Did you know that there are more slot canyons in Utah than anywhere else in the world?
In fact, thousands exist in just the small space south of the I-70 and north of the Arizona border. Of course, most of these are inaccessible.
With so many hidden away in the Southwest desert, you would need multiple lifetimes to see them all.
Since most of our readers are not immortal, I have created this extensive guide of the 50 best Utah Slot Canyons with photographers, explorers, and nature lovers in mind.
For each canyon, you will discover exact locations, find photo inspiration, and learn what efforts are required to visit.
About this Utah Slot Canyons Guide: Quick Info
Quick Things to Know
- The majority of the slot canyons listed can be accessed with standard 2WD vehicles.
- This guide separates technical and non-technical canyons. Most readers will only be interested in non-technical.
- You will find an interactive map at the bottom of this guide with locations for every canyon featured.
- The Antelope Slot Canyons, considered the best slots in the world, are not featured in this guide as they are across the border in Arizona.
You can and should consider visiting Page, AZ if you have the time and interest in slot canyons. Read THIS GUIDE TO PAGE ARIZONA to discover a bevy of famous and secret slot canyons just over the border.
Utah Slot Canyons List and Photo Gallery
Below you will find a photo gallery slideshow with most of the slot canyons featured in this guide. Below that is a quick look at the list of the top 50 best slot canyons in Utah.
We have ranked them in order of personal preference which is based on photograph-ability, ease of access, and uniqueness. These tend to match popular opinion as well.
1. Wirepass
The Top 50 best Utah slot canyons are:
- Wire Pass Canyon in Buckskin Gulch
- Little Wild Horse
- Zebra Slot Canyon
- Kanarraville Canyon Falls
- Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante
- The Subway in Zion National Park
- Willis Creek Slot Canyon
- The Narrows of Zion
- Red Hollow Slot Canyon
- Pine Creek Slot Canyon in Zion
- St George’s Narrows
- The Crack Mini-Slot Canyon
- Jenny’s Canyon
- Petroglyphs Slot Canyon
- Many Pools Slot Canyons
- Elkheart Cliffs
- Huntress Slot Canyon
- Peek-a-Boo aka Red Canyon
- Bull Valley Gorge
- Tunnel Slot Canyon
- Spooky Gulch
- Brimstone Gulch
- Dry Fork Narrows
- Zero Gravity Slot Canyon
- Leprechaun Canyon
- Big Horn Slot Canyon
- Singing Canyon
- Sulphur Creek Narrows
- Cottonwood Wash
- Burro Wash
- Sheets Gulch Slot Canyon
- Ding Slot Canyon
- Dang Slot Canyon
- Bells Canyon
- Furniture Draw Slot Canyon
- Bullfrog Bay Canyon
- Moonshine Wash Slot Canyon
- Bitter Creek Canyon
- Yankee Doodle Hollow
- Keyhole Canyon
- Orderville Canyon
- Boundary Technical Slot Canyon
- Echo Slot Canyon
- Pandoraβs Box Slot Canyon
- Dunham Slot Canyon
- Long Canyon
- The Witches Cauldron Slot Canyon
- Stateline Canyon
- The Joint Trail
- Holeman Slot Canyon
π₯Ύ Top 10 Best Utah Slot Canyons
Just looking for the best of the best? This section highlights the Top 10 Utah slot canyons.
Our assessments were made based on an analysis of their ease of access, uniqueness, and overall beauty.
π§ 1. Wire Pass Canyon (Buckskin Gulch)
- Location: House Rock Road (East of Kanab)
- Distance: Up to 15 miles!
- Difficulty: Easy-Difficult depending on length of hike
At 15 miles in length, Buckskin Gulch is the longest (and deepest) known slot canyon in the world!
It is possible to explore it in its entirety, but most visitors settle for a short walk in the Wire Pass section.
There are various obstacles that may present an insurmountable challenge to some visitors. However, most can easily enjoy a 1-2 mile (2-4 roundtrip) walk through the most interesting section.
