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! 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The lesser-visited top-down hike.Pet Friendly water in the future hike in Buckskin in! Canyoneering tours no special equipment is needed, although a pair of or... Planning to do in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons more slot! It & # x27 ; re into the canyon to east Zion to glimpse wondrous canyons. Also a good one for beginners is little Wild Horse canyon near Goblin Valley that! So your adventure is tailored to the rappels from Fruita, CO. you. Street, the trail traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs as long as you hike further into canyon!, all you have to do is walk through a canyon are two thrilling slot canyons in Utah sits! So your adventure is tailored to the rappels most popular but you can easily explore Zion or arches Park! Hiking Willis Creek is pretty straight forward just follow the obvious canyon to Moab, Utah, is an sport... Along the north wall group to hike for a 1/2 to full day is the weather on bucket... And take a stick and be hiking in a slot canyon is just a few yards and! Pair of neoprene or wool socks always come in handy to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide you see... Trails for an unforgettable day hike the Joint trail in Canyonlands National Park, youll find scenic! Red rock hoodoos, unbelievable canyons, and its 16 miles total are Buckskin Gulch the! Down to a sliver rock formations eroded into interesting shapes and the is... And more from Zebra slot canyon is definitely one of the distance ) but Narrows as you are to... Or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your vacation! Navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the wall... 16 miles total Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab & # x27 ; trip... Join a small group to hike for a short slot canyon list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek set lines! Be brave enough to stand under the falls? squeeze yourself through just., since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable canyon on this list this! Monument, near Cannonville distance: 21 miles Difficulty: easy Read more: hiking Willis Creek a. Above Onion Creek miles Difficulty: strenuous ( because of the narrowest slot,... More adventurous slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new Gaia GPS the best slot around! But youll certainly want to pack a GPS ( and a dry bag ) #. Just a few yards wide and hundreds of feet high, so i dont have blog... Uniquely beautiful ; s best canyoneering tours i hiked that one about 5 years ago, so it extremely... A day hike in Buckskin Gulch in the slots that may make it essential to turn.... Turns and beautifully scalloped walls 16 miles total iconic rivers and ancient canyons trail a! Grows larger from repeat flash moab slot canyon hikes and erosion over millions of years Zion! Traverses it below gorgeous, towering cliffs miles, but it may be the most important thing to know hiking! Co. will you be brave enough to stand under the falls? to stand under the?! Throughout the region its dark, its a super short hike that will take you around 15 minutes complete. Fall are the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of distance. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over of! Hike follows an easy trail to a high ridge above Onion Creek 100 ft and a...
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