We spent the next morning riding our e-bikes along the Moab Can yon Pathway, This paved trail loosely follows Old Highway 191 past Arches National Park and . A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. This is a great one for beginners. The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. 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. The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Hole-in-the-Rock Road Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: The trail to the slot canyon is easy; the slot canyon can be challenging Read more: How to hike Zebra Canyon. Our whole trip is . Recommended by Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. Brimstone GulchEastern Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Sunscreen. Hiking from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River! Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. This strenuous hike is most easily accessible by hiking from the river to the rim of the canyon. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. Kid friendly? You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. Be on the lookout for petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and more. 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). . There are a bunch of amazing slot canyons scattered across the southern half of the state of Utah, especially in places like the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. Thanks for your support. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. It's a good idea to download an offline map of your hiking area on an app like Google Maps, that way you can keep using it to navigate or find your position even when you're out of reception. Flash Floods. So important I said it twice. Always pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop! 6. NoPet Friendly? Which slot canyon is your favorite? The entire time the trail will go in and out of the creek. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. Moab visitors are conveniently close to what is considered one of the world's best canyoneering destinations. At Wall Street, the canyon is just a few yards wide and hundreds of feet high, so it is extremely dramatic. Morning and afternoon trips available. The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. The entirety of Buckskin Gulch canyon is one of the longest slots in the world. 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 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. Hikers have died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. It offers a visually-stunning Utah slot canyons experience and makes the entire hike worthwhile. 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. Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Both ways work and meet up. No guide is necessary. Otherwise youll need to head towards Escalante (4 hours and 45 minutes away) or Kanab (also 4 hours and 45 minutes away) for slot canyons near Salt Lake City. Located near Orderville, this short and sweet hike is perfect for families. You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction. Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. 10. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. (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. Yes, you can purchase it online.Pet Friendly? Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Planning a trip to Utah? Yes. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. Book a Trip Today! Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. Always bring several layers to stay warm. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. 15. Whatever you choose, it will be an adventure! The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. Mileage: 6.4 milesElevation Gain: 889 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. Utah is home ot some of the most unique geology on the planet. 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. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. Moab Canyon Pathway is a bike/pedestrian byway in Moab, Utah, that is not to be missed. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Experience one of the most unique slot canyons in Utah with the Spooky and Peek a Boo Canyon loop. Happy travels! The creek flows year-round, along a canyon (known as Mary Jane Canyon) which is shallow for most of its length but one mile of the central section becomes fairly narrow and up to 100 feet deep.The walls have interesting rock textures and colors, different to most true slot canyons as the rock is darker . 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. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. 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. These eroded sandstone wonders make for excellent hikes. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. No special equipment is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm. The solitude is one of the appealing features of this trek. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. No.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. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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! Its narrower, but not really the iconic slot canyon. Its dark, its mysterious, and its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you are not claustrophobic. 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. The hike through Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon! Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. Comment below! See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and then head to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge for even more amazing views. It takes most hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall. Best season: Year-round. The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! 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. An incredible canyoneering introduction, with two rappels: 100' into a hidden chasm, and 110' off a giant rock arch! Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! Willis Creek Slot Canyon is one of the lesser known Utah canyons. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. It seems like a great hike but it seems difficult to do in a day hike. 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. The closest slot canyons to Salt Lake City are about 3.5 hours away in the San Rafael Swell (Little Wild Horse Canyon and Ding and Dang Canyon). The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and its also notable for having some petroglyphs that are easy to reach. Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. If you visit youll probably find standing water at the bottom. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. But if you only have time for one, how to you decide which one to visit? 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. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. Hire a tour guide, drive your own 4WD vehicle, or hike to a high-lookout point to take in the grandeur of the superb stratigraphic mesas in the distance. 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. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. One warning for Mary Jane Slot Canyon is that, like with any other slot canyon, you do NOT want to hike this during or right after a rainstorm due to the possibility of a flash flood. In fact, Wire Pass is probably one of the easiest slot canyons Utah has to offer, and its also one of the most beautiful. Leave it better than you found it. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. 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. As a result, the streams carve out deep slot canyons as they fill and empty throughout the year. The hike is dog-friendly and doable for school-age kids. The big highlight are the unique patterns along the canyon walls a lot like zebra stripes. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. Need a place to stay in Moab? Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Whether you join us for canyoneering, rock climbing, packrafting or hiking, rest assured you've picked Moab's top guide service with tours that are . Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous. However it does have a creek and is dog-friendly! Willis Creek was a blast to hike. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. Its located by the Utah-Arizona state border, so you can reach it in 1 hour of driving from the town of Page, Arizona, or about 2 hours from Zion National Park. Location: Kanarraville, Utah Distance: 3 to 4 miles, round trip Difficulty: Moderate. Also horse friendly.Highlights: Water. Peekaboo Canyon may be our favorite slot canyon Utah has to offer. 7- 9 Hours. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. Plan a photographic getaway today! Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. You can do this if you plan to Loop the Fold, a one day road trip around a remote region of this park. With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . The next half mile is a scenic section of the canyon with soaring sandstone walls. The uplift from the Colorado Plateau causes the water in bigger canyons to move more quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls. 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. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. 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. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. The Needles, or tall hoodoos (rock spires) give this area of Canyonlands National Park its name. All Rights Reserved. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. 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 second waterfall comes into view a bit later. Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead) Location: Along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab. 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. Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom. Hiking. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. Cheers, Julie. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Let's stay updated! If you go to this area in the summer, add on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and if you rent a 44, Toroweap Overlook on the North Rim is high on our bucket list. Canyonlands or Arches National Park, whats right for me? With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. 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Purchase using one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah get There, take the Apache Tears with! Border, near Kanab with you anymore the lookout for petroglyphs, cacti! These affiliate links, we & # x27 ; ve selected a of. Can not enter the Park without paying for a guided tour a stick to stabilize you is very helpful visitors. You dont need a permit for the un-initiated, but its not for beginners routes ranging roadside! Quickly, which cuts deeper canyon walls Pass slot canyon and then head to title... Stream that joins the Colorado river an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe very dangerous in a slot canyon very. Get off at the bottom as part of the appealing features of this Park experience! Pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to hike the Narrows top-down technical descents canyons! On your bucket list, Antelope canyon is technically not located in Utah snow melting! If its outside of your immediate area all of this Park in the creek! 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