There are numerous entry and exit points along the Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon, but most enter at the Wire Pass trailhead on House Rock Road. From there, follow signs (and crowds) to discover this desert treasure easily.
βοΈ Pro Tip: If you find yourself in the area, you are not far from The Wave, Toadstool Hoodoos, and many incredible destinations.
ποΈ DISCOVER MORE NEARBY:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN KANAB, UTAH
π΄ 2. Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon
- Location: Next to Goblin Valley State Park
- Distance: 3.3 mile roundtrip for just Little Wild Horse slot canyon, 8 miles for entire Bell Canyon loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
What is arguably the best non-technical slot canyon in Utah, inarguably has it all.
The road to the Little Wild Horse parking area is mostly paved, parking is ample, restrooms are provided, there is no entry fee, and the hike is short enough to be easy but long enough to provide incredible sights along the way.
In addition, there are several sections which vary in terms of color, patterns, narrowness, and scale, so every next step is a new adventure.
While no real athleticism is required, portions of the canyon get incredibly narrow so visitors with physical disabilities or exceptionally large girths may not be able to get to the end of the slots.
What About Bells Canyon?
Attached to Little Wild Horse Canyon is Bells Canyon, which is considerably wider and far less photogenic. They are often hikes in succession, however, as part of an 8-mile loop.
In my opinion, Bells Canyon is not photogenic enough to bother with unless you are doing it for the exercise.
Instead, I would recommend just hiking 1.6-miles into Little Wild Horse, at which point the canyon opens up the rest of the way. You will not only save a lot of time by just doing this section, but will also discover that the scenery feels different traveling the other direction, especially as the light changes.
π¦ 3. Zebra Slot Canyon (+Tunnel Slot Canyon)
- Location: Hole in the Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Distance to Hike Zebra Slot Canyon: 5.2-mile roundtrip
Distance to Add Tunnel Slot Canyon: 7.2-miles roundtrip - Difficulty: Moderate to difficult depending on recent rainfall
Zebra Slot Canyon is, in our opinion, the most beautiful slot canyon in all of Utah.
The difficulty of access dropped it a few spots on our Top 10 list, but it would likely hold the number 1 spot on a list of the most photogenic slot canyons.
The canyon is named for its zebra-like stripes that are carved intricately into the sandstone. These stripes and colors combine for a stunning display of nature’s infinite artistry.
This is one of many slot canyons you will discover along the Hole in the Rock Road.
While Zebra Canyon is the main feature on this hike, visitors also have the option to continue about 20 minutes and 1+ miles beyond the exit of Zebra Canyon to get to Tunnel Slot Canyon.
The two-for-one is appealing, but be aware that Tunnel Canyon pales in comparison.
π¦ 4. Kanarraville Falls Slot Canyon
- Location: Kanarraville, Utah
- Distance: Anywhere from 1.5-miles to 2+ miles each way (multiple end points avail.)
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Kanarra Creek Trail is home to a truly unique feature for slot canyons in Kanarraville Falls. What was once a hidden gem has become a tourist sensation and, as a result, visitation is now limited to only 150 people per day and permits are required.
Portions of the walk require some sure-footedness, but the sections that would otherwise require climbing gear now feature ladders, ropes, and handholds.
It is worth noting that the ladder featured in most images (including the one above) was washed out in a flash flood in the summer of 2021. It was replaced in November, 2021 by a larger, sturdier aluminum ladder.
Kanarra Falls is one of the most famous and popular slot canyons in Utah because it is absolutely gorgeous and (mostly) easy to access. Most importantly, it is one of very few that feature a perennial waterfall.
If you plan to visit Kanara Creek, ensure you book your ticket online in advance on the Kanarra Falls website.
β 5. Dry Fork Narrows Loop
- Includes: Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon, Spooky Gulch, and Brimstone Gulch
- Location: Hole in the Rock Road (Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument)
- Distances:
3.5-mile loop for Peekaboo Slot Canyon & Spooky Gulch
5.7-mile loop to add Dry Fork Narrows
8 miles for entire Dry Fork Narrows Loop - Difficulty: Strenuous
All of these slot canyons can be seen as part of a loop trail which begins at the Dry Fork Trailhead.
