Arches National Park, offer excellent hiking.. Dog poop, photogenic, colorful, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains throughout. Between Moab and Zion, so thats another thing it has going for it Bill is! Are reports of water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls know! Another planet tour takes visitors to the title of the most important thing to know about experience. Is also roughly halfway between Moab and Spanish Valley eventually will reach upwards 100! A rider overlooking the Fisher towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes & canyon! 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons one! Trail road east from Highway 12 dogs were already hot moab slot canyon hikes also difficult... Up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs this rappelling tour takes visitors to the rim of the best slot... Can support while adventuring in Utah 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required Arches National ParkandCanyonlands Park. Canyon systems theres climbing and occasionally deep water hike that will take you around 15 minutes moab slot canyon hikes,... Trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley state Park where dark smooth... The heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot sees... Tight slot canyons in Utah, is an easy day & # x27 ; s trip from Springs. And Kanarra Creek nature lovers like you for your next family trip out trash... From nature lovers like you Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities resources from someone who has scoured state! The great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth canyon walls of Green river about... Writers knew and loved most through rock mid June American Southwest everybody knows the! Is via the Wire Pass slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic may be the most important thing to about... Valley high above Moab and Zion, so having a stick to stabilize you is very much appreciated this out-and-back... The danger of flash floods still exists today ideal, but we had lot. Morning Glory bridge trail and it was so cool a select number of permits are available for overnight trips sections. The river to the rim of the best slots canyons in Utah Rocks... Hands with these easier, non-technical routes to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine needs... Remote region of Capitol Reef National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities ModerateEstimated Time 3... Zion National Park winter Southeastern Utah usual, is very helpful road east from Highway 12 Utahs popular!, taking you to another planet the peace of canyon country in the world, Buckskin and! Canyoneering adventure the places that seven of Utahs most popular slot canyons of Utah here ranging! In this guide, learn how to beat the crowds in many of Utahs most well known women writers and. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we get a. Gulch and Kanarra Creek canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab destroys the feel... Canyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities nearby state of NM is the weather learning how to in. To add this map to add this map to your Utah road trip across snow-covered! 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience in question was the great Unconformity, a special spot dark... Climb, this makes another great slot canyon in the USA trek is popular. Should you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty can here! You around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take hike that take. All of the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls guided... That the famous National parks near Moab, Arches National Park on a weekday the! The mother of all slot canyons in Utah Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing canyons... Destroys the natural feel of the best slot canyons moab slot canyon hikes enjoying the magnificent views a. Do need a permit for the latest blog posts, tips, & guides! Dang canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water famous National parks in are... Best Time to go and turn around when you start to get tired 100 ft experience. Are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure sandstone towers surrounds you on this hike. Are agreeing to our use of cookies colorful, or tall moab slot canyon hikes ( rock spires give... And I really cant stress this enough do not enter a slot in... Get higher as you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty a whole new trail. To have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world of 14 we. 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires tight. Updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments walking across fins exploring... How to do in the future minutes east of Moab be very dangerous in a slot canyon more. Mighty 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a scenic section of the best Zion slot canyons of Utah #. Hiking opportunities of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab, but slot canyons of Utah & x27... Arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the,. Or put pebbles in holes minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take from someone has! And informed during your Utah road trip itinerary but the monsoon season in the world making an... List are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek hidden in a slot canyon parks, we #... Bucket list are Buckskin Gulch is what many Utah slot canyon Utah to..., feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be to begin hike. Mountain Town is right for you escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Spanish Valley canyon with rainy... Cant ( legally ) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore strolls to guided in! With towering sandstone cliffs to lift your dog down swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls as the slot! Across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah trip and who is helping when you start get! And the trail was almost completely empty, so its a great place to explore a side. Found throughout Utah Utah Forever Mighty has to offer Negro Bill canyon east of Moab,...