We had an amazing road trip in the American Southwest last year, during which we explored many of Utah’s most incredible slot canyons. To share our experience with others, we’ve created a comprehensive slot canyon Utah guide and map.
Slot canyons are natural passageways formed by the erosion of rock, displaying stunning colors ranging from red and yellow to pink and purple. Some canyons are so narrow that walking sideways or crawling is necessary, providing a unique and exciting hiking challenge for adults.
While our list isn’t exhaustive and doesn’t cover every slot canyon hike in the United States, we’ve handpicked some of the best slot canyons in Utah that we personally recommend. The canyons on this list are especially noteworthy due to their accessibility, vibrant colors, photogenic qualities, or overall interest.
A slot canyon is a narrow passageway that forms in rock, typically sandstone, as a result of water erosion over time. These canyons have a distinct keyhole shape and are just wide enough for a person to squeeze through.
Utah is home to over 1,000 slot canyons, which is the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world. While some canyons are challenging and require technical expertise, many of them are suitable for beginners and families.
It’s important to note that it’s crucial to check the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon, and to avoid entering during rainy conditions, even if the rain is not occurring in the immediate area. Flash flooding is a significant danger in slot canyons and can occur rapidly, even on a sunny day
Discovering the Beauty of Red Hollow Slot Canyon: A Guide to Hiking Utah’s Hidden Gem | Your Ultimate Red Hollow Slot Canyon Adventure
Located in Orderville, Utah, the Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and straightforward hike, conveniently situated near the renowned Zion and Bryce National Parks. The canyon features striking red rock colors and towering canyon walls, making it a popular spot for photography. Moreover, it’s an ideal location for families with children due to its ease of access.
A unique aspect of Red Hollow is a narrow slot that provides an exciting opportunity for chimneying or stemming – a technique where hikers place their back against one wall and push their feet against the other to traverse a gap. Although this technique may be unfamiliar to some hikers, it offers a fun and memorable experience.
Overall, Red Hollow is among our top picks for Utah’s slot canyons, offering an enjoyable and accessible hiking adventure.
Read More: Red Hollow Slot Canyon
Unraveling the Mystery of Buckskin Gulch: A Guide to Exploring Utah’s Longest and Deepest Slot Canyon | Discovering the Wonders of Buckskin Gulch
Stretching over 21 miles, Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, and is believed to be the longest slot canyon in the world.
Located on the Utah-Arizona state border, Buckskin Gulch is conveniently accessible by car, just an hour’s drive from Page, Arizona, or about a two-hour drive from Zion National Park. With its stunning and picturesque views, the canyon is perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Another remarkable feature of Buckskin Gulch is that it boasts a collection of petroglyphs that are conveniently located and easily accessible for visitors to see
For visitors planning to explore Buckskin Gulch, it’s recommended to enter from Wire Pass, as this allows you to experience two slot canyons in one trip.
With a difficulty level of easy to moderate, this hike is suitable for a wide range of visitors. It’s important to note, however, that the terrain can be rocky and uneven, and visitors should take care to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water.
Discovering the Hidden Wonders of Wire Pass Slot Canyon: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring this Spectacular Utah Gem | Tips for Hiking Wire Pass Slot Canyon.
Wire Pass is a picturesque slot canyon located in Utah that intersects with the famous Buckskin Gulch. Although it’s a side canyon, it’s actually a preferred entry point to Buckskin, as it allows visitors to avoid extended periods of walking in the sun.
Compared to other slot canyons in Utah, Wire Pass is relatively easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Additionally, the canyon is exceptionally beautiful, with a narrow passageway and stunning colors that make for great photo opportunities. Visitors can even find a small wooden ladder that provides a unique touch to their pictures.
Read More: Wire Pass To Buckskin Gulch
Zion Narrows: Hiking, Permits, and Tips for Exploring this Slot Canyon in Utah
The Zion Narrows is the ultimate slot canyon, with towering walls and the Virgin River flowing through it. However, the 16-mile hike involves walking in water, and the crowds can be overwhelming. While the Narrows is open to all fitness levels since you can turn back at any point, it’s getting extremely popular. It’s possible to hike the entire Narrows in one day with a permit, but most people just go partway and return. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider exploring one of the other slot canyons on this Utah guide. The difficulty of the hike is considered easy to moderate
Exploring Kanarra Creek: A Slot Canyon Hike in Utah
The Kanarra Slot Canyon is one of our top picks for Utah canyons, and what sets it apart is the fact that it has two waterfalls within it. It’s just an hour’s drive from Zion National Park and features a new metal ladder that makes it easy to pass the first waterfall. The second waterfall is visible further along the hike.
Although the hike is a bit longer and has more elevation gain compared to the other hikes in this slot canyon Utah guide, it’s still rated as easy overall. However, a permit is required to hike Kanarra Creek now due to its popularity, and there’s a limited number of permits available per day that sell out quickly, so advance planning is recommended.
Spring Creek Canyon
Located less than an hour from Zion National Park, the Spring Creek Canyon is a beautiful and relatively easy hike.