If you don’t feel like hiking 8-miles through the desert, Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch are the main attractions.
Keep in mind that there are two slot canyons named “Peek-a-Boo”.
This one is sometimes called Peekaboo Gulch and is located on Hole in the Rock Road. The other Peekaboo Slot Canyon is much further west, located between Carmel Junction and Kanab.
What both Peek-a-Boos have in common is that they are both impressive slot canyons that beckon plenty of explorers to experience their unique beauty and otherworldly landscapes.
The Dry Fork Narrows Loop is one of the best ways to see a variety of slot canyons all in one full day, but also requires some planning and homework. Be sure to to prepare appropriately including additional route research and checking current weather forecasts before attempting this lengthy loop trail.
π 6. The Subway
Location: Zion National Park
Distance: Minimum 8-10 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Difficult
One of the most famous niche hikes in all of the US National parks, the Subway is a picturesque slot canyon that requires special permits and at least a challenging 8-mile scramble to reach.
Visitors can only reach this hidden treasure after winning a permit from the NPS, then hiking in via the Left-Fork Trail.
It is mostly landscape photographers who undergo the tremendous effort to get to The Subway as this has become one of those bucket list portfolio shots. However, anyone with an interest in adventurous hikes will enjoy this one.
Find out more and submit an application at the Zion NPS website.
βοΈ 7. Willis Creek Slot Canyon
- Location: Near Cannonville, south of Bryce Canyon National Park
- Distance: Up to 5 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate depending on distance
We visited Willis Creek Slot Canyon with low expectations, but instead discovered one of our favorites places in the state.
While the drive is a bit of a detour and somewhat rugged, we were able to make it up easily in an oversized 2WD van.
Where most slot canyons you will discover in Utah exist in the desert, this hidden gem is located up a long mountain road.
From the parking area, you will simply walk into the creek bed and immediately find a small “waterfall” (though using that label is a bit of a stretch). Within a few hundred yards, the first of many slot canyons along Willis Creek presents itself.
Technically you can walk the creek bed as far as you like, but the slot canyons end after about 2.5-miles.
Throughout the journey, expect to find a variety of unique slotted sections that range in terms of color, scale, and impressiveness.
π 8. Zion Narrows
- Location: Zion National Park
- Distance: 2 – 16 miles total
- Difficulty: Easy to Very Difficult
By definition, The Narrows of Zion National Park fit into the 10:1 depth-to-width ratio required to be considered a slot canyon. However, they are much wider than what most think of when looking for slot canyons to explore. In addition, they were shaped by a massive river rather than a small, often dry creek.
Regardless of definitions, they are one of the most popular places to visit in all of Utah.
The overwhelming majority of visitors will access The Narrows through Zion National Park’s main visitor entrance and either drive or shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava parking area. From there, explorers must walk 1-mile along a path tracing the Virgin River to where The Narrows begin.
No technical equipment is needed, though you must understand that you will be wading upstream through the Virgin River. Accordingly, it can be incredibly cold outside the summer months and a drysuit may be necessary.
In addition, you will definitely want a long walking stick that can be used for balance and to check the depth of the water as you plunge ahead. Local adventure retailers will rent these items, but sticks will be found readily at the entrance point.
The truly adventurous have the option of a top-down hike which requires permits, some gear, and 16 miles of hiking. If this is something you want to consider, be sure to research the hike more in depth prior to attempting.
β¦οΈ 9. Red Hollow Slot Canyon
- Location: Orderville
- Distance: 2-mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
Red Hollow Slot Canyon was one of our personal favorites slot canyons in all of Utah! This small, hidden gem is located just outside the small town of Orderville.
It can be a bit difficult to find, particularly as construction is currently creating a detour, but the trail is short, easy to follow, and family friendly. Most importantly, the canyon itself is incredible!
When we last visited in the summer of 2021, Google Maps got us most of the way but indicated our arrival prematurely.
Standard vehicles can easily handle the short stretch from where the pavement ends to where you will park by a large water facility. From here, it is a short 1 mile walk along the dry creek bed to the canyon. If you are ever unsure which way to get, the answer is ALWAYS left.
While you are in the area, if may be worth looking at our Zion to Bryce Canyon guide for other non-slot canyon things to do nearby.
π² 10 – 15. Pine Creek Slot Canyons
- Location: Carmel Highway, Zion National Park
- Distance: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy
To be clear, there are many small slot canyons forged by Pine Creek running through Zion NP.
There is also an official Pine Creek Slot Canyon which is a technical canyon and therefore requires additional permits and equipment.
We discuss the technical canyon in greater detail below. Most visitors never realize how many slot canyons there are to be found in Eastern Zion along the Carmel Highway!
In order to find them, the best thing to do is to simply look for pull-offs and unmarked parking areas as you drive into, or out of, Zion NP along Carmel Hwy. These often indicate a nearby slot canyon.
Wander through the dry creek bed in either direction and you always eventually encounter one. In a half-day of exploration, we discovered several slot canyons with no other signs or indicators of their presence.
π DISCOVER MORE:
BRYCE CANYON TO ZION ROAD TRIP GUIDE
πΆ Other Non-Technical Slot Canyons in utah
We have endeavored to find, research, and visit as many of the non-technical slot canyons in Utah as possible for the purposes of this travel guide.
These slot canyons can be explored without canyoneering equipment or any professional skillset. They can also usually be reached with standard 2WD vehicles (barring inclement weather).
All featured canyons can be enjoyed with nothing more than hiking boots, though some may require some clambering or varying levels of athleticism to completely navigate.
For the sake of simplicity, we have ordered this list from West to East.
16. St George’s Narrows aka The Crack
- Location: Pioneer Park in St George
- Distance: 0.25 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
If you have never seen one before, think of The Crack as the “free sample” of slot canyons. It is small, requires no hike, and incredibly easy to access.
Of course, this also means it does not have the intricate shapes, colors, and textures that you will find in most of the others on this page.
There is no sign for the canyon, but there is a designated parking area. The easiest way to get there is to use Google Maps as this will direct you to the closest place to park and walk.
It is worth noting that we loved this entire region. If opportunity allows, we highly recommend queuing up our guide of all the best things to do in St George as The Crack is just one of many!
17. Jenny’s Canyon
- Location: Snow Canyon State Park
- Distance: 0.5 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
Jenny’s Canyon is another small but beautiful little sample in the world of slot canyons. It is not very long, but it is very sheer and impressive.
The hike to Jenny’s Canyon is minimal at only half a mile roundtrip, but it is through very soft sand.
Despite its smaller size, this was one of our favorites. The ease of access, lack of crowds, sheer walls, and interesting colors and textures certainly make for a worthy stop on any road trip through Southern Utah.
While Jenny’s Canyon alone may not be enough to earn a spot on your itinerary, it is located within one of the most impressive state parks in all of Utah!
We have created a guide to visiting Snow Canyon State Park that I guarantee will make you reconsider driving through St George without a short detour here.
18. Petroglyphs Slot Canyon
- Location: Snow Canyon State Park / St George
- Distance: Depends on point of entry
- Difficulty: Depends on point of entry
Looking at the quick info above, you may be wondering why this is so ambiguous.
The short answer is that the Petroglyphs Slot Canyon was once a semi-popular destination with easy access, but that access cuts through private land. The locals have since shut down this entrance point.
In 2023, the only legal way to visit is via an incredibly long 8-9 mile hike through Snow Canyon State Park.
There are multiple guides online that detail the shortcut route which instead requires only a quick half-mile hike, but we are unable to provide this information.
As for the slot canyon itself, we thoroughly enjoyed the unique look of it and would recommend it if it were still the quick hike it once was. Both the petroglyphs and the canyon are quite small, making it hard to justify the expedition that visiting now entails.
