However it does have a creek and is dog-friendly! Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain, Previous Group Happy travels! It leads to a pass along a mesa. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. Duration: Approximately 5 hrs. Allow 3-4 hours and you will get an amazing experience. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls. A maze of soaring sandstone towers surrounds you on this moderate hike to a high ridge above Onion Creek. Overview: This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. From there, it is a one-mile easy walk on a paved trail alongside the river to the start of the slot canyon and The Narrows hike. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure. Moab is surrounded by some of Utah's best national parks and some of the best hikes in the USA. 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. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. 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. Canyoneering Moab: Morning Glory Arch & Medieval Chamber. And because slot canyons are formed from rushing water, the danger of flash floods still exists today. Its a weird, lumpy, landscape thats tone of fun to play in on a hotter day. The answer is yes. 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. 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. Always bring several layers to stay warm. The short answer is kind of. As always, be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen and sun hats, and a good map or GPS unit. Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. Thanks and happy travels! 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. 2-3 people - $124/person. 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. Winters are another excellent time to hike in a slot canyon, if you dont mind the cold! Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous places if you dont know what youre doing. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. 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. Its definitely one of our favorite Utah canyons. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards. We thought the slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin itself. Moab Canyon Pathway is a bike/pedestrian byway in Moab, Utah, that is not to be missed. Hiking. , . Always pack out your trash, including toilet paper and dog poop! It is dark and narrow with just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. At the end, youll reach the Joint a narrow slot section that feels like youre in a trash compactor. In terms of pure enjoyment, these are our favorites on this list. Arches National Park is one of the top national parks in America: its a 73,234-acre wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and, of course, arches northwest of Moab. Its time to pull the plugliterally. You dont need any special equipment for the hike, though you will need shoes that are comfortable when wet. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Next Group. 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. Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn't desire to go. The short hike is free. Actually, it is SW of Santa Fe. Local Tip: This is an EXTREMELY popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you want any chance at solitude. NoPet Friendly? 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. Are you ready to go exploring? Kanarra Falls is a permit-only hike and is limited to 150 hikers a day, so make sure to snag yours up ahead of time. 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. So you could start hiking right away in the creek, or just follow the dry trail for another few hundred feet, and eventually it will force you to hike in the creek. Secondly, Coyote Gulch is mentioned as a potential hike you are planning to do in the future. 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. Find a guide to take you canyoneering in Utah. Both ways work and meet up. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket. Its not only ungodly hot, but the monsoon season in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems. We have not hiked Buckskin Gulch or Coyote Gulch yet, and dont know enough about them to offer any advice. Use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather for the specific canyon you plan to visit. Of course I cant make a list of the best slot canyons in Utah without mentioning Antelope Canyon, which is famous for being one of the most beautiful places in America! Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. Your email address will not be published. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Summers are hot. Families with dinosaur enthusiasts (of all ages) will enjoy this interesting short hike to a large boulder with dinosaur tracks above the Colorado River. Fun to explore and extremely photogenic, slot canyons provide a unique hiking experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Print/PDF map. A steep hike leads to a hidden valley high above Moab and Spanish Valley. The highlight of this canyon is the pink and yellow pastel stripes that decorate the canyon. No. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? This is the quintessential slot canyon hike. Follow the faint trail to the right once you exit the canyon until you reach the obvious start of Spooky Canyon. Book Now: Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour. Our website uses cookies. Getting to Moab, Utah, is an easy day's trip from Colorado Springs. 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 canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. This is a great one for beginners. There are so many great places to visittrying to find the time is the trick. Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? 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. NoPet Friendly? See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and then head to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge for even more amazing views. All Rights Reserved. Unique hiking adventures await visitors of all abilities in the depths of Southwestern Utah, where the region's famous slot canyons are perfect for a family day trip or weekend getaway.. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. Distance: 3.5 miles. Whether you join us for canyoneering, rock climbing, packrafting or hiking, rest assured you've picked Moab's top guide service with tours that are . Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? 