Best Slot Canyons In Utah

Posted : admin On 4/7/2022

Best Slot Canyons In Utah Winter
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Map Of Utah Slot Canyons

Explore the depths of Southern Utah.

By: The Outbound Collective+ Save to a List

There is something magical and sobering about exploring slot canyons in Southern Utah. Hiking, swimming and sometimes squeezing through high sandstone walls carved by the elements over thousands of hundreds of thousands of years (you read that right) makes you keenly aware of how powerful the natural world around us is. Don't worry though, if the thought of squeezing through a 10-inch crevice 100 miles from civilization inspires panic like that time your brother zipped you into your sleeping bag while he watched Saturday morning cartoons (not cool, bro), there are plenty of incredible slot canyons like the Zion Narrows that don't require any squeezing. For the thrill seekers out there, there are several options to bring your rope and harness for some canyoneering. Whatever your speed is, a day spent exploring the cool, winding depths of any of these Utah slot canyons is one you won't regret. (Unless you’re Aron Ralston. But he got to meet James Franco, so he probably came out ahead, too.)

1. Explore the Subway Top-Down

Photo: Scott Kranz

2. Explore Arches’ Fiery Furnace

Photo: Devin K

The 8 Best Slot Canyons in Utah. Developing a list of Utah’s slot canyons we wanted to explore was easy. But determining which ones were the best, most beautiful and well worth your time was a challenge. The hike led us to Spooky Slot Canyon and Peekaboo Slot Canyon, deep in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Best Slot Canyons of Utah - Spooky Slot Canyon and Peekaboo Slot Canyon. With names like Spooky and Peekaboo, these slot canyons better be good - spoiler alert, we think these are the best slot canyons of Utah!

3. Hike Kanarraville Slot Canyon

Photo: Karyna Wilkerson

4. Canyoneering Keyhole Canyon

Photo: Kathie Green

5. Hike Buckskin Gulch Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness

Photo: Tobin Akehurst

6. Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

Photo: George Bruce Wilson

7. Hike Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon Loop

Photo: Aaron Roth

8. Explore Paria Canyon

Photo: Brandon Silver

9. Explore the Zion Narrows

Photo: Stephen Marshall

10. Hike Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Canyons

Photo: Rebecca Jones

11. Hike through the Red Caves Sand Wash

Photo: Thomas Burton

Photo: Nick Oman

13. Hike the Red Cliffs Recreation Nature Trail

Photo: Thomas Burton

14. Explore Lebrechaun Canyon’s Middle Fork

Photo: Michael Whitman

15. Explore Kanab’s Peek-a-Boo Canyon

Photo: Prajit Ravindran

16. Hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon

Photo: Prajit Ravindran

Find more information on Utah's slot canyons and more at Utah.com.

Cover photo: Scott Kranz

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Trail Head: 37.020083, -112.022352
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: About 21 miles one-way

Many people rate Buckskin Gulch as their all-time favorite hike. The route goes through a beautiful slot that runs continuously for about 15 miles. (It may very well be the longest slot canyon in the world). 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.

Buckskin Gulch is located along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab. It can be done as a long day hike, if you are in good shape, but is best as an overnight backpack. The recommended route requires a shuttle. It is also possible to day hike from either trailhead, returning the way you went in.

Permit are needed to day hike and to backpack in this area, which is part of the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Spring and fall are ideal times but hike, but people do this route year-round. Summer temperatures are very hot. During cold months you need a to wear a wet suite or some such insulation as you make the wades.

Wire Pass Trailhead

(37.020083, -112.022352)

The recommended route begins at the Wire Pass Trailhead, goes down Buckskin Gulch, and then goes up the Paria Canyon slot to the White House Trailhead and your waiting shuttle vehicle. There is a good panel of ancient petroglyphs in Wire Pass Wash, just before its confluence with Buckskin Gulch.

Middle Trail Escape Route

(37.031167, -111.921746)

The slot runs for about 15 miles, with just one spot where normal people can escape, if needed. Near the middle of the narrows, the slot is not as deep (only about 100 feet) and a crack runs up to the north rim. Experienced hikers can scramble up this crack to get out of the canyon if it looks like flood potential is developing.

Buckskin/Paria Confluence