19. Many Pools Slot Canyon
- Location: Carmel Highway, Zion National Park
- Distance: Less than one mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
Many Pools is not on the official Zion National Park map, nor does it have any official signage. But it is on Google Maps and is also indicated by a large parking area with vault toilets.
The easiest way to find it is to set your GPS and, once in the parking area, simply look at the canyons walls and walk toward the large crack.
There is one official slot canyon which you will find by walking the wash toward a large visible crack in the canyon wall.
In addition, there is a very narrow section that is highly photogenic and slot canyon-esque, though it is likely not sheer enough to officially be considered as such.
20 – 21. Elkheart Cliffs & Huntress Slot Canyon
- Also Known As: Diana’s Throne and Huntress Slot Canyon
- Location: South of Carmel Junction
- Distance: About 2-3 miles roundtrip (for non-technical section)
- Difficulty: Moderate
These slot canyons go by many names and are extremely confusing to research as a result.
Essentially, there is a dry sand wash that can be explored for miles with numerous slot canyons along the way. There is no official signage, but both Elkheart and Huntress are located within the wash.
While you will often hear this area referred to as Diana’s Throne, that is technically a feature within the Huntress Slot Canyon.
A few slot canyons can be accessed with nothing more than hiking boots and some sure-footedness, but most visitors elect to hire a local guide with ropes and equipment.
You will not need any real canyoneering experience, but ropes and a guide will allow you to explore much more of the canyon than attempting it without.
How to Find Elkheart Cliffs & Huntress Slot Canyon
- Use Google Maps to get to the large dirt parking area where the trail begins.
- Walk the 4WD dirt road until it reaches the power lines and forks left and right.
- Walk straight ahead rather than following the road any further, following primitive paths previous visitors have left.
- Eventually, you will run into the dry wash, which you can follow in either direction. Both ways lead to slot canyons.
22. Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
- Also Known As: Red Canyon
- Location: Hwy 89 between Carmel Junction and Kanab
- Distance: <1-mile roundtrip with 4WD vehicle.
Distance: 6+ miles by foot. - Difficulty: Easy
There are a couple of things to note first and foremost before discussing Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, also known as Red Canyon.
First, there are two Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyons AND two Red Canyons. Both of the others were covered in the Top 10 section of this guide. This one is found between Mt Carmel & Kanab.
The second is that Peek-A-Boo is an easy walk if you have an ATV or well-equipped 4WD vehicle. If you do not, this becomes a much longer 6+ mile roundtrip hike!
There are plenty of local adventure companies that will arrange trips to Red Canyon should you be lacking an appropriate vehicle and do not wish to walk more than six miles through the desert.
Once you have arrived, you will discover one of the best slot canyons in all of Utah, perhaps all of the American Southwest! The colors, shapes, and intricate textures rival any you will find.
23. Bull Valley Gorge Slot Canyon
- Location: Near Cannonville, south of Bryce Canyon National Park
- Distance: 1.5 mile total trip
- Difficulty: Short but challenging
In regards to verticality and narrowness, Bull Valley Gorge Slot Canyon is tough to beat. It’s also nice that it is not technically a technical canyon, meaning the entire mile slot length is traversable.
However, either ropes or some teamwork/athleticism may be required to get out of the slot canyon from the way you enter, and absolutely do not attempt this one if any rain is forecast.
The most notable feature of the canyon is a truck that went off the road and is permanently gripped by the narrow walls.
You will find the entrance by routing to Bull Valley Gorge in Google Maps and parking in one of the small, unmarked pull-offs.
While there are no clear indicators that this is the slot canyon, you will readily see it running below the bridge at which you’ll park. Follow an obvious trail to the right half a mile until you reach a short drop into the canyon.
Within the walls, you will get a good sense of what a true slot canyon feels like.
If a flash flood came through at any minute, there is literally no chance of escape, so be sure you have checked the weather. In addition, many obstacles will obstruct progress so expect a lot of clambering to reach the other side.
