Utah's Best Slot Canyon Hikes

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Zion National Park boasts perhaps the most famous of the slot canyons in Utah – the Zion Narrows. Though this slot canyon ranks as the easiest to traverse within Zion National Park, it is 16 miles long and requires 13 hours to traverse. It includes slippery rocks, river hiking, and some swimming.

Explore the depths of Southern Utah.

• Snow Canyon's most notable feature is the large canyon among the Red Mountains, however there are many interesting features to discover, including lava tubes and flows, cinder cones, and sand dunes. It is a great state park for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.
• Hiking Mary Jane Slot Canyon, Moab 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. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off.
• Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons on the planet—and it’s found just a ways outside Kanab, Utah. Over the course of 13 miles, it rarely gets wider than 20 feet, and in many sections it’s just wide enough to walk through with your pack.
• Hiking through Utah’s slot canyons is a unique experience every Utahn should try. The sheer sandstone walls on both sides of you create a quiet sanctuary, and you’ll feel as though you’re immersed in nature. There’s one slot canyon in the Beehive State that has a unique feature – absolutely amazing acoustics.

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

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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Zion National Park UTV & Hiking Tour

The back country of Zion National Park is home to Slot Canyons unlike any other in the world. This non-technical hiking tour takes you on an off-road UTV adventure to the mouth of Crimson Canyon to hike through and explore with your guide. Within the narrow canyon walls you will find ancient Native American writings and learn about those who inhabited these lands before us. Unlike most Slot Canyons, this canyon does not require repelling or technical climbing and all ages are able to participate.

After a heavy rainstorm sections of the canyons may contain pools of water. Under these circumstances we supply what is needed to gear up and advance through the canyon despite these potential obstacles!

This tour can depart from one of three locations: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Zion Mountain Ranch, or Zion Fuel-Up (Orderville, Utah).

What to bring

Utah's Best Slot Canyon Hikes Near Zion

• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Water bottle
• Camera

Best Slot Canyon Hikes Moab Utah

This is a weather dependent activity. When booking for Winter, Spring, or Fall, please be aware that weather can affect your scheduled experience.

You do not want to miss the tour, so please arrive early!