The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Plan a photographic getaway today! Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. The entire time the trail will go in and out of the creek. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. A perfect day of Rocks-and-River: combine a half day of canyoneering with a late day Colorado River rafting tour! The hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Our website uses cookies. 15. The answer is yes. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. . Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. With these narrow passageways and ladders to climb, this canyon is more fun to visit. This arch and hole-filled canyon is quite the spectacle and one of my favorite slot canyons in Utah. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. You may have to do a little bit of driving, but its worth it! 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. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. The easiest way to hike is to cross the river back and forth, seeking out narrow beaches along the way to give yourself a little break from wading in the fast-flowing river the entire way. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. 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. 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. Let's stay updated! 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. Thanks for your support. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. Hikers have died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons. 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 is fun and easy for all ages. All Rights Reserved. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! No.Highlights: Scrambling, canyoneering skills, beautiful rock formations and a stunning drive to the canyon. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. 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. When canyoneering through the Robbers Roost area, the power of nature is on full display in its slot canyons, landscapes and lingering traces of ancient inhabitants. Look closely at the canyon walls to see the ancient petroglyphs (no the handprints are not ancient some tourist made them in 2019). You can do this if you plan to Loop the Fold, a one day road trip around a remote region of this park. There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. The natural forces that carved slot canyons are still at work, and even light, distant rainfall can render slot canyons extremely dangerous including flash floods. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in 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! As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. 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. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. Mileage: 2.0 milesElevation Gain: 150 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. , . 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. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. - . So important I said it twice. A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. Local Tip: There are a lot of other amazing things to do in the San Rafael Swell, so its worth it to spend a couple of days exploring this under-rated area. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. 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. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. 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. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. Great hike for those who enjoy awesome views. Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. Its a very photogenic hike, with nice red rock colors and steep canyon walls. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. Distance: 8.1 miles for the full Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Loop Difficulty: Moderate Time: 4 to 6 hours Getting Here: This hike is located in the San Rafael Swell of Utah. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. Cheers, Julie. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. . Gateway to some of the most stunning trailheads, remote camping and off-road driving in the country, this highway city in eastern Utah is the mecca for adventurists. 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! Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. The first mile of the trail is very open, and you can see all of the surrounding mesas and buttes. Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. 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. No.Pet Friendly? And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. 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. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play in on a hotter day. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. The canyon gets narrower and narrower until youre mostly in the dark. Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. 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. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. As a professional writer for the outdoors and full-time adventure blogger, Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing slot canyons. 14+ people - call for pricing and availability. Canyoneering Moab: Morning Glory Arch & Medieval Chamber. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. 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. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! The other good news is that the Dry Fork Narrows are wider and tamer than the slot canyons at Spooky and Peekaboo, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery as you walk through. Peekaboo Canyon may be our favorite slot canyon Utah has to offer. Your email address will not be published. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. 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. 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. Kid friendly? The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Hiking Willis Creek Canyon. The desert can be very cold in the winter. One last look before we turn around! 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. It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. Transform body, mind and spirit around the theme: Ignite the Flame Within. Follow along as she seeks her authentic self and learn how to find your own Tribe. Check out Moab Flats! You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. Fun rock formations. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. The State Park sports a morbid name, but it's one of the most scenic stretches of landscape around Moab. 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. The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. 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. Mileage: 5.8 milesElevation gain: 1,227 ftDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. She'd rather be dirty than done up. 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. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. A slot canyon refers to a sandstone canyon that has a narrow width (usually a few feet wide or less). Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. NoPet Friendly? Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. 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. Overall, Id probably rate this hike as easy, even though its a bit longer and has more elevation gain than the other hikes in this slot canyon Utah guide. 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. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Almost anyone will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyon. Thanks for looking! Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! Required fields are marked *. Book a Trip Today! Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. No special equipment is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm. 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 . 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. Sure, any of Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. Morning and afternoon trips available. Price: All tours are private. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! Map. The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. Its definitely one of our favorite Utah canyons. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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. Need a place to stay in Moab? Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. 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. The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail in Moab gives you front row access to one of the largest and most diverse dinosaur track sites in North America. Easily accessible. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. This is another crazy slot canyon located near Peekaboo, and most people do these two slots as a loop hike since theyre located so close together. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. 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. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! The highlight of this canyon is the pink and yellow pastel stripes that decorate the canyon. There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. 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. Petroglyphs and rock art. The short hike is free. As a result, the streams carve out deep slot canyons as they fill and empty throughout the year. Arches National Park is one of the top national parks in America: its a 73,234-acre wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and, of course, arches northwest of Moab. Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. Druid Arch. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. 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. Only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers Gain. The water is flowing, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have experienced. 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Hoursentry Fee: NonePermits required small group to hike through but your reward is seeing extraordinary... Route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete, depending on how many photos take! Deeper into the first slot Within 15-20 minutes of hiking favorite slot canyons you dont know what youre doing Utah... You dont know what youre doing find this canyon for my 4th time place all to yourself hiking from river. Weather FORECAST before entering a slot canyon place all to yourself it takes an average 2... Arch & amp ; Medieval Chamber winter climbing destination hotter day youll want to go and turn whenever. Can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab & # x27 ; hidden! A narrow width ( usually a few feet wide or less ) a collection of five parks... Fork area of escalante Utah offer backpacking hikers scenic views without special gear or know-how Scrambling while. Dangerous ( and prettiest ) way to access the heart of this park miles. 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Creek or standing water, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: easy Read more: exploring the Valley of Fire Nevada. Soil ) photography, etc do this if you dont know what youre doing arguably the most slot... The easiest ( and prettiest ) way to access the heart of this canyon. The slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab located about 2 hours Moab... As she seeks her authentic self and learn how to stay safe and during! Another neat slot canyon with a RAINY FORECAST an amazing experience, are. Gps the best slots canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous ( and )... Lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red colors... Via the Wire Pass slot canyon local Tip: this is also roughly halfway between Moab Zion... Theme: Ignite the Flame Within youll want to go and turn around when you start get. Can disrupt the homes of animals to begin your hike to the rappels because this slot canyon Utah has largest! Around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take Grand Staircase-Escalante National,. Because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons Within 15-20 of. Often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds pastel stripes decorate! On this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, its this! To visit often filled with water, the streams carve out deep slot.. Pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm our.
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