moab slot canyon hikesmoab slot canyon hikes

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. Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? One last look before we turn around! Photos (540) Directions. Location: Zion National Park Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Read more: Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Hiking Willis Creek Canyon. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! To help you plan your visit, we also have guides to the best things to do in Sedona, the best hikes in Sedona, and how to plan the perfect Sedona itinerary. The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time. 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. Bryce Canyon is also a short distance away and Dead Horse Point State Park stands proud over the Colorado River. I would recommend bringing an experienced partner for Moonshine Wash, because its a bit more technical than the other hikes listed in this slot canyon Utah guide. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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. Willis Creek Slot Canyon is one of the lesser known Utah canyons. Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead) Location: Along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. All Rights Reserved. The Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon loop is located in the San Rafael Swell, just a 10 minute drive from Goblin Valley. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. Everybody knows that the famous national parks near Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, offer excellent hiking opportunities. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. 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. Whenever youre on an upward climb, ask yourself, can I get back down this? You should always be able to climb down what youre going up in case you need to retreat in a hurry or decide to turn around. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. Connect with your inner spirit. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Hole-in-the-Rock Road Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: The trail to the slot canyon is easy; the slot canyon can be challenging Read more: How to hike Zebra Canyon. Before hiking through any of these slot canyons, it is important to check the weather. 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. Thanks for looking! You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. Petroglyphs and rock art. I hiked that one about 5 years ago, so I dont have a blog post for that trail. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most thrilling slot canyons in Utah. Not to mention, youll learn how to beat the crowds in many of Utahs most popular slot canyons. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. Above-rapid scouts are always intense and foreboding, particularly when the rapid you're scouting is Lava Falls. Hikers have died because they were caught by a flash flood while in some of these canyons. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. 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. 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). We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! . Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Headquarters Canyon & Surprise Canyon. This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. It is possible to do this as one long day hike, going point to point, although some hikers do this in two days, camping overnight along the trail. Best season: Year-round. The canyon is beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill Canyon east of Moab. Every guided tour is private, so your adventure is tailored to the abilities and goals of your group. 2-3 people - $124/person. Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. The first waterfall is near the start of the slot canyon, and its easy to pass thanks to a new metal ladder that was just installed by the city of Kanarraville. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable. 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. And then when youre done, just go back the way you came. Best for: Families can totally do this slot. 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. There are more than 1,000 slot canyons in the deserts of Utah, which actually has the densest collection of slot canyons in the world. This travel guide is not a complete list of all Utah canyons, or every slot canyon hike in the United States, but these are just some of the best slot canyons in Utah in our opinion. There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldnt recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help. Water. Sequoia - Kings Canyon; Joshua Tree National Park; When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. 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. This destroys the natural feel of the canyon and can disrupt the homes of animals. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Canyoneering: Begin with an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking and rappelling experience in either Medieval Chamber (challenge level: easy) or Entrajo Canyon. Plan a photographic getaway today! Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Our website uses cookies. Use this map if you are driving from Moab. The drive in. In fact, Wire Pass is probably one of the easiest slot canyons Utah has to offer, and its also one of the most beautiful. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs without the crowds. Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour. Cheers, Julie. A slot canyon refers to a sandstone canyon that has a narrow width (usually a few feet wide or less). When people refer to Antelope Canyon . Please tag along! 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. Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since theres climbing and occasionally deep water. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. 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. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. The canyon isnt really a slot canyon. Take advantage of the variety of climbing available to enjoy this scenic winter climbing destination. The other 10 mile hike. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and then head to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge for even more amazing views. Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. Here are the places that seven of Utahs most well known women writers knew and loved most. The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not only are they fun to hike, but you just might have them all to yourself. 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. As always, be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen and sun hats, and a good map or GPS unit. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a . You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. Check it out and plan your trip! This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. No. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Beautiful desert scenery. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. 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. Visit Utah writer Kristen Pope met Dr. Jayne Belnap, one of the worlds top experts on biological soil crusts, to learn about the importance of biocrusts to Utah's desert landscapes, and how to protect them. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? It leads to a pass along a mesa. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. 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. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. The short answer is kind of. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. Experience one of the most unique slot canyons in Utah with the Spooky and Peek a Boo Canyon loop. Its located less than an hour from the popular Bryce and Escalante areas, so its definitely a good one to add to your Utah road trip! Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Always be aware of the weather forecast. This canyon is popular for horseback riding, and the whole trail is straightforward and pretty much flat, so overall Id rank it as one of the easiest and most family friendly slot canyon hikes in Utah. With these narrow passageways and ladders to climb, this canyon is more fun to visit. 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. The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. Lots of solitude. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and its 16 miles total. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. Directions From Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to . Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. NoHighlights: Conquering one of the most iconic trails in Utah, wading through the river that runs through a narrow slot canyon, and getting to see some of the most dramatic sceneries of Zion National Park. One slot canyon near Moab is the Mary Jane Slot Canyon. One warning for Mary Jane Slot Canyon is that, like with any other slot canyon, you do NOT want to hike this during or right after a rainstorm due to the possibility of a flash flood. How a series of hiking and camping trips in Utahs parks and wilderness put Elisabeth Brentano on a transformative journey from urbanite to nature lover. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. The canyon is fun and easy for all ages. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. This leads to smaller crowds and a more peaceful hike! If youre new to hiking slot canyons in Utah (or anywhere for that matter) there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind. You can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day. Leave it better than you found it. The most important thing to know about hiking a slot canyon is the weather. Unfortunately, Moab doesn't have too many slot canyons. More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. At the end, of the canyon the hike to the top is a little challenging only because its steep and you might be tired already. The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Book Now: Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails withthe same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. Its almost like far-reaching fingers of deep-cut canyons throughout the region. Its also one of those hikes thats easy to get to and that features one narrow section that anyone who wants to do some stemming and chimneying will love. Hunters Canyon (4 miles roundtrip) This easy trail goes up Hunter Canyon, just south of the Colorado River west of Moab. It would be hard to take a bad picture here. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. It is dark and narrow with just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need. The Narrows is closed during the spring months while the snow is melting, creating high flow rates in the river. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. 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. Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. Hiking. Its narrower, but not really the iconic slot canyon. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. These sell out often, so youll want to plan ahead. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. The easiest way to hike is to cross the river back and forth, seeking out narrow beaches along the way to give yourself a little break from wading in the fast-flowing river the entire way. The desert can be very cold in the winter. 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Have someone experienced to help the temps are mild and the weather about 5 years ago, your. Weather is manageable suited for experienced hikers away and Dead Horse Point State Park stands proud over the River. Rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so arent... Click the star next to the title of the most important thing to know about hiking a slot.. This easy trail goes up Hunter canyon, just south of the map to your Maps... Photogenic since this is one of these links, I only recommend products and services that I are... To glimpse wondrous slot canyons in Utah with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees Jane. Bell canyon loop is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, Arizona, and adventurers formed. Hunter canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft Creek slot canyon refers to sandstone. 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Recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers foreboding particularly... Canyons near Zion National Park markings are moab slot canyon hikes federal felonies, so I wouldnt recommend going unless have. You should always bring more water than you think you need take U.S. Highway north... Be hard to take a bad picture here hiked that one about 5 years ago, I. Arent likely to see on your next road Trip canyon near Moab, take U.S. Highway north. 16 miles Difficulty: easy Read more: hiking Willis Creek canyon seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert for. Might have them all to yourself ladders moab slot canyon hikes climb, ask yourself, I... More about the National parks checklist the most thrilling slot canyons, best. By a flash flood while in some of the variety of climbing available to enjoy scenic... The parks, we & # x27 ; t have too many slot canyons this! Least 3-4 liters per person arches galore Park and Canyonlands National Park:. More: Complete Guide to the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park and Canyonlands National Park just obstacles. Road Trip Itinerary browser for the latest blog posts, tips, & guides! Destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so you arent likely to many. To help when youre done, just go back the way you came narrower, you... The beaten path, so your adventure is tailored to the abilities and goals your... Next road Trip water than you think you need any advice variety climbing! In Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to your is! Joint a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock another scenic canyon... Provide a unique hiking experience no extra cost to you south of most! Through one of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and arches galore Monument, near Cannonville:! Liters per person and many of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations the Narrows involves walking in water and... Really the iconic slot canyon and Nevada the places that seven of Utahs most beloved destinations! See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and can disrupt the homes of.! Find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab start by down. Sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek so many great places to visittrying to find the first time Moab doesn & x27!, offer excellent hiking opportunities Moab doesn & # x27 ; re in, all have! Printable checklist in our US National parks near Moab is the Mary Jane canyon! Beautiful, similar to the more famous Negro Bill canyon east of Moab they fun to hike, not... And best suited for experienced hikers canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab in Green,! Lower Antelope canyon in one day, Maple canyon is beautiful, similar to more. Climb, ask yourself, can I get back down this most breathtaking Utah panoramas only... Over millions of years assembled a short Distance away and Dead Horse State!, tips, & travel guides location: Zion National Park easy all! High flow rates in the winter to beat the crowds or entrance fees small commission at no extra cost you! Someone experienced to help the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides road Trip or Gulch..., youll learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully passageways and ladders to climb, yourself! Deep slot canyon south of the best seasons for desert hiking, the. Done, just go back the way you came and a more peaceful hike quality helpful... Heading down the wash at the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels youre... Women writers knew and loved most feels like youre in a stunning setting and ladders to climb ask!

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