You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. 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? You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. Your email address will not be published. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. 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. When people refer to Antelope Canyon . This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon are arguably one of the best slot canyons in Utah, thanks to the unbelievably smooth walls and gorgeous lighting. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. Here are the places that seven of Utahs most well known women writers knew and loved most. Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. But so nice and compact. Its time to pull the plugliterally. Also aim to visit between March and November. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and then head to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge for even more amazing views. Petroglyphs and rock art. Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. Winters are another excellent time to hike in a slot canyon, if you dont mind the cold! Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off. Utah happens to have the largest concentration of these unique landmarks in the world making it an ideal place to explore these natural wonders. Always bring several layers to stay warm. Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent shape. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Yes, you can purchase it online.Pet Friendly? So, if youre not an experienced canyoneer then be sure to bring a friend who is. Hike Details. 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. Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. Happy travels! As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. In fact, Wire Pass is probably one of the easiest slot canyons Utah has to offer, and its also one of the most beautiful. The World Travel Guy 2023 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. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. Mileage: 5.8 milesElevation gain: 1,227 ftDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. 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. 15. This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. We followed the dry trail for about 10 minutes. Many people compare the experience of hiking here to that of Antelope Canyon (a famous slot canyon in Arizona). There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. Hiking within the narrow canyon, hopping and skipping over the creek, and watching as the canyon walls steadily grow higher and higher as you head downstream is such a great experience. NoPet Friendly? Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. 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. Unique rock formations on the hike in. The hikes on this list stood out to us because theyre especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting! Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. 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. The hike through Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon! Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. 4-13 people - $112/person. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. The Pastel Canyon, also called the Pink Canyon, is photogenic slot canyon to explore in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. If youve hiked in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. And feel free to bring your pooch but just remember that your canine friend needs to be on a leash. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. Slot canyons form when soft rock like sandstone, erode slowly from rain and wind. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? Length 8.4 miElevation gain 541 ftRoute type Out & back. Map. There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help. Yes, but some scrambling is required so you may need to lift your dog.Highlights: over a mile of narrow slots, amazing canyon views on the backside of the canyon. 2-3 people - $124/person. Beautiful desert scenery. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. Antelope Canyon. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. But if you like adventure then Ding and Dang Canyons are for you. It takes forever to grow, so walk around any cryptobiotic soil you encounter. Its basically an optional section of the hike that is worth experiencing while youre here. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Druid Arch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. Image courtesy of Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. The entire time the trail will go in and out of the creek. 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. Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. It's easy, it's great for all ability levels and ages, and . NoHighlights: Conquering one of the most iconic trails in Utah, wading through the river that runs through a narrow slot canyon, and getting to see some of the most dramatic sceneries of Zion National Park. Best done if youre backpacking in the Needles District of the park, this trail features a narrow, straight, steep mini canyon thats a satisfying sight. 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. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). Mileage: 15.5 milesElevation gain: 1,017 feetDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: About 8 hours for the bottom-up hike and two days for the top-down trail.Entry Fee: $35Permits required? Summers are hot. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . No.Highlights: Scrambling, canyoneering skills, beautiful rock formations and a stunning drive to the canyon. Start at the Little Wild Horse Canyon entrance first to avoid swimming up traffic in the narrows. 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. Willis Creek is pure fun. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. The highlight of this canyon is the pink and yellow pastel stripes that decorate the canyon. Getting stuck in a flash flood is deadly dangerous so never gamble with a rainy forecast even if the percentage is small. Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. This canyon is popular for horseback riding, and the whole trail is straightforward and pretty much flat, so overall Id rank it as one of the easiest and most family friendly slot canyon hikes in Utah. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. This leads to smaller crowds and a more peaceful hike! Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group
Required fields are marked *. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. Also horse friendly.Highlights: Water. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National ParkandCanyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Fun rock formations. However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? If youre interested in exploring slot canyons in Utah, youll want to start with these easier, non-technical routes. Pack out your poop. Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. These water-cut canyons transport you to another world. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. 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. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. 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. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure's filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. Be on the lookout for petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and more. Its definitely one of our favorite Utah canyons. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. 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. 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. Best season: Year-round. One last look before we turn around! 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). 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. It leads to a pass along a mesa. That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon. However it does have a creek and is dog-friendly! Not to mention, youll learn how to beat the crowds in many of Utahs most popular slot canyons. (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. This arch and hole-filled canyon is quite the spectacle and one of my favorite slot canyons in Utah. The out-and-back hike ends with a three-story waterfall hidden in a slot canyon. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! Its also one of those hikes thats easy to get to and that features one narrow section that anyone who wants to do some stemming and chimneying will love. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. Here are several tours and entrance tickets to popular slot canyons in the American Southwest. NoPet Friendly? About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. 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