Canyon Slots Utah

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).

Slot Canyon Utah Flash Flood

Slot Canyon Utah Directions

Exploring Slot Canyons - Exploring Slot Canyons - Utah has the densest population of slot canyons in the world due to the eroding soft sandstone and arid conditions found in the state. Although most people have heard of two or three slot canyons, there are actually over one-thousand slot canyons south of I-70. The turnoff for the slot canyon on the Burr Trail is on the north side of the road at GPS coordinates 37.864849, -111.30048. It is unmarked and more than 11 miles from the main highway, so ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Singing Canyon In Utah Is So Hidden Most Locals Don’t Even Know About It. 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. 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. Red Canyon forms a half mile long section of narrows through red Navajo sandstone rocks, near Kanab, Utah - a few miles east of Zion National Park. The slot is known locally as Peek-a-Boo Canyon.

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.

Slot Canyon Utah Deaths

These routes are not official, maintained trails. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Route-finding, 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. Your safety is in your own hands. Leave no trace of your visit.
A PDF version of this information, including maps, can be downloaded and printed.