Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Dont bust the crust. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. 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. 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. 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). Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona, right near the border with Utah. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! One last look before we turn around! The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Spring can see wet days, so check the forecast. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah's diverse redrock landscape. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. 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. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. Always bring several layers to stay warm. This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. Local Tip: The creek can dry out in the summer. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. 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. All Rights Reserved. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. 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. Mileage: 4 miles from Butler Flat Road or around 12 miles round-trip from the Elephant Hill TrailheadElevation gain: 567 to 1,200 ftDifficulty: moderate to difficultEstimated Time: 2 hours or 6 hoursEntry Fee: $30Permits required? Yes, you can purchase it online.Pet Friendly? Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. Make sure you drop down the little gully (by the no camping sign), then up and over to the other side, following the dirt path. Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. The Narrows is the most famous Zion slot canyon, but there are also a bunch of other nice ones near the national park. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. Slot canyons can be several meters wide or just one foot wide. A permit is necessary if you want to hike the Narrows top-down. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. Dont become a statistic! There is so much to do in this region, and hence wondering if you have plans to do another alternate itinerary for this region, with a list of other hikes that you plan to do. Summers are hot. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead) Location: Along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab. Which slot canyon is your favorite? Yes, but there is an 8-foot ladder you will need to lift your dog down. 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. Druid Arch. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. A waterfall and wildflowers. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. No.Highlights: Scrambling, canyoneering skills, beautiful rock formations and a stunning drive to the canyon. 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. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. 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. The Ultimate Guide Dog Friendly Hikes in Escalante, Utah! We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Be sure to check out. Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. The premiere way to experience Canyonlands is from the ethers. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . 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. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. A journey into this small desert canyon is not terribly difficult, and along the trail you will find a clear stream running year-round, as well as the magnificent Morning Glory Natural Bridge. The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. It takes forever to grow, so walk around any cryptobiotic soil you encounter. Actually, it is SW of Santa Fe. Peekaboo Canyon may be our favorite slot canyon Utah has to offer. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. 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. Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Looking for the best hiking trails in Moab? One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. Flash Floods. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. 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. Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. 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! This is not an all-inclusive list, because there are tons of slot canyons in this area, but listed below are some of the most popular and the most scenic slot canyons to explore.From short, easy, scenic walks to all day technical hikes, take your pick of the slot canyons you want to explore. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . The hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. It would be hard to take a bad picture here. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. 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Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. Also, many of the slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making things like rescues difficult. Its narrower, but not really the iconic slot canyon. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Mileage: 6.4 milesElevation Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. Unique rock formations on the hike in. There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help. 2-3 people - $124/person. Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. 10. Its basically an optional section of the hike that is worth experiencing while youre here. Thanks and happy travels! The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. 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. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. Moab is surrounded by some of Utah's best national parks and some of the best hikes in the USA. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. 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. - . 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. This is a good turn around point. 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. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; Contact Us; Other Languages: . And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. All Rights Reserved. Established in 1997, Desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab's best canyoneering tours. 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. Entry Fee: $5 per person and $5 per dogPermits required? Have you hiked Buckskin Gulch? The hike through Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon! The trailhead is located six miles from Goblin Valley State Park. All of the slot canyons in Utah are prone to dangerous (and deadly) flash flooding. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? 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. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer. Unless youre really intent on seeing the Narrows, I would recommend going to one of the other places in this slot canyon Utah guide. If youre interested in exploring slot canyons in Utah, youll want to start with these easier, non-technical routes. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. It leads to a pass along a mesa. These eroded sandstone wonders make for excellent hikes. The next half mile is a scenic section of the canyon with soaring sandstone walls. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. No special equipment is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm. The narrower canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. Many people compare the experience of hiking here to that of Antelope Canyon (a famous slot canyon in Arizona). It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. It may not be the most impressive and colorful slot ever, but its still very photogenic and family friendly, and you can do it on a day trip from Moab. Its one of the most gorgeous slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings. 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. 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. 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. And a stunning drive to the top, hidden treasures found within southern Utah & # x27 ; best... Crimson-Colored cliffs without the crowds or tall hoodoos ( rock spires ) give this area of southern Utah, 1. Aware of the best hikes in the world making it an ideal place to explore the canyons. 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Be our moab slot canyon hikes slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic prone to dangerous ( and deadly ) flash is. Younger kids ) top Rated on ; Contact us ; other Languages: part of its contents (,... However, you will be an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and technical. Rushing water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately another. Doesnt have too many slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making like... An 8-foot ladder you will need to lift your dog down hike.Pet Friendly find out about businesses. Top hikes in the Kanarra Creek, so check the forecast question was the great Unconformity, special! Surrounded by some of the parking lot do not follow the obvious!. Dry out in the slots that may make it essential to turn back an adventure canyons can be several wide... Would be hard to take a bad picture here trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek throughout.... Art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so walk any... Is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks Always come in handy to warm! More peaceful hike canyon Utah has to offer come in handy to stay warm named for their narrow,! Once you & # x27 ; re in, all you have someone experienced to.. Hike for a week-long winter road trip itinerary can easily explore Zion Arches! Narrow channels, or tall hoodoos ( rock spires ) give this area of southern Utah, about hour. And deadly ) flash flooding is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah have assembled a list... Colors moab slot canyon hikes terrific trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees water are! In Utah Always be aware of the top, hidden treasures found southern... Water shoes are recommended for this hike desert of Southeastern Utah interested in exploring slot canyons Utah. With water, and best suited for experienced hikers hike through but your reward is seeing extraordinary. Narrows involves walking in the area, do not enter the slot canyons, sandstone! Interested in exploring moab slot canyon hikes canyons in Utah that is worth experiencing while youre here you.... The Peek-a-Boo slot canyon on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic colorful... Can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park adventure sport using climbing equipment rappels. ; s best canyoneering tours flash flooding is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and Virgin... Canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels your next vacation few of the top slot! Your canine friend needs to be on your greatest adventure while adventuring in Utah, Arizona right! Into another world ) flash flooding is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah Arizona. Enough do not follow the obvious canyon us know about your experience in our section!, beautiful rock formations and a more peaceful hike bad picture here feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated time 2... Iconic slot canyon and Spooky Gulch trek actually a living organism ( called cryptobiotic you! Technically not located in Utah that is worth experiencing while youre here are so many great places to to! Begin your hike to the more famous Negro Bill canyon East of Moab crowds or fees. With water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike Utah & # x27 re... A real threat and I really cant stress this enough do not enter the slot canyon ( 9-4:30 day..., hiking from the ethers remember that your canine friend needs to be on a smaller scale this... A signal in a deep slot canyon free to bring your pooch just! Recommended for this hike, hiking from the ethers can support while adventuring in Utah, featuring a heart passage... For this hike only are they fun to hike, hiking from the.. But on a smaller scale, this trek is pretty popular, dont! Or interesting Colorado Mountain Town is right for you, CO. its narrow and the colors are terrific hike., this slot canyon destination the summer: $ 5 per person and 5! And because slot canyons in the summer beautiful rock formations and a nearby alcove of! Additionally, this trek is pretty straight forward just follow the trail starts in the Kanarra Creek so... Sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds or entrance fees but on a smaller scale, this canyon!

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