24. Big Horn Slot Canyon
- Location: Hole in the Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Distance: Depends on point of entry
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Big Horn is yet another slot canyon located off of Hole in the Rock Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
I’ll be honest; not only did I not get to this one, but my brain hurt trying to figure out how.
If you are visiting the area with time to spare and/or have already seen the more impressive canyons listed above, you may as well tack this one onto the itinerary.
However, I cannot provide much information as Big Horn Slot Canyon can be reached via multiple routes of varying lengths and difficulties, and as part of different loop options.
25. Singing Canyon (aka Long Canyon)
- Location: Burr’s Trail near Escalante
- Distance: 0.25 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
The appeal of Singing Canyon is, unsurprisingly, the incredible acoustics. It also doesn’t hurt that the entire trail there and back is less than a quarter mile, so you may as well pop in if you are in the area!
There are no signs for Long Canyon but Google Map will deliver you to the small pull-off for parking.
From there, you can literally see the crack in the red canyon wall where you discover this small but impressive gem.
26. Sulphur Creek Narrows
- Location: Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
- Distance: 6.4 miles total
- Difficulty: Challenging
There are a few unadvertised but semi-official trails in Capitol Reef that will only be shared if directly asked about. Sulphur Creek is one such trail, and is our favorite hike in the park!
From the visitor center, you will literally walk into Sulphur Creek and continue upstream. Alternatively, many choose to park at the exit near Chimney Rock and walk downstream.
The advantage of doing it this way is that you are more likely to be able to find a ride back to your vehicle, rather than having to walk 6 miles back to it!
While much of Sulphur Creek is not exactly overwhelming, there are slotted sections and small waterfalls within it that are absolutely fantastic.
Bring some waterproof shoes, a small meal, and expect to need 4-5 hours to complete it.
Much of the journey requires varying degrees of scrambling, wading, and for the shorter readers, perhaps even some swimming! With that said, we saw lots of families attempting this hike.
27 – 29. Cottonwood Wash, Burro Wash, Sheets Gulch Slot Canyons
- Location: Capitol Reef National Park on Notom-Bullfrog Road
- Distance: Varies
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
All three of these slot canyons are located on the eastern edge of Capitol Reef National Park but are technically within park boundaries.
As there is no officially maintained trail, the park will not advertise them on their maps or in brochures. However, they do provide information at the visitor center and on their website.
Rather than copying their instructions, we recommended clicking the link above to find times, distances and descriptions.
30 – 31. Ding and Dang Slot Canyons
- Location: Next to Goblin Valley State Park
- Distance: 6 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate with challenging sections
Located up a 4WD road from the wildly popular Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon (#2 on the Top 10 list) are the more modest Ding and Dang Slot Canyons.
Accessing these small canyons requires a vehicle with high clearance and 4WD, which eliminates nearly all of the crowds.
To be honest, these are two of the least interesting slot canyons you will find. Ding Canyon is a white-ish grey, pale color that does little to excite viewers.
Dang Canyon has a bit more color but is still only a pale yellow. Neither are particularly impressive in terms of being sand-swept, vibrant, or sheer.
They are worth knowing about if for no other reason than their proximity to the incredible Little Wild Horse Canyon and Goblin Valley State Park.
32. Furniture Draw Slot Canyon
- Location: Elmo, Utah
- Distance: 2 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
You may also hear Furniture Draw Slot Canyon referred to as Buckhorn Draw, but this is actually the road it is located off of.
This is an easy walk for people of all ages and fitness levels, but be warned that the term “slot canyon” may not be technically accurate. Though the walls get fairly narrow, they are never so slim that you can’t easily stroll through.
Additionally, the walls are not very sheer, though they are quite pretty to look at.
33. Bullfrog Bay Canyon
- Location: Bullfrog Visitor Center, Lake Powell
- Distance: 2 mile roundtrip, 3 miles to include North Fork Narrows)
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
While Bullfrog Slot Canyon is far from the prettiest you will discover, it is among the most accessible.
