Introduction
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors, Utah is the perfect place to explore. With its red rock landscapes and unique slot canyons, Utah offers some of the best hiking and camping opportunities in the country.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit during the spring or fall, you’ll be treated to a colorful display of wildflowers or fall foliage.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an easy walk, there’s a slot canyon in Utah that’s perfect for you. Here are five of the best:
Buckskin Gulch: Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. It’s also one of the most popular, so be prepared for crowds if you visit during peak season. The trailhead is located near Kanab, UT.
The Narrows: The Narrows is one of Zion National Park’s most popular trails. It’s a strenuous hike, but it’s well worth it for the incredible views. The trailhead is located near Springdale, UT.
Antelope Canyon: Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. It’s located on Navajo land near Page, AZ, and requires a permit to visit.
Little Wild Horse Canyon: Little Wild Horse Canyon is a great option if you’re looking for an easy hike with plenty of scenery. It’s located near Goblin Valley
What Is A Slot Canyon?
A slot canyon is a narrow gorge that has been carved out by water over time. These canyons are found all over the world, but Utah is home to some of the best examples. Slot canyons are typically only a few feet wide, but can be hundreds of feet deep. They are amazing places to explore and offer hikers stunning views.
Slot canyons are usually very narrow, and it is often impossible to turn around once you have entered one. It is important to understand the risks involved in adventuring through a slot canyon, including flash floods and falling rocks.
Best Slot Canyons In Utah
The best slot canyons in Utah are Antelope Canyon, Spooky Gulch, and Peek-a-Boo Gulch. All three of these canyons are located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Antelope Canyon is the most popular of the three canyons. It is also the easiest to access, as it is located just off of Highway 89 near Page, Arizona. The canyon is divided into two sections, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is accessed via a short hike from the parking area, while Lower Antelope Canyon requires a longer hike or a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Spooky Gulch is located in the dry gulch region of the Escalante Canyons. The narrowest section of the canyon is only 12 inches wide at its narrowest point. Spooky Gulch gets its name from the many twists and turns that make it feel like a maze.
Peek-a-Boo Gulch is another one of the best slot canyons in Utah. It is located in the same region as Spooky Gulch and has many of the same features, including narrow passages and twists and turns. Peek-a-Boo Gulch gets its name from a section of the canyon where you can see through to the other side.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon
Red Hollow Slot Canyon is one of the best slot canyons in Utah. It is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and it is a great place to hike and explore. The canyon is not too difficult to hike, and it is a great place to see some amazing views.
The canyon is about three miles long and is at least 50 feet deep in some places. The walls of the canyon are made up of Navajo sandstone, which gives the canyon its beautiful red-orange color.
When you first enter the canyon, you will find a small stream running down its center. This stream provides a great source of water for any hikers that are exploring the canyon. The walls of the canyon are very narrow in some places, but they open up to wider areas where you can explore further.
The best time to visit Red Hollow Slot Canyon is during spring or fall when temperatures are not too hot or cold. However, even during summer months, it can be quite pleasant in the shade of the slot canyon walls. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your hike!
Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is one of the most popular slot canyons in Utah. It is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. The canyon is approximately 13 miles long and features sandstone walls that are up to 1,000 feet high. The Buckskin Gulch Trailhead is located near the town of Escalante, Utah.
The Buckskin Gulch is a great place to explore and take in the beauty of nature. The canyon walls are made up of various colors of sandstone, and the narrow passages are full of interesting shapes and formations. As you make your way down the canyon, you will come across several canyons, springs, and even an old homestead. The hike can be quite strenuous at times, so it is important to bring plenty of water and snacks with you.
Be aware that there is a high potential for flash floods in this area so make sure you keep an eye on the weather before heading out. This is one of the most beautiful slot canyons in all of Utah, so it should definitely be on your list!
The hike through Buckskin Gulch is relatively easy, but there are some narrow sections that can be challenging. The walls of the canyon are very close together in some places, and you may need to squeeze through tight spaces. The canyon also has several pools and waterfalls that can be explored.
The best time to visit Buckskin Gulch is during spring or fall when temperatures are comfortable. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your hike!
Wire Pass Slot Canyon
Wire Pass slot canyon is one of the most popular slot canyons in Utah. It is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and it is a very popular destination for hikers and photographers. The canyon is only about 0.5 miles long, but it has some very beautiful and unique features.
The first thing you’ll notice when you enter Wire Pass slot canyon is the amazing rock formations. The walls of the canyon are covered with all kinds of different rocks, and they create some really incredible patterns. The light shines through the canyon in a really beautiful way, and it’s easy to see why this place is so popular with photographers.
Hiking through Wire Pass slot canyon is a really unique experience. You’ll feel like you’re in a different world entirely, and the scenery is just breathtaking. Even though the canyon is only 0.5 miles long, it will take you awhile to hike through because of all the twists and turns. But it’s definitely worth it!
If you’re looking for an amazing slot canyon to explore, then Wire Pass should definitely be at the top of your list.
