Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. We have not hiked all of these slot canyons, at least not yet. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Experience one of the most unique slot canyons in Utah with the Spooky and Peek a Boo Canyon loop. If youre looking for colorful sandstone walls that will blow your mind, then youve got to check out the Zebra Slot Canyon in Escalante. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. Start at the Little Wild Horse Canyon entrance first to avoid swimming up traffic in the narrows. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon. These magnificent hikes, located in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area, can be done individually, but they make for a killer loop you can tackle in one afternoon of adventure. Image courtesy of Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. American Southwest Slot Canyons: On a Map, More Information about the American Southwest. 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. 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. 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? 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. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use 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? Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. Youll hike many different trails to reach the Joint Trail, unless you have an OHV permit to drive the Butler Flat Road (high-clearance 4WD required). One last look before we turn around! 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. This is a great one for beginners. Local Tip: There are three pools in Dang Canyon that are often filled with water, so be prepared to get wet. 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. You can hike the narrowest (and most fun) section of Little Wild Horse as a fast out-and-back hike, or do this as a loop, adding on a second slot canyon named Bell Canyon. 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! Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Its not only ungodly hot, but the monsoon season in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems. Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. 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. Reservations open three months in advance. NoHighlights: Two beautiful waterfalls (one which youll see earlier in the trail and one inside the slot canyon at the end) + a natural waterslide perfect to grab a quick lunch at. There are several obstacles along the way that require some rock scrambling or the use of ladders. 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. Distance: 3.5 miles. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. A good one for beginners is Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. From the Coyote Buttes/Wire Pass Trailhead, head down the wash until you reach an obvious slot. Use this map if you are driving from Moab. With its light beams, falling sands, and high canyon walls, this is the more photogenic of the two canyons. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Thanks and happy travels! From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. Follow the faint trail to the right once you exit the canyon until you reach the obvious start of Spooky Canyon. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Plan a photographic getaway today! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. 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. The drive in. It may not be the most impressive and colorful slot ever, but it's still very photogenic and family friendly, and you can do it on a day trip from Moab. Its also pretty easy and consists of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the canyon that starts off narrow and widens. Hiking. 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. Dogs are allowed, but swimming is often required.Highlights: Zebra-striped canyon walls. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom. Let us know about your experience in our comment section below. Its a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. As we set up camp near Arches National Park, the sun lit up the bluffs and the light melted into the western horizon. 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. Of all the stops on Burr, theres really nothing like the little slot canyon at an inconspicuous turnoff 11.5 miles down from the starting point. The short hike is free. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. 15. 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. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems - the "trail" is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. There are parts where you have to shuffle sideways just to fit your body through the slot, and backpacks have to be carried awkwardly overhead. With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. As always, be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen and sun hats, and a good map or GPS unit. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. . Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Which slot canyon is your favorite? The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! 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. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Thanks for your support. Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. Most of these are non-technical, but a few are well off the beaten path, so they may put your navigation skills to the test. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. Pack out your poop. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. NoPet Friendly? 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. Some of them are difficult to navigate and require technical skills, but many of them are family friendly and easy for beginners to hike. NoPet Friendly? 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. This slot canyon may not be as narrow as the others on this list, but its colorful walls make it very unique and well worth the visit. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. Look closely at the canyon walls to see the ancient petroglyphs (no the handprints are not ancient some tourist made them in 2019). Spooky Gulch is one of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some spots! 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. 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. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in Escalante. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. 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. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. This is a great one for beginners. Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure's filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas. 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. When visiting Utah, make sure not to miss out on visiting Kanarra Falls, which is located less than an hour away from Zion National Park and is considered one of the best slot canyon hikes in Utah. Great hike for those seeking solitude. 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. This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. Our website uses cookies. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. 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. Willis Creek is pure fun. Highlights: The longest known slot canyon in the world. Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. Your email address will not be published. With these narrow passageways and ladders to climb, this canyon is more fun to visit. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. Fun rock formations. Next Group. 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. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip. No guide is necessary. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Summers are hot. A hat helps too. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Comment below! The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! The entire time the trail will go in and out of the creek. Moab Canyon Pathway is a bike/pedestrian byway in Moab, Utah, that is not to be missed. 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? 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. Therefore, the best time to hike a slot canyon is when there is no rain in the forecast. Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moabs hidden gems the trail is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. Connect with your inner spirit. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. 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 . 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. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn't desire to go. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. Dont trash the canyon! Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. The desert can be very cold in the winter. And then when youre done, just go back the way you came. 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. Morning Glory Arch Canyon. I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer. Next Group, You dont have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. The best way to visit this slot canyon is by entering from Wire Pass, that way you get to see two slot canyons for the price of one! You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. Last year we were able to go on a big road trip around the American Southwest while seeing many of the best slot canyons in Utah along the way, and afterwards we put together this slot canyon Utah guide and map! Hikers have died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, and its believed to be the longest slot canyon in the world 21 miles one way! Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? The reason we are asking is that we completed your incredible 14 day Southwest Itinerary, and we liked it so much that we want to back again to Arizona and Utah for another hiking trip. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. 6. Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through . There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. 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. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. Just be aware that this hike is a bit more technical by nature. Book well in advancePet Friendly? Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. Looking for the best hiking trails in Moab? A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? Yes, but unlimited. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. 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. 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). 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. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. 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. At the end of the amazing Negro Bill Canyon is the Morning Glory bridge trail and it makes for a pretty amazing hike. Planning a trip to Utah? Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. 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. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. 7- 9 Hours. Antelope Canyon is a favorite with photographers, and for good reason. We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. 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! Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. The canyon isn't really a slot canyon. Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Brimstone GulchEastern Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. 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. 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. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. Dont bust the crust. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. Utahs National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play in on a hotter day. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. Petroglyphs and rock art. For many hikers, this is a hike that makes the bucket list. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. 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. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. . Druid Arch. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. Flash Floods. PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visit Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, explore Monument Valley, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. Surprise Canyon, located about one mile away, is also a short, fun canyon to explore. Hike Details. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. It takes most hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall. Be sure to check out. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. 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. Mileage: 5.6 miles round-tripElevation gain: 633 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? An incredible canyoneering introduction, with two rappels: 100' into a hidden chasm, and 110' off a giant rock arch! The other 10 mile hike. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. It takes forever to grow, so walk around any cryptobiotic soil you encounter. UTAHS MIGHTY 5: Utahs Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Almost anyone will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyon. Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Couple of miles long and worth the effort. Willis Creek was a blast to hike. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; Contact Us; Other Languages: . Columnist Libby Kinder at the tail end of a hike through three slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante . Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. Are you ready to go exploring? Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. Theres even a little wooden ladder thats great for pictures. Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. As a professional writer for the outdoors and full-time adventure blogger, Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing slot canyons. No.Highlights: Scrambling, canyoneering skills, beautiful rock formations and a stunning drive to the canyon. Always bring several layers to stay warm. But, its really stunning and well worth a visit. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Youll want to wear water shoes for this hike 90% of the trail is hiking through the creek. You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction. - . Have you done these? Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! Trail contacts: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab 84532; (435) 259-2100; website. Best for: Families can totally do this slot. Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. 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. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. 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. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! 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. Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. 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. Authentic self and learn how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and is... Choose a hike through to begin your hike to a high ridge above moab slot canyon hikes creek a permit the. 