When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to Upper Antelope Canyon. Local Tip: The creek can dry out in the summer. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that is part of the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch trek. As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher. Will you be brave enough to stand under the falls?! 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 is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. Looking for the best hiking trails in Moab? Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn't desire to go. Continue along the sandy bottom canyon navigating one ladder on the way) until you reach the junction with Buckskin Gulch. 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. 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. Learn where to stay in our Sedona Hotel Guide. Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent shape. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. Happy travels! The history in question was the Great Unconformity, a special spot where dark, smooth . Buckskin Gulch is labeled as the longest slot canyon in the world, 21 miles one way. Mileage: 5.9 milesElevation gain: 636 ftDifficulty: DifficultEstimated Time: 3 hoursEntry Fee: nonePermits required? Cell phone service is often non-existent and even SOS devices will struggle to send a signal in a deep slot canyon. The desert is a delicate place and waste does not break down, so packing out your poo (or using toilets at trailheads) is the best way to respect this fragile environment. This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. You can do this if you plan to Loop the Fold, a one day road trip around a remote region of this park. It can be blazing hot in the desert, but slot canyons see little sun. Answer 1 of 14: We will be visiting Moab mid June. Location: Page, Arizona Distance: Less than one mile Difficulty: Easy Read more: Lower Antelope Canyon: A Photographic Tour and Upper Antelope Canyon: A Journey in Photos. Theres nothing more magical than hiking one of the many slot canyons in Utah. Its spectacularly colorful and photogenic. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah. Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead) Location: Along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab. 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. In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, youll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. . Also aim to visit between March and November. The entire time the trail will go in and out of the creek. A Grand Adventure: Part 4. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Not to mention, youll learn how to beat the crowds in many of Utahs most popular slot canyons. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. However, its the low season for tourism, so many of the more popular slot canyons in Utah are empty this time of year. Willis Creek isnt as narrow as other canyons on the list, but its grand and has a bit more vegetation than other slot canyons in Utah. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. With tight passageways, curving, scalloped walls, and short sections of easy rock scrambling, this hike is fun for both kids and adults. You can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if youre willing to drive a bit. 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. 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. If you visit youll probably find standing water at the bottom. Its also worth noting though that you cannot enter the park without paying for a guided tour. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and then head to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge for even more amazing views. The natural forces that carved slot canyons are still at work, and even light, distant rainfall can render slot canyons extremely dangerous including flash floods. Often filled with water, wetsuits are recommended for this hike. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for desert hiking, since the temps are mild and the weather is manageable. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. All Rights Reserved. Canyonlands or Arches National Park, whats right for me? Still on our bucket list are Buckskin Gulch and Kanarra Creek. Dont trash the canyon! Willis Creek was a blast to hike. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. The entirety of Buckskin Gulch canyon is one of the longest slots in the world. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Leave it better than you found it. This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but its not for beginners. This is a great one for beginners. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. Too bad you cant (legally) take the Apache Tears home with you anymore. The short answer is kind of. Easy 4.7 (784) Grand County Trail Systems. Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Hello Sandra. As a professional writer for the outdoors and full-time adventure blogger, Ive traveled the American Southwest in search of amazing slot canyons. Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf. Dont bust the crust. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. 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. You can stop and turn around whenever you want. Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utahs layered sedimentary deposits. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. This hike offers awesome scenery and lots of solitude away from the national parks. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. Our website uses cookies. 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. Its definitely one of our favorite Utah canyons. Have you done these? Follow the faint trail to the right once you exit the canyon until you reach the obvious start of Spooky Canyon. There are a bunch of good slot canyons near Zion National Park, and its possible to combine one or two of these with a visit to the 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. To reach the Joint, youll wander through the needle filled canyons and get a real sense of the vast, unique beauty that the Needles District has to offer. Getting Here: Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyons are located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park. There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. A hat helps too. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. Cheers, Julie. Always bring several layers to stay warm. Hike Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and More with Wildland Trekking - Expert Local Guides, #1 on Trip Advisor. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. 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. Its not only ungodly hot, but the monsoon season in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems. At the end of the amazing Negro Bill Canyon is the Morning Glory bridge trail and it makes for a pretty amazing hike. You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. A perfect day of Rocks-and-River: combine a half day of canyoneering with a late day Colorado River rafting tour! The small park is absolutely worth a day-trip, and the loop hike around the main viewpoints is nice and family-friendly. Its a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you arent likely to see many other hikers. Extra socks arent a bad idea either especially if there are reports of water in the canyons. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. These water-cut canyons transport you to another world. Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip. NoPet Friendly? While the "zebra" portion lasts roughly ten minutes or so. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. Are you ready to go exploring? When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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! Directions From Moab, take U.S. Highway 191 north to . The big highlight are the unique patterns along the canyon walls a lot like zebra stripes. The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. Best season: Year-round. 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. Thanks and happy travels! Always pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop! Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group With routes ranging from approachable to challenging, Maple Canyon is one of Utahs most beloved ice-climbing destinations. LEARN MORE: How to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. Many people compare the experience of hiking here to that of Antelope Canyon (a famous slot canyon in Arizona). Hiking slot canyons in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. 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. 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? The second waterfall comes into view a bit later. The premiere way to experience Canyonlands is from the ethers. Utah is home ot some of the most unique geology on the planet. Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada Distance:0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Read more: Exploring the Valley of Fire. Almost anyone will enjoy this family-friendly Utah slot canyon. The answer is yes. Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. The first mile of the trail is very open, and you can see all of the surrounding mesas and buttes. Planning a trip to Utah? The canyon is fun and easy for all ages. Unfortunately there arent really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesnt have any either. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. Look closely at the canyon walls to see the ancient petroglyphs (no the handprints are not ancient some tourist made them in 2019). As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Flash flooding is a real threat and I really cant stress this enough DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON WITH A RAINY FORECAST. In terms of pure enjoyment, these are our favorites on this list. A permit is necessary, even if you do it as a day hike. I was deep in a slot canyon with walls like sheaves of shelf mushrooms, stretching my arms up toward geologic history. Mileage: 8 miles round-tripElevation gain: 787 feetDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 4 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. 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. Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Its almost like far-reaching fingers of deep-cut canyons throughout the region. The landscape is more grand so think big towering cliffs, wide canyons, and arches galore! The American Southwest is a playground for hikers, photographers, and adventurers. Mileage: 5.2 milesElevation gain: 377 ftDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5 hoursEntry Fee: NonePermits required? You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. Columnist Libby Kinder at the tail end of a hike through three slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante . The Narrows is the most famous Zion slot canyon, but there are also a bunch of other nice ones near the national park. Required fields are marked *. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Connect with your inner spirit. You also might encounter lots of water in the slots that may make it essential to turn back. This hike offers lots of solitude away from the national parks. 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! 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? Have you hiked Buckskin Gulch? . NoPet Friendly? Price: All tours are private. Also, many of the slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making things like rescues difficult. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. Reservations open three months in advance. Unless youre really intent on seeing the Narrows, I would recommend going to one of the other places in this slot canyon Utah guide. Its also super photogenic since this is one of the best slot canyons in Utah with stunning red rocks around every turn. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Its definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons! 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. Take the Behind the Reef Road for 1.5 miles until you reach signs for nearby Bell Canyon. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. 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. Peekaboo Canyon may be our favorite slot canyon Utah has to offer. 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. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows! As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Kid friendly? After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Our friend was in a Camry and made it just fine, but slowly. Length 8.4 miElevation gain 541 ftRoute type Out & back. Your email address will not be published. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. Some of the best hikes in Utah are these incredible canyons so be sure to add these destinations to your bucket list! What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 35 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles, Koko Head Hike: Koko Crater Trail & Stairs In Oahu Hawaii, Angels Landing Hike: Epic Chain Trail In Zion National Park Utah, Komodo Island Indonesia: National Park & Dragon Tour. 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. It's narrower, but . Read these additionalresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Moab most fully. . Slot canyons form when soft rock like sandstone, erode slowly from rain and wind. When canyoneering through the Robbers Roost area, the power of nature is on full display in its slot canyons, landscapes and lingering traces of ancient inhabitants. A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. 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. 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. To help you choose a hike outside the parks, we've selected a few of the best. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. 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. Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids. . A good one for beginners is Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley. Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high. The short hike is free. The river bed is uneven and the water is flowing, so having a stick to stabilize you is very helpful. 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. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Its also one of the quieter hikes on this list which is part of its appeal. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons! That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. Use this map if you are driving from Moab. When people refer to Antelope Canyon . In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time. Antelope Canyon. Finally, we reached the Mary Jane slot canyon waterfall! Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. This is the quintessential slot canyon hike. Photos (540) Directions. Just be aware that this hike is a bit more technical by nature. 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. Often overlooked in favor of other Utah slot canyons, Ding and Dang are well-worth doing if you like to scramble and climb around rocks. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! I hiked that one about 5 years ago, so I dont have a blog post for that trail. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. The Willis Creek Slot Canyon is another short and easy trail through some scenic narrows in southern Utah, with wavy vanilla-colored rocks and impressive passageways. Dont worry youll be rewarded with and adventure-filled day in a stunning setting. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. 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. Its basically an optional section of the hike that is worth experiencing while youre here. 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 Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems. 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. No guide is necessary. 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. You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Visit Utah for spelunking and cave exploration. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. 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. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Heres a Utah slot canyons map you can use to plan your own road trip. The canyon starts a little wide but narrows as you get deeper into the canyon. Established in 1997, Desert Highlights has pioneered many of Moab's best canyoneering tours. Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer. Season: April - November. 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. It's easy, it's great for all ability levels and ages, and . Moreover, make sure you bring enough water for the hike. If you go to this area in the summer, add on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and if you rent a 44, Toroweap Overlook on the North Rim is high on our bucket list. A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. Distance: 3.5 miles. Some canyons feature sections requiring canyoneering or rock scrambling experience while others have you hiking through a creek or standing water. The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. So happy exploring this canyon for my 4th time! We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! Also horse friendly.Highlights: Water. And because this slot canyon is so amazing and photogenic, its on this list of the best slots canyons in Utah. Spooky Gulch is another highly memorable slot canyon in Escalante, Utah. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. Youll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead, which is really just a stop along a dry river bed. From the Coyote Buttes/Wire Pass Trailhead, head down the wash until you reach an obvious slot. If there is any rain in the area, do not enter the slot canyon. Use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather for the specific canyon you plan to visit. Its also pretty easy and consists of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the canyon that starts off narrow and widens.

Lorraine Page Actress, Onlyfans++ Ipa, Articles M