Recently we went on a big road trip around the American Southwest, seeing many of the best slot canyons in Utah along the way, and then we put together this guide!
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 a fun and unique hiking challenge.
There are a bunch of amazing slot canyons scattered across the southern half of the state of Utah, and you can even see some great slot canyons near Zion National Park or Moab, if you’re willing to drive a bit.
The hikes on this list are our favorites in Utah because they’re especially accessible, photogenic, colorful, or interesting!
What Is A Slot Canyon?
A slot canyon is a narrow passageway formed in rock (usually sandstone) that’s been eroded by water over time, eventually creating a keyhole-like crack in the rock that’s just wide enough for a person to fit through.
There are more than 1,000 slot canyons in the desert of Utah, which actually has the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world. Some of them are difficult to navigate and require technical skills, but many are family friendly and easy for beginners to hike.
Side note: Always be aware of the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if it’s outside of your immediate area. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon.
18 Best Slot Canyons In Utah
1. Red Hollow Slot Canyon
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.
It’s a very photogenic hike, with nice red rock colors and steep canyon walls. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and great for kids.
There’s one very tight slot that’s great for chimneying or stemming, where you place your back against one wall and then push your feet on the other wall to cross the gap. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it.
Even though Red Hollow is very short, it’s great for pictures. All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons!
Difficulty: Easy
Read More: Red Hollow Slot Canyon
2. Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, and it’s believed to be the longest slot canyon in the world, at 21 miles!
It’s located by the Utah-Arizona state border, so you can reach it in 1 hour of driving from the town of Page, Arizona, or about 2 hours from Zion National Park in Utah.
The Buckskin Slot Canyon is great for photos, and it’s also notable for having some Native American petroglyphs that are easy to reach.
The best way to visit this slot canyon is by entering from Wire Pass, that way you get to see two slot canyons for the price of one!
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Read More: Wire Pass To Buckskin Gulch
3. Wire Pass Slot Canyon
Wire Pass is a side canyon that intersects with Buckskin Gulch, and it’s actually easier to enter Buckskin through this route, since you spend much less time walking in the hot sun.
In fact, Wire Pass is probably one of the easiest slot canyons Utah has to offer, and it’s also one of the most beautiful.
We thought the slot canyon section at Wire Pass was even more photogenic than Buckskin itself. It’s narrow and the colors are terrific. There’s even a little wooden ladder that’s great for pictures.
Best of all, this slot dumps you right at the intersection in Buckskin Gulch where you can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall. It’s definitely one of the top Utah slot canyons!
Difficulty: Easy
Read More: Wire Pass To Buckskin Gulch
4. Zion Narrows
Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows!
This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and it’s 16 miles total.
The good news is that the Narrows is open to all fitness levels because you don’t have to hike to the end of the gorge. You can stop and turn around whenever you want.
It’s possible to hike the entire Narrows in one full day if you get a permit in advance, but most people just go partway and then turn back (no permit required for that).
The bad news is that the Narrows is getting extremely popular. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. If you’re really intent on seeing the Narrows without crowds, I’d recommend getting a permit and hiking it from the top down. Otherwise, you may want to go to one of the other places in this Utah slot canyon guide.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
The Zion Narrows may be the most famous slot canyon Utah has to offer
Huge canyon walls of the Zion Narrows
5. Red Canyon Slot / Peekaboo Kanab
Not to be confused with the Peekaboo Canyon of the same name in Escalante, the Peekaboo Red Canyon is actually another slot near Kanab, in southern Utah.
If you’re looking for Zion slot canyons, this one is close to that area and it definitely belongs on your list! It’s just a 1 hour drive from Springdale and Zion National Park.
The main challenge with this slot is the soft and deep sand on the road leading to it. You’ll need a true 4 wheel drive vehicle (not just AWD), and even then you’ll want to air down your tires and keep up momentum to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
Lots of people get stuck here because of the tricky conditions. Because of this, most people visit the Peekaboo Kanab slot with a Jeep tour or UTV tour where a professional company does the driving for you. I’ll include some tour recommendations below.
Some of these tours also combine the slot with a visit to the nearby Great Chamber, which is a photogenic cave-like spot near Kanab that’s also challenging to reach without a true off-road vehicle.
Alternatively, you can hike approximately 8 miles roundtrip to the slot from the 2WD parking area, and some people do this, but it’s a bit of a tough slog because of all the sand. You’ll need a map, sun protection, and lots of water.
The slot itself is beautiful and easy to walk through. It’s well worth the effort. This one is great for all ages, and it’s definitely one of the most photogenic slot canyons near Zion National Park!