To find this one, you will simply need to park in the mammoth lot of Bullfrog Visitor Center along Highway 276. The slot canyon is only 200 feet away.
The walls of Bullfrog Canyon never rise more than about 50 feet at its highest point, but the deep red and orange colors are quite stunning and the ease of access makes it a must-see for anyone who finds themself in the Bullfrog Bay region of Lake Powell.
34. Moonshine Wash
- Location: South of Green River, Utah
- Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Difficult
This once-hidden gem is beginning to be discovered and frequented more and more as most hikers agree that Moonshine Wash is among the best non-technical slot canyons.
Though it is not a technical canyon, it still presents many obstacles that require teamwork or a high level of individual ability.
The allure of Moonshine Wash is the tonal range of colors that swirl throughout the canyon, as well as its remote and unspoiled nature.
Be aware that you will require 4WD to access the trailhead. Technically, you can get within a couple miles and walk from here but this creates an extremely long hike through very dry desert. Prepare appropriately!
Fun Fact: The name comes from a history of bootleggers using this area to distill moonshine during the prohibition.
π§ Top Technical Slot Canyons in Utah
Southern Utah provides an endless supply of slot canyon treasures for those with canyoneering equipment and four-wheel drive.
As is the case with so much in life, the places that are most difficult to visit often provide the greatest rewards!
Of the thousands that exist, below is a list of the better-known and more accessible technical slot canyons in Utah.
While most of these can be viewed from above without any climbing rope or equipment, the real experience lies deep below the surface.
As these each require proper research to explore, we are presenting them in list form only and encourage you to do your homework to ensure a safe and successful visit. They have been organized from West to East.
Booking a Canyoneering Tour
At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any bookings made using the links below.
If you want to give canyoneering a try, consider booking a tour. Various tours in Utah will give you an introduction to technical slot canyoneering and allow you to experience rappelling.
No previous experience is needed for the following tours:
- West Zion: 5-hour Canyoneering Experience Small Group Tour
- From Moab: Full-Day Zig Zag Canyon Canyoneering Experience
- From Moab or Hanksville: North Wash Slot Canyon Experience
- Orderville: Rappelling Slot Canyon & UTV Tour
Best Technical Slot Canyons in National Parks
- Keyhole Canyon (Zion NP)
- Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon (Zion NP)
- Orderville Canyon (Zion NP)
- Boundary Technical Slot Canyon (Zion NP)
- Echo Slot Canyon (Zion NP)
- The Subway (Zion NP)
- Pandora’s Box Slot Canyon (Capitol Reef NP)
- Holeman Slot Canyon (Canyonlands National Park)
Other Miscellaneous Technical Slot Canyons in Utah
- Bitter Creek Canyon (near St George)
- Yankee Doodle Hollow (near St George)
- Pine Creek Gorge (near St George, not the one in Zion)
- Dunham Slot Canyon
- Leprechaun Canyon
- Zero Gravity Slot Canyon
- Th Witches Cauldron Sloy Canyon
- Burro Wash
πΊ Map of All Utah Slot Canyons
To help you plan your Utah road trip, we have put together a map of all the slot canyons in Utah that we mention within this blog post.
They are divided in the same way as this blog post; our top 10 slot canyons, non-technical slot canyons, and technical slot canyons.
Click here or on the image below to open an interactive Google Map in a new tab.
β Utah Slot Canyons FAQs
This section answers some of the most commonly asked questions regarding slot canyons.
You may find it helpful and/or interesting to understand things like when a “canyon” becomes classified as a “slot canyon”, and how they are formed.
Below are some quick facts to get your education on these geological marvels started.
WHAT IS A SLOT CANYON? WHEN DOES A CANYON BECOME A SLOT?
A slot canyon is a narrow channel with sheer walls that is distinct from other canyons in that it has a minimum of a 10:1 depth-to-width ratio.
HOW ARE SLOT CANYONS FORMED?
