Recently we took a big road trip through the American Southwest, saw some of Utah’s best slot canyons along the way, and then put together this travel guide and map!
Slot canyons are natural rock passages with all the different colors of red, yellow, pink and purple, and some of them are so tight and chunky that you have to walk or crawl sideways, like an mature playground. It’s a fun and unique hiking challenge.
There are a number of incredible slot canyons in the southern half of the state of Utah, and you can even see some stunning slot canyons near Zion or Moab National Park if you’re willing to drive a little.
The hikes on this list are our favorites in Utah because they are particularly accessible, photogenic, colorful or interesting!
What Is A Slot Canyon?
A slot canyon is a narrow passage that has formed in the rock (usually sandstone) and has been eroded by the water over time, eventually creating a keyhole-like crack in the rock that is just wide enough for a person to pass through.
There are more than 1,000 slot canyons in the deserts of Utah, which actually have the densest slot canyon collection in the world. Some of them are difficult to navigate and require technical skills, but many are family-friendly and easy to navigate for beginners.
Note: Always pay attention to the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Do not go inside if rain is predicted, even if it is outside your immediate area. Flash Overflows can be very harmful in a slot canyon.
1. Red Hollow Slot Canyon
Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, not far from the famous Zion and Bryce National Parks.
It is a very photogenic hike with beautiful red rock colors and steep canyon walls. As a bonus, the Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and ideal for children.
There is a very narrow slot, which is great for the fireplace or the bar, where you put your back against one wall, and then press your feet to the other wall to get through the room. This kind of maneuver was new to us, but it was a lot of fun for us to learn this.
Although Red Hollow is very short, it is great for taking photos. Overall, it was one of our favorite canyons in Utah!
2. Deerskin gorge
Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States and is considered the longest slot canyon in the world at 21 miles!
It is located near the Utah-Arizona border, so you can get to it in a 1-hour drive from the city of Page, Arizona, or about 2 hours from Zion National Park in Utah.
The Buckskin Slot canyon is ideal for photos and is also characterized by easily accessible Native American petroglyphs.
The best way to visit this slot canyon is through the Wire Pass, this way you can see two slot canyons for the price of one!
3. Canyon wire passage slot
Wire Pass is a side canyon that crosses Buckskin Gulch, and it’s actually easier to enter Buckskin via this route, since you spend much less time hiking under the scorching 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