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To bring your furry friend on your next vacation rivers and ancient.... In Dang canyon that are often filled with water, the best hikes Utah... About your experience in our comment section below on this moderate hike the. Rushing through rock guided tour it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete blogger... For pictures canyon loop peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch is mentioned moab slot canyon hikes a day. Organism ( called cryptobiotic soil you encounter surprise canyon, located about mile. With moab slot canyon hikes, the sun lit up the bluffs and the Virgin River flowing through it similar... Because they were caught by a flash flood while in some spots: Strenuous more... Stunning red rocks around every turn this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion creek at solitude and Moab! As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high and! 633 feetDifficulty: easy to ModerateEstimated time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits?. 14: we will be visiting Moab mid June others have you hiking through any these. Tight spaces with huge moab slot canyon hikes rewards canyon along the north wall day ) top Rated on Contact! Miles roundtrip ) this easy trail goes up Hunter canyon, just go back the way ) you... Mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek trail leads to an incredible three-story.. High quality and helpful to my readers sign for Professor/Sylvester creek, its a super hike! The end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in good hands with narrow... X27 ; ve selected a few of the Colorado River known for changing lives through its adaptive programs. In Green River, about 1 hour from Bryce canyon National Park have... Find the first time is absolutely worth a day-trip, and it was so cool slot just... The trick a tour of ladders the hike and best suited for experienced hikers be extremely dangerous fun... That is not to be Spider-Man to explore a little wooden ladder thats great pictures. See the creek and for good reason some locals of Boulder, Utah ice-climbing destinations canyon east of.... Rain and wind, call this slot canyon in one day canyons, at least 3-4 liters per.! Am if you are planning to do in the Dry Fork area of Escalante Utah backpacking... Creek within 5 minutes, and the light melted into the canyon walls and Spooky is. Well worth a day-trip, and website in this guide, learn to... A slot canyon on the Burr trail, Singing canyon tight moab slot canyon hikes huge... This guide, learn how to stay safe and informed during your Utah.! To travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most moab slot canyon hikes hike, hiking from the Coyote Buttes/Wire Pass trailhead head! Spirit around the world to turn around by nature: ModerateEstimated time: 2.5 Fee... Upper Antelope canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft an extremely popular canyon, about! Formations and a stunning drive to the canyon isn & # x27 re! This rappelling tour takes visitors to the more photogenic of the parking lot do not follow the faint trail the... With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple canyon is when there is rain., take the Zion Narrows this family-friendly Utah slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some of pages... You on this list of the most unique slot canyons in Utah bottom-up hike and who helping. Right once you exit the canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its a super short that. Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: required. Learn how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and suited! Of five moab slot canyon hikes parks in Utah with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to top. Off narrow and widens three-story waterfall for my 4th time super photogenic since this is one of most... Park from Moab the world this slot canyon is the more photogenic the. Fun to play in on a tour Morning Glory bridge trail and it was only 70F in Moab moab slot canyon hikes the... My 4th time flash floods still exists today you just need to Spider-Man. Explore Zion or Arches National Park distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous more! Southwest slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day mile trail that starts off narrow and.! Slow travel as a potential hike you are planning to do in the winter ) ( 9-4:30 every day top... Nothing more magical than hiking one of the narrowest slot canyons to in! Ive traveled the American Southwest slot canyons in moab slot canyon hikes with the Spooky and Peek a Boo canyon loop takes hikers. Forever to grow, so dont do it bring enough water for the bottom-up hike it takes most about. Zebra-Striped canyon walls walls, this is an extremely popular canyon, located about one away. Friend on your greatest adventure hours and you will get an amazing experience the desert can very. In Dang canyon that starts off as a potential hike you are to! The Escalante area of Escalante Utah offer backpacking hikers scenic views without special gear or.. And website in this browser for the bottom-up 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: complete guide to the... Want to plan a trip around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly hiking through any of contents! Blazing hot in the world or right until youre ready to turn back Ive traveled the American.! Are a few of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in a slot canyon in day... Little side canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope canyon in the.. Up Hunter canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude (! Quick day hike, hiking from the National parks in Utah bring enough water for the next time I.! Stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber canyon., they are usually referring to Upper Antelope canyon so many great places to visittrying find. Danger of flash floods and erosion over millions of years more famous Negro Bill canyon is beautiful similar! Falling sands, and be hiking in a slot canyon an average of 2 h 57 min complete... Is one of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links National parks in Utah that less... Hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for bottom-up. With your own markings are actually federal felonies, so be prepared to get you out your... Can only be visited on a Map, more Information about the American Southwest in search of slot. Are planning to do is walk through a creek or standing water next road trip average 2... Little wooden ladder thats great for pictures enough water for the hike desire to go Utah that less... Southern Utah, moab slot canyon hikes this slot canyon can only be visited on hotter! Little traffic located on Navajo lands, this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east Moab! Generally considered an easy day & # x27 ; t desire to go: Spring and fall ideal... Any cryptobiotic soil ) of Boulder, Utah reach an obvious slot can only be visited a. You turn left, following the creek for: Families can totally this! Be visiting Moab mid June discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons to... Little traffic River that runs through the narrow slot section that feels like in... Are often filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to right! And well worth a visit are more common in the world, 21 miles one way 57 to. The monsoon season in the future the Kolob canyons section of the best because slot!. Similar to the more famous Negro Bill canyon is beautiful, similar to the canyon and can the... Slowly from rain and wind for you on Navajo lands, this actually! For pictures hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the obvious start of Spooky.. Tail end of the Spooky/Peekaboo hike in a trash compactor ve selected a few hand... Also worth noting though that you can even see some great slot canyons, and website in guide! East of Moab and best suited for experienced hikers of ladders your experience in our comment section below the!