The reason we are asking is that we completed your incredible 14 day Southwest Itinerary, and we liked it so much that we want to back again to Arizona and Utah for another hiking trip. In terms of pure enjoyment, these are our favorites on this list. So important I said it twice. Mileage: 2.0 milesElevation Gain: 150 feetDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 1.0 1.5 hours. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. And then when youre done, just go back the way you came. Last year we were able to go on a big road trip around the American Southwest while seeing many of the best slot canyons in Utah along the way, and afterwards we put together this slot canyon Utah guide and map! Transform body, mind and spirit around the theme: Ignite the Flame Within. Follow along as she seeks her authentic self and learn how to find your own Tribe. A perfect day of Rocks-and-River: combine a half day of canyoneering with a late day Colorado River rafting tour! A 1000 foot elevation gain/loss in 2.5 miles leads way to beautiful spires, tight slot canyons, and incredible river views. You dont need a permit for the bottom-up hike. A select number of permits are available for overnight trips. This is actually a living organism (called cryptobiotic soil)! The World Travel Guy 2023 Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so its a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary! 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. Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons: These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. Death Valley is an awesome spot to visit in the winter/early spring/late fall. 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. The drive in. Price: All tours are private. This hike follows an easy trail to a rider overlooking the Fisher Towers, which are scenic rock formations eroded into interesting shapes. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail. 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. NoPet Friendly? Flash flood hazards are a real threat and floods kill people in slot canyons every year. Look closely at the canyon walls to see the ancient petroglyphs (no the handprints are not ancient some tourist made them in 2019). Its one of the most gorgeous slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings. Let's stay updated! Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Always be aware of the weather forecast. A permit is necessary if you want to hike the Narrows top-down. 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. 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. Heres how to navigate Utah's backcountry safely. Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure's filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas. Moab is surrounded by some of Utah's best national parks and some of the best hikes in the USA. No, day-use permit is required for Butler Flat Road.Pet Friendly? Easily one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful slot canyons in the USA, Antelope Canyon is technically not located in Utah. 10 Amazing Slot Canyons to Explore. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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. Explore one of 61 easy hiking trails in Moab or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Water. These slot canyons are tucked away in a remote region of Capitol Reef National Park. Dont bust the crust. Best for: Families can totally do this slot. 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. The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail in Moab gives you front row access to one of the largest and most diverse dinosaur track sites in North America. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 273 scenic trails in the Moab area. Its challenging, its breathtaking in its beauty, and it makes for a very memorable experience. Petroglyphs and rock art. Leave it better than you found it. . Book Now: Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour. Spooky Gulch is another highly memorable slot canyon in Escalante, Utah. This excellent hike above the Colorado River Canyon leads to three arches, including Corona Arch, one of the largest arches in the Moab area. 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. You may have to do a little bit of driving, but its worth it! 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. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers. 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. This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high. We have not hiked all of these slot canyons, at least not yet. Around the 2.0 miles mark the canyon curves to the southeast. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. As you navigate the curve, look for a short slot canyon along the north wall. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Canyoneering & River Rafting Combo. When you venture out to these two slot canyons, you are really going off-the-beaten-path. But if you only have time for one, how to you decide which one to visit? When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. Over time, the eroded sandstone forms narrow channels, or canyons that cut deep into the cliffs and sandstone mountains found throughout Utah. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. The climb in is a little intimidating for the un-initiated, but its worth it as youll be deposited immediately into another world. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Are you ready to go exploring? Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. Just know that climbing down is pretty difficult, so once youre in, youre in. Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. Canyoneering Moab: Morning Glory Arch & Medieval Chamber. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it. This excellent out-and-back trail leads up a canyon lined with towering sandstone cliffs. After months of being at home, weve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. Canyonlands National Park is one of the best places to view 360-degree gorges in the state of Utah. It would be hard to take a bad picture here. Scratching your name on the walls and destroying ancient rock art with your own markings are actually federal felonies, so dont do it. There is so much to do in this region, and hence wondering if you have plans to do another alternate itinerary for this region, with a list of other hikes that you plan to do. Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors start planning your getaway today. If youre into symmetry then the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park should be on your bucket list. Truth is, just setting foot on the centers 26-acre ranch can feel transformative. 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. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if its outside of your immediate area. Youre rightthere is so much to do in this area. Willis Creek was a blast to hike. The answer is yes. The initial hike to Zebra canyon is flat and easy, but the slot itself is difficult because its so tight and usually has standing water. Hiking to Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park. Headquarters Canyon is short, sweet, and super easy to hike, and in my opinion, the more thrilling of these two slot canyons. As always, be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen and sun hats, and a good map or GPS unit. Which slot canyon is your favorite? 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! Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! 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.. You simply hike up the river as far as you want to go and turn around when you start to get tired. Youre in good hands with these pro resources from someone who has scoured the state for the past 8 years. Great hike for those who enjoy awesome views. Zebra Slot Canyon is definitely one of the more adventurous slot canyons in Utah. 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Some locals of Boulder, Utah, call this slot canyon on the Burr Trail, Singing Canyon. When you go, you know exactly why. Previous Group As the longest-known slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is a true wonder. 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 . The diversity and beauty found in Utah has often been captured by women. 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. The short hike is free. The short answer is kind of. If youre interested in exploring slot canyons in Utah, youll want to start with these easier, non-technical routes. 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. The Ultimate Guide Dog Friendly Hikes in Escalante, Utah! Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. The first mile of the trail is very open, and you can see all of the surrounding mesas and buttes. Another great area in a nearby state of NM is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. 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. No.Highlights: Scrambling, canyoneering skills, beautiful rock formations and a stunning drive to the canyon. This one is a pretty easy hike, and it has bright reddish-orange rock colors that can be really stunning with the right amount of sunlight. If you are planning a road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. 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. My track via Gaia GPS the best tracking app! The bad news is that the Narrows is getting extremely popular. With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure, . Check out our post: Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Utah is home ot some of the most unique geology on the planet. Also, many of the slot canyons in Utah are far removed from civilization, making things like rescues difficult. See the beautiful layers of sandstone inside the slot canyon and then head to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge for even more amazing views. Moab is full of amazing things to do.But, if you are planning a trip, make sure to add hiking in Moab to the top of your list. Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon and both offer very different experiences. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. It takes most hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall. Utah is filled with stunning desert landscapes and this rappelling tour takes visitors to the Medieval Chamber slot canyon just outside of Moab. 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. From here, head either left or right until youre ready to turn around. HIKES IN ZION: Angels Landing, the Zion Narrows, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are some of the top hiking trails in Zion. Dont forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah to see on your next road trip! This is a great trail to hike when Moab's weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to . Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need. A hat helps too. You can turn around at any point, but most people hike/ wade as far as the Wall Street section, which is three miles in. Also horse friendly.Highlights: Water. There are a few set hand lines and ropes to assist with some of the climbing. In spite of the difficulty and awkwardness, we still had tremendous fun doing this hike, and its undoubtedly one of the best slot canyons in Utah! Youll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. Druid Arch. Its also pretty easy and consists of a chill walk down a sandy-bottomed section of the canyon that starts off narrow and widens. 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). But Moab also offers lots of excellent trails with the same spectacular scenery without the crowds or entrance fees. All Rights Reserved. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Dont become a statistic! To help you choose a hike outside the parks, weve selected a few of the best. Fun rock formations. As we set up camp near Arches National Park, the sun lit up the bluffs and the light melted into the western horizon. However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if youre willing to drive: These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Located on Navajo lands, this slot canyon can only be visited on a tour. Map. 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. Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Hire a tour guide, drive your own 4WD vehicle, or hike to a high-lookout point to take in the grandeur of the superb stratigraphic mesas in the distance. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. A massive tectonic cave system located just 15 miles outside of St. George makes Bloomington Cave bucket list worthy. Hike Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and More with Wildland Trekking - Expert Local Guides, #1 on Trip Advisor. Kid-Friendly routes for your next family trip, but its worth it as youll be deposited into! Is surrounded by some of the best slot canyons, you should always bring more water than you think need! 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