Difficulty: Easy
Book Now: Peekaboo Kanab Jeep Tour / UTV Tour
6. Kanarra Creek & Falls
The Kanarra Slot Canyon is unique on this list because it also has two waterfalls inside! This is one of our favorite Utah canyons, and it’s just a 1 hour drive from Zion National Park.
The first waterfall is near the start of the slot canyon, and it’s easy to pass thanks to a new metal ladder that was installed by the city of Kanarraville. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later.
Overall, I’d probably rate this hike as easy, even though it’s a bit longer and has more elevation gain than the other hikes in this Utah slot canyon guide.
Nowadays you have to pay for a permit to do the Kanarra Creek hike because of its popularity, and there are a limited number of permits available per day. These sell out often, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Difficulty: Easy
The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon
7. Jenny’s Canyon
Jenny’s Canyon is a family friendly little slot canyon in southern Utah that’s perfect for the kids. You can reach it in just 5 minutes of walking!
This slot is located in the Snow Canyon State Park near St George, about 1 hour from Zion or 2 hours from Las Vegas. The rock walls are full of photogenic little caves and cavities that the kids can play in, and when you get done at the slot, there’s also an overlook that is pretty easy to hike up.
The only disappointment with this slot canyon is that it’s so short, and you reach the end after only walking about 500 feet. Parking is also very limited at the trailhead, although it tends to free up often since the hike is quick.
Overall, it’s a remarkable little slot canyon, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re near the Snow Canyon State Park!
Difficulty: Easy
8. St George Narrows
If you’re claustrophobic, stay far away from the St George Narrows! I debated whether or not to include this slot canyon in the list, because it’s so tight you could almost call it a crack rather than a slot canyon.
Compared to most slot canyons, this passageway is paper thin. Even if you’re a small person, you will absolutely have to walk sideways to get through the crack, and it’ll still be tight. It’s a fun challenge if you’re feeling brave!
This slot is part of a free park area that has restrooms and plenty of parking, just outside of the town of St George in southern Utah. Even if you’re not up for squeezing through the slot, there are some other rock features here that are good for climbing and photos as well!
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
9. Spring Creek Canyon
The Spring Creek Canyon is another nice slot canyon by the little town of Kanarra, located less than 1 hour from Zion National Park.
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.
We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the trail was almost completely empty, so that’s another thing it has going for it!
Difficulty: Easy
10. Willis Creek Slot Canyon
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.
This canyon is popular for horseback riding, and the whole trail is straightforward and pretty much flat, so overall I’d rank it as one of the easiest and most family friendly slot canyon hikes in Utah.
It’s located less than an hour from the popular Bryce and Escalante areas, so it’s definitely a good one to add to your Utah road trip!
Difficulty: Easy
Read More: Willis Creek Slot Canyon
11. Zebra Slot Canyon
The Zebra Slot Canyon is a spectacular passageway in Escalante, Utah, with wild rock colors and wavy zebra striped walls.
It’s one of the best slot canyons in Utah I’ve ever seen, although the tight Zebra Canyon is a bit tricky to navigate compared to other slots.
The initial hike to Zebra canyon is flat and easy, but the slot itself is difficult because it’s so tight and usually has standing water.
You don’t need any special gear or technical skills to do Zebra, but good fitness and prior experience in slots will help a lot, and you can’t be claustrophobic or afraid of wading through dirty water.
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
Read More: Zebra Slot Canyon
12. Peekaboo Slot Canyon
The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire. It’s one of the most gorgeous slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped passage and arch ceilings.
It’s also moderately difficult and I wouldn’t describe it as an entry level slot, although beginners can still do it. The slippery ledge at the start of the slot is the main challenge, and it could be dangerous if you fall.
Peekaboo Canyon is located in the Escalante area of southern Utah, about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. Escalante is also roughly halfway between Moab and Zion, so it’s a great place to add to your Utah road trip itinerary!
Difficulty: Moderate
Read More: Peekaboo Slot Canyon
13. Spooky Slot Canyon
This is another crazy slot canyon located near Peekaboo, and most people do these two slots as a loop hike since they’re located so close together.
Spooky Canyon is extremely tight. There are parts where you have to shuffle sideways just to fit your body through the slot, and backpacks have to be carried awkwardly overhead.
You don’t need any special gear or technical skills to do this slot, but you do need to be in good shape and not at all claustrophobic.
In spite of the difficulty and awkwardness, we still had tremendous fun doing this hike, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best slot canyons in Utah!
Difficulty: Moderate
Read More: Spooky Gulch
14. Dry Fork Narrows
This is a third slot canyon you can visit as part of the Spooky/Peekaboo loop hike in Escalante.
In fact, there’s a second trailhead for the Spooky/Peekaboo canyons (called the Upper Dry Fork trailhead) that actually takes you right through the Dry Fork Narrows, that way you can see all three slot canyons in one loop hike!
