Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah
Are you looking to visit the stunning slot canyons of the Southwest? This post covers the best American Southwest Slot Canyons in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. These are the most popular slot canyons.
- Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah 2020
- Map Of Utah Slot Canyons
- Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah State
- Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah Map
- Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah
- Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah
- Easy Slot Canyons
I have organized this list by State and included each slot canyon location, how long of a hike it is and how difficult is the hike. I’ve also included an American Southwest Slot Canyon Map at the end too.
What is a Slot Canyon and Why are they so popular in the American Southwest?
Make your way to Winward Best Slot Canyon Day Hikes In Utah Casino and begin your session with a free $55 Bonus Chip no deposit required! Plus with an incredible FIVE deposit match bonuses with up to 675% bonus cash available along with 150 free spins, you’ll be busy for the foreseeable future. Located within Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Zebra Slot Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the American Southwest. This narrow slot canyon is one of the easiest hikes (at 5.3 miles) in Grand Staircase and it also offers remarkable scenery, so don’t forget to bring your camera.
A slot canyon is formed by rushing water through rock, which over time forms a narrow canyon through rock. These flash floods have been happening for millions of years and the wind and erosion form a tiny crack which eventually grows larger through the years.
Slot canyons can be both deep and narrow, from meters wide to just 10 inches wide. Slot canyons usually feature twists and turns, with beautifully colored walls ranging from reds to purples. Some canyons feature creeks and streams which you have to wade through, others are short and some are 20 mile long hikes.
15 Amazing Slot Canyons in the American Southwest to Explore
Slot Canyons in Utah
Zion Narrows
Location: Zion National Park
Length: 16-miles
Difficulty: Hard
This is often referred to as the perfect slot canyon. Despite its challenges, the canyon provides beautiful breath-taking views and is a memorable experience for anyone who attempts it. You can complete the trail in various ways.
Firstly, you can start from the bottom and hike as far as you can up before turning around and heading back down. This is a relatively moderate hike and can be easily completed in one day.
The alternative is to complete the entire route, in which case you start from the top and work your way down. This is a more difficult hike and can either be done in one day or as a back-packing trip over the course of 2 or more days. Which ever way you chose to complete it, it will be a great adventure filled with beautiful scenery all around.
Buckskin Gulch
Location: 43-miles East of Kanab
Length: 21-miles one way
Difficulty: Hard
This is one of the longest slot canyons in the world and could take many days to hike the entirety of this canyon. The trail itself is not technical, however, due to the length it is considered a strenuous hike.
The route takes its visitors through a beautiful slot that is both dark and narrow. The hike can be completed in one day although, it is recommended to take on this hike as an overnight backpacking adventure. A permit is required for entrance into this slot canyon, whether your visit is for one day or overnight. This slot canyon is open year-round although, fall and spring is the most ideal time of year and hike this gorgeous slot canyon.
Wire Pass
Location: 47-miles East of Kanab
Length: 3.5-miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Wire Pass is a much shorter and easier slot canyon hike that joins the Buckskin Gulch. Entering the Buckskin Gulch through Wire Pass is a popular way to do the hike as it provides a convenient and easy way to access Buckskin Gulch without completing the first few miles which are both hard and not as beautiful as the remainder of the hike.
The trail through Wire Pass is a narrow path and provides for some amazing photo opportunities. This is due to the sun often illuminating on the sandstone walls of the can, providing some beautiful and amazing reflections and alternating colours through the canyon.
Zebra Slot Canyon
Location: 16-miles East of Escalante
Length: 5-miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a beautiful hike that has an amazing slot canyon at the end of the trail. The hike to the slot canyon has beautiful landscape views of Utah. There are pools of water through this narrow canyon, although depending on the weather conditions, these may be ankle deep, knee deep or even waist deep water pools.
At some sections of this canyon, it can get very narrow where it is common for many people to leave their backpacks at the entrance of the canyon, so they don’t interfere with getting through the narrow walls. There are sections of this canyon that are rather difficult, so it is common to turn around and head back without completing the entirety of this otherwise beautiful canyon hike.
