The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time. There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. 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). As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. 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. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. Mileage: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 492 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1 hour. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. The State Park sports a morbid name, but it's one of the most scenic stretches of landscape around Moab. 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. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. Petroglyphs and rock art. As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. These eroded sandstone wonders make for excellent hikes. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. . Moab is surrounded by some of Utah's best national parks and some of the best hikes in the USA. , . I hiked that one about 5 years ago, so I dont have a blog post for that trail. The next half mile is a scenic section of the canyon with soaring sandstone walls. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. 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 end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. 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! The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. Cheers, Julie. Previous Group
Kid friendly? The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer. Are you ready to go exploring? 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. I would recommend bringing an experienced partner for Moonshine Wash, because its a bit more technical than the other hikes listed in this slot canyon Utah guide. A Grand Adventure: Part 4. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new . Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. 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.. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Whenever youre on an upward climb, ask yourself, can I get back down this? You should always be able to climb down what youre going up in case you need to retreat in a hurry or decide to turn around. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. 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 a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. Make your way over a few rock obstacles (youll need to use your hands) until you empty out on the backside of the canyon. These water-cut canyons transport you to another world. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. Moab Canyon Pathway is a bike/pedestrian byway in Moab, Utah, that is not to be missed. Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Book a Trip Today! Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. 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). Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. The Kanarra Slot Canyon is unique on this list for also having two waterfalls inside, and its just a 1 hour drive from Zion National Park. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. 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. Youre rightthere is so much to do in this area. 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. Otherwise, you can get stuck in a slot canyon. Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems - the "trail" is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. 15. It takes most hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall. A hat helps too. Dont trash the canyon! This is a great one for beginners. Use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather for the specific canyon you plan to visit. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. Some of them are difficult to navigate and require technical skills, but many of them are family friendly and easy for beginners to hike. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Its one of the most gorgeous slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings. Our whole trip is . Our website uses cookies. 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. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. A waterfall and wildflowers. Print/PDF map. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. 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. Finally, we reached the Mary Jane slot canyon waterfall! The uplift from the Colorado Plateau causes the water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. Also, many of the slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making things like rescues difficult. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. 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. 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. You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. Above-rapid scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you're scouting is Lava Falls. Morning Glory Arch Canyon. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable. This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. Use this map if you are driving from Moab. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. It ends up a 234-foot natural rock with amazing views and a lot of quiet serenity along the way. If youve hiked in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape. Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. 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. 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. More Information: Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail. 2-3 people - $124/person. Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, weve selected a few of the best. Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. A permit is necessary if you want to hike the Narrows top-down. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. The initial hike to Zebra canyon is flat and easy, but the slot itself is difficult because its so tight and usually has standing water. Youll be using plenty of basic canyoneering and climbing skills such as stemming and bridging (if you dont know what these are, then this is likely a somewhat dangerous adventure for you). Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. But if you only have time for one, how to you decide which one to visit? As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. 1. 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. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. If you visit youll probably find standing water at the bottom. Your email address will not be published. From the Coyote Buttes/Wire Pass Trailhead, head down the wash until you reach an obvious slot. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. The World Travel Guy 2023 In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. The drive in. 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. Almost anyone will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyon. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Book well in advancePet Friendly? 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!). The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. 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. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante.