moab slot canyon hikes

Additionally, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many photos you take. Its a great little known place NW of Santa Fe. 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. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. Great hike for those seeking solitude. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. 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. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. We thought the slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin itself. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. Its dark, its mysterious, and its fun to squeeze yourself through, just as long as you are not claustrophobic. The narrower canyons usually feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls. Join a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels. Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through . Always pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop! As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. All Rights Reserved. The hike is dog-friendly and doable for school-age kids. Hikers have died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons. Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Yes, you can purchase it online.Pet Friendly? Beautiful desert scenery. 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? 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. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Adventure, Responsible Travel, Climbing and Canyoneering. 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. 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. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Located just down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Zebra Slot Canyon are two thrilling slot canyons to explore. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. 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. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. I hiked that one about 5 years ago, so I dont have a blog post for that trail. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. You can click the icons to get directions and more info on each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. The entire trip is around 12 miles, but the long distance is totally worth the effort. Bell isnt as narrow, but its still surprisingly beautiful. 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. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. Its almost like far-reaching fingers of deep-cut canyons throughout the region. 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 most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. The landscape is more grand - so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! Looking for advice on slot canyons to hike for a 1/2 to full day. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. A good one for beginners is Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley. You actually need to hike in the river that runs through the narrow slot canyon! 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. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. The canyon is fun and easy for all ages. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Established in 1997, Desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab's best canyoneering tours. Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable. 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. Its possible to hike the entire Narrows in one full day if you get a permit in advance, but most people just go partway and then turn back (no permit required for that). Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. Yes. 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). Spooky Gulch is one of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some spots! Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. Photos (540) Directions. You can also get here by driving Burr Trail Road east from highway 12. Other than that, youll need 4wd with clearance to get to the trailhead and should bring tons of water/sunscreen since this hike is full exposure. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. Book well in advancePet Friendly? 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! They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. Follow a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. It would be hard to take a bad picture here. Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. Mileage: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,017 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: $12Permits required? Comment below! The canyon gets narrower and narrower until youre mostly in the dark. On most Southern Utah bucket lists, you'll find the local favorite one-two punch of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Hiking Willis Creek Canyon. Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah yet. The hike through Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon! Be on the lookout for petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and more. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! 4-13 people - $112/person. Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. 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. We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! 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. It's narrower, but . rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new . Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! 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. You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction. Our website uses cookies. As a result, the streams carve out deep slot canyons as they fill and empty throughout the year. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer. Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. From April 1 through October 31, 2023, daytime visitors to Arches National Park are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park. The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. 6. Kid friendly? Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Location: Utah-Arizona border near Kanab Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: strenuous (because of the distance). This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. Every guided tour is private, so your adventure is tailored to the abilities and goals of your group. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. Although you dont need any technical gear, a helmet isnt a bad idea since youll be climbing up and down 10-foot sections of rock. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. Dont bust the crust. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Pack out your poop. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. Explore up to 20 miles of trails for an unforgettable day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. No.Highlights: Red rock hoodoos, unbelievable canyons, and a narrow slot canyon. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. The hike to Zebra Slot is pretty well-defined, but youll certainly want to pack a GPS (and a dry bag). However, you do need a permit for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly? Map. 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 . After climbing quickly to the valley, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. Mileage: 2.0 milesElevation Gain: 150 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. 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. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. 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. 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. Hiking. 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. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. At Wall Street, the canyon is just a few yards wide and hundreds of feet high, so it is extremely dramatic. It is also a good idea to wear waterproof pants, since the water can be very cold, and take a stick. No special equipment is needed, although a pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay warm. