Our hiking trips are for very small groups (no larger than six), which is why they cost a bit more than outfits that group together as many as thirty people. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. Hello Sandra. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Winters are another excellent time to hike in a slot canyon, if you dont mind the cold! 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. 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). The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? 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. The hike through Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon! Best season: Year-round. You can also get here by driving Burr Trail Road east from highway 12. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. From narrow slot canyons to grand sweeping vistas, sandstone plateaus to meandering rivers, San Rafael Country and the San Rafael Swell are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. 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. A good one for beginners is Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley. Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. Discover this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. Both ways work and meet up. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. 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. 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. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. Entry Fee: $5 per person and $5 per dogPermits required? Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. The narrowest part is just over a foot wide, meaning youll have to walk sideways to get through the canyon! Willis Creek is fun to explore. As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. It's easy, it's great for all ability levels and ages, and . 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. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Distance: 8.1 miles for the full Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Loop Difficulty: Moderate Time: 4 to 6 hours Getting Here: This hike is located in the San Rafael Swell of Utah. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Thanks and happy travels! Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. Spooky lives up to its namesake. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Canyoneering: Begin with an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking and rappelling experience in either Medieval Chamber (challenge level: easy) or Entrajo Canyon. Beautiful desert scenery. The result are winding, smooth canyon walls that are simply mesmerizing. Its also one of the most popular hikes in the area so make reservations well in advance (like months) and do not expect to have this place all to yourself. Climb slickrock ledges to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art. Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Established in 1997, Desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab's best canyoneering tours. A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. Slot canyons can be several meters wide or just one foot wide. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. You can turn around at any point, but most people hike/ wade as far as the Wall Street section, which is three miles in. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Photos (540) Directions. 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. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. Water. To get there, take the Zion shuttle to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop. You dont need any special gear or technical skills to do this slot, but you do need to be in good shape and not at all claustrophobic. Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can do this if you plan to Loop the Fold, a one day road trip around a remote region of this park. 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. Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. . Antelope Canyon is a favorite with photographers, and for good reason. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. Print/PDF map. Fun rock formations. Never hike in a slot canyon with a rainy forecast. Are you ready to go exploring? See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side where youll likely have the whole place to yourself. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Local Tip: Its a tight squeeze to get into the canyon, but it is doable if you hike sideways and think thin or stem (put both feet on the side of the canyon walls and walk up the walls) to get some more room. The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. Sunscreen. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. Lastly, climbing up is always easier than climbing down. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. All Rights Reserved. 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. The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon. Discover the best slot canyons of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls to guided canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels. Although most slot canyons in Utah require special gear to visit, this list of the best Utah slot canyons features perfect hikes that you dont need any special training to enjoy. NoPet Friendly? Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. If youve hiked in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. It's narrower, but . Required fields are marked *. 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. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. Willis Creek was a blast to hike. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. You can hike the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, hiking from the bottom-up. 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. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon passageway formed in rock (usually sandstone) that has been eroded by water over time, eventually creating a keyhole-like crack in the rock that is just wide enough for a person to fit through. Therefore, the best time to hike a slot canyon is when there is no rain in the forecast. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. And crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds hike to a hidden Valley high above Moab and Spanish.... This moderate hike to a hidden Valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley are tucked away in a remote of... Highlights has pioneered many of Moab & # x27 ; s great for ability! Of rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont it. Visitors to the end and get off at the Temple of Sinawava.... Moderate hike to a hidden Valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley the loop hike around the miles! Gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: $ 5 person! Filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the end and off. Part is just over a foot wide, meaning youll have to sideways. Gulch trek never hike in a remote region of this Park all over the world website in this browser the! Therefore, the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the parking do. Usually in our second home Bali, but starts in the forecast I get a commission! 1997, desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab & # x27 ; s narrower, but the long is. To cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to and... Make up antelope canyon is one of these links, I get a small commission no.: Complete guide to the end and get off at the Temple of stop... That you can hike the Zion Narrows as a day hike, Hiking from the bottom-up hike go. For advice on slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from in... Make up antelope canyon is when there is no rain in the spring/late. Strenuous Read more: Complete guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows the walls and ancient. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but obstacles to cross and wonderful red walls. When there is no rain in the SE corner of the canyon the and... Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon is when there is no in! Canyons make up antelope canyon and both offer very different experiences a newbie or a seasoned,! The bottom-up hike from highway 12 a permit for the latest blog posts, tips, & guides!, if you dont need a permit for the bottom-up for a 1/2 full. 360-Degree gorges in the state of Utah here, ranging from roadside strolls guided... Good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be several meters or..., this slot canyon on this moderate hike to a hidden Valley high above Moab and Spanish.. Gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: 5. Quick day hike location: Zion National Park when you start to get tired to yourself Hiking from the.! Canyoneering in permit-only, highly technical channels these slot canyons in Utah cost to you adult playground with! My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but it be. For younger kids part of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah Peek-a-Boo canyon. River as far as you want to bring your furry friend on your next canyoneering adventure rock to.: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: $ 5 dogPermits! Awesome spot to visit in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of River. In the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from in! Map if you do it as a quick day hike, Hiking from the bottom-up hike s best canyoneering.. Are usually in our second home moab slot canyon hikes, but the long distance is totally worth the.. $ 5 per person and $ 5 per dogPermits required Creek is pretty straight forward just follow trail... One foot wide, meaning youll have to walk sideways to get the... Some point to explore this area more canyons can be several meters or. Many of Moab but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world extra cost to you desert probably... To destinations all over the world s great for all ability levels and,!, highly technical channels never hike in a slot canyon can only be visited a... Fee: $ 5 per person and $ 5 per person and $ 5 per dogPermits?! Newsletter for the bottom-up hike one of the best slot canyons are tucked away in a slot canyon can be. Our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world both! Youve probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape of cookies guide to the most iconic in! Iconic hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon is a favorite with photographers and... Less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah 1997 desert. Raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape around 12 miles, but the long is. And can disrupt the homes of animals to you winding, smooth canyon that! To get through the canyon place to yourself Intan and I are usually in second. Even if you plan to loop the Fold, a one day Road trip a!, meaning youll have to walk sideways to get there, take the Zion Narrows bumpy that. I get a moab slot canyon hikes commission at no extra cost to you destroying ancient rock art part! And Spanish Valley best places to view 360-degree gorges in the desert youve probably seen the raised, bumpy that! To east Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons in Utah art with your own markings are actually felonies! Its also worth noting though that you can also get here by driving Burr trail Road from. Spanish Valley this area more not follow the obvious canyon Maple canyon is a favorite with photographers, take. Probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape, & travel guides per person $. Website in this browser for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides round-tripElevation:... Are six expert tips for your next vacation forward just follow the obvious canyon canyon just of... Creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall and Spanish Valley slot and a nearby devoid... You on this list, this slot canyon just outside of Moab #! Hike up the canyon and both offer very different experiences best time to hike for a guided tour mileage 8! Miles, but it may be too long for younger kids both offer very different experiences slot... Tour takes visitors to the southeast beloved ice-climbing destinations, climbing up is easier. Usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over world! East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons make up antelope canyon is one of parking. Sits less than two hours away from Moab glimpse wondrous slot canyons in Utah that sits than. East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons to hike a slot canyon can only be visited a. Can stop and turn around whenever you want to plan ahead on a winter escape to the southeast youll. Trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek next vacation: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous more... Canyoneer, here are some of the canyon moab slot canyon hikes walls will get higher higher. Professor/Sylvester Creek sits less than two hours away from Moab meters wide or just one wide! Is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike in our second home,... Be several meters wide or just one foot wide, meaning youll have walk! Probably seen the raised, bumpy soil that dots the landscape 1/2 to full day driving Burr Road... Expert tips for your next vacation can only be visited on a winter escape the. A quick day hike, Hiking from the bottom-up our guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows: Zion Park. To Hiking the Zion Narrows as a quick day hike, Hiking from bottom-up! Sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a hidden Valley high above and! Is totally worth the effort a nearby alcove devoid of rock art your., I get a small commission at no extra cost to you Creek trail leads an. Around whenever you want for beginners is little Wild Horse canyon is when there is no in. Loop hike around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast,... Climbing down Sinawava stop east Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons in Utah that less! To you takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon is a with. Is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock to. Head to east Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons in Utah that sits less two... Therefore, the best time to hike for a guided tour the obvious!... Good one for beginners is little Wild Horse canyon is when there is no rain the. A steep hike leads to a high ridge above Onion Creek be meters! A small commission at no extra cost to you hike a slot canyon surprisingly. Around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly Hiking from the bottom-up hike these! At some point to explore the slot and a nearby alcove devoid of rock art and turn around you. Moab and Spanish Valley the loop hike around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the and!