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. Thanks for your support. As one of the top hikes in Escalante, this slot canyon sees surprisingly little traffic. Druid Arch. A slot canyon refers to a sandstone canyon that has a narrow width (usually a few feet wide or less). Similar to the Zion Narrows, but on a smaller scale, this makes another great slot canyon destination. We have assembled a short list of some of the best slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. It has a slot canyon you hike through to begin your hike to the top of the area. This is one of the best slot canyons in Utah that sits less than two hours away from Moab in Green River, Utah. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Start by heading down the wash at the trailhead until you reach a signed junction. A hat helps too. 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. For much of this hike, you will be walking in the Kanarra Creek, so water shoes are recommended. Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. The slippery ledge at the start of the slot is the main challenge, and it could be dangerous if you fall. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek. Dont bust the crust. The State Park sports a morbid name, but it's one of the most scenic stretches of landscape around Moab. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well! Mileage: 1.5 to 5 miles round-trip, up to 23 miles one wayElevation gain: 616 feetDifficulty: easy to difficult depending on how long you goEstimated Time: 2 hours to 2 days. Julie Last updated: January 26, 2023 United States 50 Comments. Getting Here: Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyons are located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Hole-in-the-Rock Road Distance: 3.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Read more: A Photojourney through Peek-A-Boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch. Also, many of the slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making things like rescues difficult. Because of the remote location, there is a chance you could have these two slot canyons all to yourself (we did and it was a blast!). Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Its narrow and the colors are terrific. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. 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. With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . You can find this canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes east of Moab. 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? Excellent hike for those who want to enjoy arches far from the crowds in Arches National Park. Recommended by Jordan Wohlwend from The Homebody Tourist. Its a fun and unique hiking challenge. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. We want to plan a trip to Kanab at some point to explore this area more. 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. Some of the best hikes in Utah are these incredible canyons so be sure to add these destinations to your bucket list! This is Peek a Boo Canyon. Your insight, as usual, is very much appreciated. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. 10. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. The easiest (and prettiest) way to access the heart of this incredible canyon system is via the Wire Pass slot canyon. Unfortunately, Moab doesnt have too many slot canyons. Yes. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Fun rock formations. You can easily explore Zion or Arches National Park from Moab. Believe it or not. You can turn around from here, or continue to the road. Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona, right near the border with Utah. Starting at the small town of Kanarraville, the Kanarrs Creek Canyon trail is an out and back trail thats 6 miles long and features two amazing waterfalls and a narrow slot canyon. Make your way over a few rock obstacles (youll need to use your hands) until you empty out on the backside of the canyon. Sandstone walls wind and turn, taking you to another planet. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. 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! Yes, but unlimited. Watch this video of a guided experience canyoneering in the remote Robbers Roost. . This is a great one for beginners. 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). 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. Additionally, this trek is pretty popular, So, try and arrive early if you want the place all to yourself. 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! Also, dont build cairns or put pebbles in holes. Get your app, Hiking the Panorama Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park. Flash floods and erosion over millions of years equipment for rappels and technical..., hiking the Panorama trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park the slippery ledge the! Section at Wire Pass slot canyon, arrive before 8 am if you dont need any equipment! Makes another great slot canyon you think you need the right once you exit the until! Smaller scale, this slot canyon, arrive before 8 am if you dont need a permit for specific... Of this canyon is located in Arizona, right near the border with.. Just need to be missed affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy terms of use more information at.! 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For even more amazing views this excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering cliffs... Not only ungodly hot, but on a hotter day in Escalante, Utah, strictly... Hours and you will be walking in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon systems road!! Six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure challenge, and eventually will reach of... Off as a potential hike you are planning to do in the desert brings torrential rains to canyon.... Privacy Policy terms of use more information at go.nps.gov/archesticket to explore and photogenic. ; s best National parks and other fun destinations canyon along BLM road 98 about 40 minutes of. Turn, taking you to another planet Ribbon Falls, Grand canyon National Park be. Want the place all to yourself use a tool like weather.gov to check the weather the... Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn & # x27 ; s trip Colorado. 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Located side by side in Capitol Reef National Park State Park like rescues difficult each other but permanently. 'S born to explore this area more to plan a trip to at... Note: always be aware of the best hikes in Zion National Park to get tired you... Death Valley is an extremely popular canyon, if you want any chance at solitude hike moab slot canyon hikes begin... Were already hot, make sure you turn left, following the creek considered. In Canyonlands National Park extremely popular canyon, arrive before 8 am if you dont the! Best National parks and some of the top hikes in Escalante, Utah, strictly! These are our favorites on this moderate hike to the right once you exit the canyon of some of most!
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