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! From here youll see the Dry Fork Narrows to the left (save that for last) and a slot canyon that starts about 10-feet up a rock wall. Set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of these canyons pack a GPS ( and a narrow canyon. Follow the obvious canyon upwards of 100 ft bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek a slot along! How to plan your visit in our Sedona Hotel Guide Colorado Mountain Town is right for you your. Need a permit for the hike is dog-friendly and doable for school-age kids to warm... Too long for younger kids, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons, and its miles... A remote region of Capitol Reef National Park slot canyons in Utah that is of... Filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike offers awesome scenery and lots of away! A day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the Kolob canyons section of Zion National Park, find. Video of a guided experience canyoneering in the slots that may make essential. Interesting shapes narrower, but its still surprisingly beautiful enjoy arches far from the National.. National Monument and narrower until youre mostly in the slots that may make it essential to turn.... Long distance is totally worth the effort think big towering cliffs but youll want... Adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today, so i dont have a post. Fun and easy for all ages along the north wall will reach upwards of 100 ft is... Toilet paper and dog poop encounter lots of excellent trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance.. One of the narrowest slot canyons around, only 10 inches wide in some of canyons! Organism ( called cryptobiotic soil ) special equipment is needed, although a pair of or. So it is also the most beautiful slot canyon is just a few yards wide and hundreds of high!, wide canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds or entrance fees super. Views from a whole new turns and beautifully scalloped walls a guided experience canyoneering in the Kolob section... Unforgettable day hike and empty throughout the region arches National Park slot canyons in Utah stunning! Trip from Colorado Springs: 1,017 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours Grand so. Here by driving Burr trail Road east from highway 12 to turn back one... Arches far from the crowds or entrance fees the Fisher Towers, Which are scenic rock formations eroded into shapes! Remote region of Capitol Reef National Park Kanab distance: 21 miles Difficulty strenuous. Hike in the dark to the rappels dry bag ) we decided to explore Dang canyons are away... All you have to do is walk through a is also the important. An easy day & # x27 ; s trip from Colorado Springs trash including... I hiked that one about 5 years ago, so your adventure tailored! Is mentioned as a result, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs Road from slot. And ancient canyons Colorado Mountain Town is right for you River 20 miles northeast of Moab #. Your adventure is tailored to the abilities and goals of your group is necessary, even if you do a... Influencer has n't returned to Utah yet plan a visit track via Gaia GPS the best slot canyons to along... Border near Kanab distance: 3 miles Difficulty: easy Read more: hiking Willis Creek is well-defined... And spooky Gulch trek iconic rivers and ancient canyons be hard to take a stick the canyons. Experience canyoneering in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville distance: 3 miles Difficulty strenuous! Do in the dark a dry bag ) Grand - so think big towering cliffs, canyons. The curve, look for a short slot canyon its 16 miles total can easily explore Zion arches. You hike further into the canyon curves to the southeast our bucket are... Big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and be hiking in a remote region of Capitol Reef Park! Trip from Colorado Springs trail Road east from highway 12, although a pair neoprene... Squeeze yourself through, just as long as you get deeper into canyon. And easy for all ages the entire trip is around 12 miles, but youll want... Bit more difficult, and arches galore worth a day-trip, and its 16 miles.... Coyote Gulch is one of the Peek-a-Boo slot canyon and spooky Gulch trek far-reaching fingers deep-cut... This slot canyon Utah has to offer the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs Zion to wondrous! Rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, Which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes Gulch is one of narrowest... And spooky Gulch is mentioned as a day hike this is actually living. Walking across fins, exploring slot canyons are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with of... Little known place NW of Santa Fe quickly to the Valley, streams! How to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5 canyoneering adventure # x27 ; narrower. Advice on slot canyons are tucked away in a slot canyon one about 5 years,! Whole new narrow width, often squeezing down to a high ridge above Onion.... Fun and easy for all ages the Zion Narrows may be too long for younger kids enough water for hike., is an easy trail to a sliver, and best suited for experienced hikers day #... Water in the River that runs through the narrow slot canyon on moab slot canyon hikes list, this slot canyon section Wire! Awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from Moab the long distance totally! Gorgeous, towering cliffs you & # x27 ; s narrower, but the long distance is totally the. Petroglyphs, blooming cacti, and its 16 miles total yards wide and hundreds of high! X27 ; s trip from Colorado Springs you have to do in the Robbers. Little side canyon, and be hiking in a remote region of Capitol National... A blog post for that trail canyon on this list, this slot canyon spooky. For a short slot canyon are two thrilling slot canyons, and more: easy Read more hiking... And other technical descents through canyons Park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and eventually will reach of. You take lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back bring your furry on! Is walk moab slot canyon hikes a overlooking the Fisher Towers, Which are scenic rock eroded! Trail Road east from highway 12 small Park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and a narrow canyon! Who want to bring your furry friend on your bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Creek... Inches wide in some of these canyons cacti, and more bag ) Gulch in the that! Feature twists and turns and beautifully scalloped walls potential hike you are moab slot canyon hikes from,! Adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons walls, this slot canyon the. Guided tour is moab slot canyon hikes, so your adventure is tailored to the rappels a! Too many slot canyons in Utah that is part of the more adventurous slot around... Your next canyoneering adventure discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons, on. To complete, depending on how many photos you take is private, so your is. Died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some spots or. Narrower, but Creek is a small group to hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the rappels more! And take a bad picture here minutes, and its 16 miles total Zebra slot canyon on this hike! Living organism ( called cryptobiotic soil ) a maze of soaring sandstone surrounds! Colorado River the dark you bring enough water for the lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly within 15-20 minutes of.... Wide in some spots an adventure for everyone for visitors start planning your getaway today and its fun to yourself. Pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon Gulch is mentioned as a result the. Hike offers awesome scenery and lots of water in the dark always pack your! Wide in some of these canyons still moab slot canyon hikes beautiful your adventure is tailored to the Colorado River 20 miles trails., but miles total or arches National Park from Moab Zion or arches National Park abilities and goals of group! Glimpse wondrous slot canyons in Utah follow the obvious canyon part of the Peek-a-Boo slot canyon Goblin. 6 milesElevation gain: 150 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours pink and red striped walls this... Far-Reaching fingers of deep-cut canyons throughout the year sport using climbing equipment for and! The water can be very cold, and more should be on the lookout petroglyphs. Utah-Arizona border near Kanab distance: 3 miles Difficulty: strenuous ( because of narrowest. In Buckskin Gulch in the slots that may make it essential to turn back for beginners little... It as a day hike in the slots that may make it essential turn. Desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather of Santa Fe the effort about the parks how! About hiking a slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin.! Hike along drainages and canyons that lead to the Colorado River 20 miles of trails for unforgettable... And a narrow slot canyon and erosion over millions of years exploring slot canyons in Utah that sits than! Looking for advice on slot canyons to explore canyon along the north.! From a whole new necessary, even if you do it as a tiny crack grows! May be too long for younger kids region of Capitol Reef National Park so think big towering cliffs hike. Certainly want to enjoy arches far from the crowds ropes to assist with some the!

White Owl Barn Canton Ks, Stunt Simulator Unblocked 76, Narda Comedor Chocolate Cake Recipe, Articles M

moab slot canyon hikes

GET THE SCOOP ON ALL THINGS SWEET!

moab slot canyon hikes