Kanarraville Falls
Distance: 4.8-miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Located in the small town of Kanarraville, in southern west Utah, this is a beautiful hiking trail that cannot be fully completed without the hiker getting wet, as this is a water hike!
Along the trail there are many parts in which you must walk through a water creek, before coming to a slot canyon in which you must travel through the water (usually around 3-ft deep) to be able to access the waterfalls. The trail itself is beautiful, filled with lush scenery, making the entire trail an enjoyable experience. unique to some other waterfall hikes, a permit is required in order to attempt this one.
You can check out my posts on the Best Slot Canyons in Utah, the Best Hikes in Utah, and Hikes with Waterfalls in Utah for more ideas of places to visit in Utah.
Headquarter Canyon
Distance: 2.0-miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Several ravines cut through the steep east face of the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park, south of Highway 24, and many of them form narrow slot canyons where the drainage is enclosed by the Navajo sandstone layer. The drainages further north, where the reef is broader, are longer, further apart, and often harder to follow.
Check out my post on the Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
Slot Canyons in Arizona
Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona
Location: Page, Arizona
Distance: 90-minute tours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Antelope Canyon is the most popular slot canyon in Arizona. You can visit either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon but make sure you purchase your tickets months in advance as they do sell out at this popular attraction.
Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to access as there are no stairs. It is also less crowded but you do not get to see the light beams in the canyon.
Lower Antelope Canyon has the light beams but you need to climb up and down ladders to access the canyon.
Both are beautiful and there is a small price difference between the two. Access to the canyons is restricted to guided tours only.
You can check out my posts on the Best Antelope Canyon Tours and how to choose between Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.
Canyon X Page Arizona
Location: Page, Arizona
Distance: 90 minute tours
Difficulty: Moderate
Located outside of Page, Arizona near Antelope Canyon. Canyon X is the less popular slot canyon in the area. The light beams in this canyon are fantastic and it is an absolutely lovely canyon to visit.
This is the place to go if you want to miss the crowds yet still see the natural beauty of the slot canyons.
Buckskin Gulch Canyon
Location: Utah- Arizona border, between Page and Kanab.
Distance: 3.5 – 21 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate due to large distances
This is one of people’s all time favorite hikes – Buckskin Gulch Canyon. The canyon is the longest slot canyon in the world as it runs continuously for 15 miles. It is deep, dark, and narrow, with plenty of obstacles to make it fun. It is not a technical hike but is rated as strenuous because of its length. You do have to scramble over rocks and wade/swim potholes.
Secret Canyon
Location: Page, Arizona
Distance: 1-2 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
This Secret Canyon exists in the same general area as Antelope Canyon and Canyon X but it sees fewer visitors and is gorgeous! You’ll see some similar views as you would at Antelope Canyon, but you’ll know that you’re one of few who’ve explored this place.
There is also another Secret Canyon in the Sedona region but this one is located outside of Page, Arizona. It is worth noting you will see all of the same views as Antelope Canyon without the crowds.
Slot Canyons in Nevada
Pastel Canyon
Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada
Distance: 1-2 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Pastel Canyon, also known as Pink Canyon, is located in The Valley of Fire State Park and is near to The Fire Wave and the White Dome trail. But, since there is no official trail and it isn’t marked on any map, it is often overlooked.
The canyon stretches for miles and provides a lovely sandstone hike that can get a little muddy at times. You may go as far as you want because there are no trails or markings, but if you go out and explore the tiny side canyons, keep track of where you are or you can get lost in the labyrinth of sand and rocks.
The best scenery in Valley of Fire State Park is along the 5.7-mile Mouse’s Tank Road, a spur off the main highway, where the otherwise pure red rocks are mixed with strata of distinct, lighter colors – pink, orange, yellow, and white – with the contrasting layers sometimes close together.
Check out my post on Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire
Moon Cave, Canyon Caves, and Cathedral Caves
Location: Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada
Distance: 1-2 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
At Cathedral Gorge State Park there are three slot canyons, which are easy to reach and explore, are the main attraction. Moon Cave, Canyon Caves, and Cathedral Caves are all accessible with a short walk from the park’s main parking area.