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. This slot is suitable for everyone.
Difficulty: Easy
Read More: Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons
15. Little Wild Horse Canyon
The Little Wild Horse Canyon is a nice and easy slot canyon by the Goblin Valley State Park, about 2 hours from Moab, Utah.
This is a great one for beginners. 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.
Some people do this as a loop hike with Bell Canyon, which takes quite a bit longer, but the best parts of Little Wild Horse canyon can be seen in only an hour roundtrip, which is perfect for people wanting to skip to the good stuff.
Difficulty: Easy
16. Ding & Dang Canyons
This is another neat slot canyon hike located about 2 hours from Moab, but it’s not for beginners.
Ding & Dang Canyon requires some technical ability since there’s climbing and occasionally deep water.
There have been numerous rescues here, so I wouldn’t recommend going unless you have someone experienced to help.
Difficulty: Hard
17. Moonshine Wash
The Moonshine Wash is another scenic slot canyon located less than 2 hours from Moab, Utah. The solitude is one of the appealing features of this trek.
It’s a hidden gem located off the beaten path, so you aren’t likely to see many other hikers. The trailhead can also be a bit tricky to find the first time.
I would recommend bringing an experienced partner for Moonshine Wash, because it’s a bit more technical than the other hikes listed in this Utah slot canyon guide.
Difficulty: Moderate
18. Antelope Canyon
Of course I can’t make a list of amazing slot canyons without mentioning Antelope Canyon, which is one of the most beautiful places in America!
This one is actually located in Arizona, of course, but it’s very close to the southern border of Utah and you can visit it on a day trip from there.
Antelope Canyon is a favorite with photographers, and for good reason. It has spectacular colors, and it’s so photogenic. It would be hard to take a bad picture here.
The only con is that it’s extremely popular, so a tour guide is required nowadays, and you might have to make a reservation months in advance.
Difficulty: Easy / Guided
Read More: Antelope Canyon Guide
Book Now: Upper / Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour
Utah Slot Canyons Map
Here’s a map of slot canyons you can use to plan your own road trip in Utah. You can click the icons to get directions and more info on each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.
For more detailed information on how to find the exact trailheads for these Utah slot canyons, you can check out my individual travel guides for each hike.
As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Thanks and happy travels!
Slot Canyons Near Zion National Park
There are a bunch of good slot canyons near Zion National Park, and it’s possible to combine one or two of these with a visit to the park.
You may have to do a little bit of driving, but it’s worth it!
Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons:
- The Narrows (inside Zion National Park)
- Shelf Canyon (inside Zion National Park)
- Keyhole Canyon (inside Zion National Park)
- Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon (inside Zion National Park)
- The Subway (inside Zion National Park)
- Red Hollow Canyon (30 miles east of Zion)
- Red Canyon Kanab (40 miles east of Zion)
- St George Narrows (40 miles west of Zion)
- Spring Creek Canyon (45 miles northwest of Zion)
- Kanarra Creek & Falls (45 miles northwest of Zion)
- Jenny’s Canyon (50 miles west of Zion)
- Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass (90 miles east of Zion)
- Willis Creek Slot Canyon (100 miles northeast of Zion)
These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion National Park. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well!
The Narrows is the most famous Zion slot canyon, but there are also a bunch of other nice ones near the national park.
Slot Canyons Near Moab & Arches National Park
Unfortunately there aren’t really many Moab slot canyons, and the Arches National Park doesn’t have any either.
However, there are some good slot canyons near Moab if you’re willing to drive:
- Professor Creek / Mary Jane Canyon (20 miles from Moab)
- Holeman Slot (60 miles southwest of Moab)
- Moonshine Wash (75 miles northwest of Moab)
- Joint Trail / Chesler Park Loop (80 miles southwest of Moab)
- Crawford Draw (90 miles northwest of Moab)
- Furniture Draw (100 miles northwest of Moab)
- Little Wild Horse Canyon (105 miles west of Moab)
- Ding & Dang Canyons (110 miles west of Moab)
These are some of the best slot canyons near Moab. 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.
Slot Canyon Safety Tips
Flash Floods. Always be aware of the weather forecast. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it’s outside of your immediate area. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon.
Sunscreen. Even on a slot canyon hike, there are still plenty of parts on the trail where you’ll be exposed to direct sun, so you might want sunscreen. A hat helps too.
Water. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need.
Map. 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. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous.
More Utah Hiking Guides
Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this guide for some of the most amazing slot canyons Utah has to offer.
Don’t forget to check out my list of the best hikes in Utah and the best slot canyons in Arizona and Nevada to see on your next road trip!
0 Comments