The colorful reddish-orange rocks create a stunning landscape when the sun is shining. It’s a great choice for a quiet weekday hike, as it’s not very crowded
Willis Creek Slot Canyon
The Willis Creek Slot Canyon in southern Utah offers a simple and brief hike through breathtaking narrows adorned with exquisite vanilla-colored rocks and stunning passageways. This trail is well-suited for horseback riding and is relatively flat, making it an excellent option for families.
Among the slot canyon hikes in Utah, it is one of the simplest and most accessible. Moreover, it is conveniently situated just under an hour’s drive from the renowned Bryce and Escalante regions, making it an ideal addition to any Utah road trip itinerary
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Zebra Slot Canyon
Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante, Utah is a magnificent natural wonder, featuring striking rock colors and mesmerizing zebra-striped walls. Although it is one of the best slot canyons in Utah, it can be a bit challenging to navigate due to its narrow passageways.
While the hike leading up to Zebra Canyon is relatively straightforward and level, the slot itself poses more difficulty due to its tight confines and the presence of standing water.
To hike through Zebra Canyon, you don’t require specialized equipment or technical expertise, but you will benefit from good physical fitness and prior experience with slot canyons. Additionally, you should be comfortable with enclosed spaces and not mind wading through murky water.
Overall, Zebra Slot Canyon is a challenging hike that requires some level of experience and endurance.
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Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Peekaboo Slot Canyon in southern Utah is a magnificent destination that feels like an adult’s playground, featuring exciting obstacles to overcome and striking red rock walls to admire. It’s one of the most breathtaking slot canyons in Utah, with a heart-shaped passageway and arch ceilings that make for a truly memorable hiking experience.
While it’s not an entry-level slot canyon, beginners can still enjoy it as it is moderately challenging. The most difficult part is the slippery ledge at the start of the slot, which could be hazardous if you lose your footing.
Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante region of southern Utah, about an hour’s drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s also located approximately halfway between Moab and Zion National Park, making it an excellent addition to any Utah road trip itinerary.
Overall, Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a moderately difficult hike that offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
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As part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante, there is a third slot canyon worth exploring. The Upper Dry Fork trailhead is another entry point to the Spooky/Peekaboo canyons, which takes you through the Dry Fork Narrows. This loop hike allows you to experience all three slot canyons in the area.
One of the advantages of including the Dry Fork Narrows in the hike is that they are less challenging than the Spooky and Peekaboo canyons. As a result, you can take it easy and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Overall, the Dry Fork Narrows are an easy and beautiful addition to the Spooky/Peekaboo hike, and it’s a great way to see all three slot canyons in one loop.
Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Little Wild Horse Canyon is a slot canyon located near Goblin Valley State Park, roughly two hours away from Moab, Utah. It is known for its pleasant and manageable level of difficulty, making it an enjoyable experience for hikers.
Ding & Dang Canyons
Located approximately two hours away from Moab, Ding & Dang Canyon is a slot canyon that is not recommended for beginner hikers. This hike requires a certain level of technical expertise as it involves climbing and encountering deep water at times. In the past, there have been several rescues in this area, so it is recommended to have an experienced guide or companion to assist during the hike.
In summary, Ding & Dang Canyon is a challenging slot canyon that demands a high degree of technical skill and caution. It is best attempted by experienced hikers who are well-equipped and accompanied by someone knowledgeable about the terrain.
Moonshine Wash
Less than a two-hour drive away from Moab, Utah, Moonshine Wash is a scenic slot canyon that offers a unique sense of solitude due to its off-the-beaten-path location. Although its trailhead may be difficult to locate, this hidden gem is a great option for hikers seeking a less crowded and peaceful experience.
However, compared to some of the other slot canyons mentioned in this guide, Moonshine Wash is considered to be a moderately challenging hike that requires a bit more technical skill. Therefore, it is recommended to bring an experienced partner or guide to navigate the terrain and ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
15. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is an iconic slot canyon located near the southern border of Utah, technically in Arizona. It’s a must-visit destination known for its breathtaking beauty, making it a popular spot for photography. To explore Antelope Canyon, a guided tour is mandatory and reservations need to be made well in advance due to its immense popularity.
The canyon is relatively easy to explore, but being a guided tour, the difficulty level is subjective to the group’s ability. A visit to Antelope Canyon can be easily added as a day trip from Utah.
Difficulty: Easy / Guided
Book Now: Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour
Slot Canyons Near Zion
There are several impressive slot canyons near Zion National Park, making it a great destination for adventure seekers. While some of these canyons are located inside the park, others are situated a bit further away and may require a bit of driving. Here are some of the best slot canyons to explore near Zion:
- The Narrows (located inside Zion National Park)
- Keyhole Canyon (located inside Zion National Park)
- The Subway (located inside Zion National Park)
- Red Hollow Canyon (30 miles east of Zion)
- Red Canyon Kanab (40 miles east of Zion)
- Spring Creek Canyon (45 miles northwest of Zion)
- Kanarra Creek & Falls (45 miles northwest of Zion)
- Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass (90 miles east of Zion)
- Willis Creek Slot Canyon (100 miles northeast of Zion)