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in southeastern Nevada, in a long, narrow valley where erosion has cut dramatic and unusual patterns in the soft bentonite clay. The park’s beauty started with explosive volcanic activity that deposited layers of ash hundreds of feet thick with each eruption.
There are numerous walking trails to explore the cave-like formations and cathedral-like spires created by geologic processes that occurred millions of years ago. The park is a photographer’s dream, with breathtaking views of the scenic canyon and opportunities for hiking, picnicking, camping, and nature research.
Lake Mojave Slot Canyons
Location: West Side of Lake Mojave, Nevada
Distance: 3 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Lake Mohave is a Colorado River reservoir that was built in 1951 after the completion of Davis Dam between Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona. Lake Mohave, named after the Mohave Indians who once lived in this part of the Colorado River valley, stretches 67 miles from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam, straddling the southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona border and following the initial river channel.
Anniversary Narrows Slot Canyon
Location: Lake Mead, Nevada
Distance: 6 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Anniversary Narrows Slot Canyon is located just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, along the Lake Mead Scenic Byway. This trail is better hiked from November to March, when the weather is cooler. There is no shade or water, and there is no such thing as an “official trail.” Regardless, hiking the Anniversary Narrows Slot Canyon is a great activity for the entire family, including dogs (off leash).
This slot canyon is ideal for hiking around Red Rocks Canyon National Conservation Area because of its short distance. You can also check out my post on where to hike near Las Vegas and the best Hot Springs in Nevada.
Slot Canyons in New Mexico
Tent Rocks Slot Canyon
Location: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico
Distance: 3 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Slot features stunning examples of rock strata, hoodos, and wind and water effects. It’s a pleasant climb, with a gain of about 750 feet in about three miles. Passing through caves and climbing ledges There are railway ties to use as steps to the top, which offers panoramic views for miles.
With soaring raptures and cliffs, the loop for handicapped small children is lovely. Except for rock climbers and rock scramblers, there’s almost enough for all. Since this is a holy spot, stay on the trail.
This region was created six to seven million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity. The pumice and other igneous rock found in the monument was used to construct the slot canyon’s walls. The slot canyon and cave loop is three miles long and has an elevation gain of 839 feet. The cave’s entrance resembles a giant cookie cutter carved into the rock. If you’re looking for a slot canyon in an alien environment, this is the place to go.
Check out my post and the Best National Parks and National Monuments in New Mexico
Jemez East River Slot Canyon
Location: Jemez Falls, New Mexico
Distance: 3 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This is a hike along a stream that leads to a spectacular slot canyon. Park along the highway, near the drainage, at the curve in the route. Walk east along the river’s many trails until you reach a slot canyon with several waterfalls. This hike is dog-friendly! It’s a good idea to wear your water shoes! This trail is very busy from Spring to Fall, so be careful!
If you are going to be in Jemez Falls, check out my post on the Best Hot Springs in New Mexico
Leasburg Slot Canyon
Location: El Paso, New Mexico
Distance: 2.4 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Robledo Mountain Wilderness Study Area has a slot canyon on the western side of the Rio Grande. Up to the slot canyon, follow the wash.
This hike necessitates a foot crossing of the Rio Grande. Just cross in the late fall or winter, when the Rio Grande’s flow has been reduced to a minimum for the growing season. This trail is only accessible by crossing the river. You will be stranded if you try to drive on the western route, which Google Maps marks as D013 Rocky Acres Trails, since it is private property. This is true from both a north and south perspective.
Check out my post on the Best Waterfalls in New Mexico
American Southwest Slot Canyons Map
Please protect these places and preserve their beauty for all who come after you. Leave no trace of your visit! Use caution when exploring slot canyons as they can be deadly during rainstorms.
12. Kanarra Falls - Kanarraville
Kanarra Falls is a gem of a slot canyon, located near Kanarraville, Utah. It’s pretty short but famous for two small waterfalls which have ladders that hikers can ascend. The hike to reach the slot is not remarkable but the endpoint is worth the effort. Kanarraville is near Zion National Park and makes for a good day-trip if you are in the area. A permit is required to hike Kanarra Falls - click here for more information. Bring shoes that can get wet!
