Water Slot Canyon Utah
Tom's Utah Canyoneering Guide offers illustrated route descriptions to canyons on the Colorado Platueau, including Zion National Park, Escalante National Monument, Robbers Roost, Cedar Mesa, North Wash, and San Rafael Swell. Explore for logistical and equipment requirements, along with great stories.
- Water Canyon Trail Utah
- Water Slot Canyon Utah Ladders
- Slot Canyon Utah Hike
- Best Slot Canyons In Utah
- Water Canyon Utah Camping
These are classic examples of slot canyons which typify the canyon country of southern Utah: deep, narrow, secret places within the Waterpocket Fold. The routes are largely unmarked. A few rock cairns may mark key points; carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons during flash flood season (typically July-September).
- Utah is full of slot canyons to explore, and our boys want to visit them all. They love when we find family friendly slot canyons where we can all adventure and squeeze through together. We are always on the lookout for great family friendly slot canyons in Utah, so please share if you know of one that we can try!
- Antelope Canyon. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular.
All three slot canyons are difficult hikes and only experienced canyon-country hikers should attempt these routes. All contain obstacles in the form of dry falls and chock stones (large boulders wedged in narrow slots) which must be climbed over. The canyons are extremely narrow in places; most people will have to work their way through sideways. Often there are pools of water that may require deep wading or short swims.
Beginning at the Notom-Bullfrog Road, Burro Wash and Cottonwood Wash can be done as long day hikes. Sheets Gulch can be done as a long day hike or an overnight, depending on where you turn around. Free backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. DO not rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
A PDF version of this information, including maps, can be downloaded and printed.
Added by Spencer Rudy
Red Hollow is a short, easy, and scenic slot canyon just outside of Zion National Park, Utah. This is a good slot canyon for beginners with easy scrambling in some places.
Water Canyon Trail Utah
The trailhead is about 18 miles from the eastern entrance of Zion National Park, located in the small town of Orderville. In Orderville, the streets aren't marked too well, so follow the road that goes past the cemetery and the school, 100 East. When the road Ts, turn left. The road ends in a sandy dirt road, and you can either park near the paved road or you can drive down and park by the fence if you have a 4x4. Once you reach to fenced in water tower, head down into the wash and follow it toward the red and white cliffs. The trail is exposed to the sun in the wash, but once you get into the slot canyon it is cool and shady.
The slot canyon goes about a mile in before you have to turn around. The red walls rise up above you and the trail is fairly narrow. There are some sections in this slot canyon where you will need to climb over some boulders, but it is nothing too hard. The canyon twists and turns until it reaches a dead end and you have to head back out. Be aware that if there has been rain recently, the canyon might be filled with water. If there is water in the canyon, only enter if the level is low and you know advanced canyoneering skills such as stemming.
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Stavros Mitchelides
Water Slot Canyon Utah Ladders
about 3 years ago
Super fun hike!
Did it today as I'm staying in a hotel nearby and heard about it. There are 3 difficult rope climbs that will be impassible for some people...huge boulders blocked the way up and ropes were put in to get over them. THe first is about 20' high and the second is about 3/4 that. The last rope ascends what looks like a 50' climb, I only made it half way up that last rope because I was worried about damaging my camera. Amazing hike, I'll post about it on my blog this week at www.welovetoexplore.com!
5.0
Slot Canyon Utah Hike
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Best Slot Canyons In Utah
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Water Canyon Utah Camping
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