11. Peek-a-Boo Gulch - Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah 2020
Peek-a-Boo is a famous slot canyon in the Escalante area, known for two small arches which span the entrance. The canyon gets really narrow but it’s fun to maneuver through, and requires a 10-foot scramble to enter. There are sometimes unavoidable pools of water in Peek-a-Boo, so bring shoes that can get wet. Try to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds!
10. Leprechaun Canyon - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Leprechaun Canyon is off the beaten path in Utah, just north of Glen Canyon. The canyon is deep and has a beautiful endpoint before ropes are needed to explore it further. This is a kid-friendly option with no dangerous areas and just a short hike required to reach it. It’s near the Colorado River crossing at Hite, UT which is a very scenic area.
9. Spooky Gulch - Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Spooky Gulch is located right next to Peek-a-Boo Gulch in the Escalante area. It is one of the narrowest slot canyons on the list with long sections where you need to walk sideways to squeeze through. There can be serious traffic jams during busy times. Try to do this one early in the morning to beat the crowds!
8. the Subway - Zion National Park
Only a small section of the Subway can be seen without ropes, but what is doable for hikers is still incredible. The hike to reach the Subway is long but fun and features several slanted waterfalls, along with a larger waterfall at the end of the canyon. Permits are required to hike the Subway and can be obtained at the Zion Visitor Center or online.
Map Of Utah Slot Canyons
7. Little Wild Horse Canyon - San Rafael Swell
Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah State
Little Wild Horse Canyon is an impressive slot canyon located in the San Rafael Swell region of Utah. This slot is really long and narrow and makes for a fun hike, whether done as an out-and-back or a loop through Bell Canyon. It’s right near Goblin Valley State Park which is a fun place to explore as well.
6. Zebra Slot - Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Zebra is my personal favorite slot canyon in the Escalante Area, featuring candy-like stripes in the sandstone. Zebra gets very narrow and almost always has water in it. It also has a tapered bottom which makes it tricky to navigate. This slot is brutal to attempt barefoot… Bring shoes and clothes that can get wet!
5. Little Death Hollow - Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Little Death Hollow starts tall and wide, but eventually converges to a single-file slot that goes on for miles. It is well off the beaten path in the Escalante area and offers fewer crowds than you might find at Zebra or Peek-a-Boo. The rich color and textures on the sandstone are spectacular in this canyon.
4. Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Paria Canyon is the second largest canyon on the list, with towering walls for miles and miles. The Paria River flows wall-to-wall in many sections, so river-hiking is required to see it. A popular backpacking route runs the length of Paria all the way out to the Colorado River at Marble Canyon (permit required). Paria sits on the border of Utah and Arizona, so it could be considered an Arizona slot canyon as well.
3. the Joint Trail - Canyonlands National Park
The Joint Trail is unlike anything else in Utah. While most slots are formed solely by water erosion, the Joint Trail formed from massive layers of sandstone that cracked under their own weight. This resulted in a grid of slot canyons with perpendicular intersections and caverns. Reaching it requires a full day of hiking in the Needles District of Canyonlands.
Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah Map
2. Buckskin Gulch - Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah
With 13 miles of narrows, Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest continuous slot canyons in the world. It runs into Paria Canyon, so the bottom entry point can be seen as a detour from Paria’s “Whitehouse” Trailhead. Visitors who want a shorter hike can also see Buckskin near its upper entry point at the “Wire Pass” Trailhead. Backpackers can through-hike Buckskin and Paria if they obtain a permit.
1. the Narrows - Zion National Park
The Narrows in Zion is the largest canyon on the list by far. There are areas with walls well over 1,000 feet tall and sometimes just 20 feet wide. Visitors can day-hike up the Virgin River to see the narrowest and deepest sections of the canyon. The Narrows can also be done top-down with an overnight permit from the Park Service. Try to do this hike as early in the morning as possible, or during fall/winter to escape the crowds. Waterproof gear can be rented at the park.
Best Slot Canyon Hikes In Utah
Easy Slot Canyons
Thank you for reading this post! These rankings are just for fun and are based on my own experiences. If you would like to see more of my recommendations for national parks, please visit my website www.thewildiswaiting.com