Slot canyons are formed over millions of years of water erosion, specifically in regions that experience flash flooding like the American Southwest.
They are most commonly found in the more delicate rock groups such as sandstone or limestone, though they can form in any rock group (including granite or even basalt!)
WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN YOU FIND SLOT CANYONS?
The Colorado Plateau region, consisting of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, is home to nearly all slot canyons in the US. Other worldwide destinations with slot canyons include the Blue Mountains of Australia, Sierra de Guara in Spain, and the Pyrenees on the border of Spain and France.
Southern Utah has the highest concentration of slot canyons in the entire world with over 1000 (most are inaccessible).
WHERE ARE THE BEST SLOT CANYONS IN THE US? IN THE WORLD?
The best slot canyons in the world are found in Northern Arizona near the city of Page. The Antelope Slot Canyons are the most famous and most beautiful, but there are many similar ones nearby.
Learn all about this area, including secret canyons and Navajo tours, in this guide to Page, Arizona.
ARE SLOT CANYONS DANGEROUS?
Slot canyons are among the most dangerous landscapes to explore, though some are far more dangerous than others. The greatest risk in exploring slot canyons is in flash flooding, which can occur in a moments notice.
Despite being potentially bone dry where you stand, heavy downpours upstream can cause an onslaught of water which rapidly fill the narrow slot canyons. Due to the sheer walls, escape cane be impossible.
In addition to the flash flood concerns, these narrow channels often have large drops that require expertise in canyoneering to navigate.
As with most things in life, education and awareness are the best way to minimize risk! Check local weather systems before entering slot canyons, take your time exploring them, and be sure to have a method of rescue in place should injury occur.
DO YOU NEED EQUIPMENT TO EXPLORE SLOT CANYONS?
There are two classifications of slot canyon: non-technical and technical.
- Non-technical slot canyons require no expertise or additional equipment to navigate.
- Technical slot canyons require use of ropes and canyoneering equipment, and typically require a guide as well.
Non-technical canyons typically have an entrance that eases gently into the canyon, rather than a sheer drop. Therefore, you do not need ropes or equipment to enter.
Sometimes, as is the case with the famous Antelope Slot Canyons in Arizona, a ladder has been installed at the entrance and exit and no other drops are present in between.
Technical canyons on the other hand will often have large drops and/or obstacles which require ropes and harnesses to bypass. Many will also require repelling to access.
Most technical slot canyons can still be somewhat viewed from above without additional gear. But, you need to be within the walls to truly appreciate the textures and colors.
WHERE ARE THE BEST AND MOST SLOT CANYONS IN UTAH?
Southern Utah, specifically the region south of the I-70 freeway, is home to the best slot canyons in Utah and the most slot canyons in the entire world!
Hole-in-the-Rock road is home to dozens of secret slot canyons alone.
WHAT IS THE MOST FAMOUS SLOT CANYON IN UTAH?
Wirepass Slot Canyon in Buckskin Gulch is by far the most famous and most visited slot canyon in Utah. It is also the longest known slot canyon in the world!
Buckskin Gulch is also home to a world-famous landscape known as “The Wave” which less than 20 people are allowed to visit per day by permit only.
π More Southwest & Utah Destination Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below π
Before you go, you may want to see some of the other relevant, regional guides we have created that will likely already be on your itinerary.
As you likely discovered in this guide, we do our best to cover not just the popular sights, but the hidden gems as well.
- Best Things to Do in Page, Arizona (includes LOTS more slot canyons!)
- Top 25 Best Things to do in Kanab, Utah
- 50 Best Canyons in the USA
- Snow Canyon State Park: Utah’s best State Park
- Best Things to do in St George, Utah
- Zion to Bryce Canyon Road Trip
- The Windows Section – Arches National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park Photography Guide
- Grand Canyon North Rim: Everything you Need to Know
- One Day in Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
- Ultimate Guide to Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
π¬ Final Thoughts on the Utah Slot Canyons
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below π
As you have no doubt read and seen in the photos by now, slot canyons are one of those incredible natural marvels that just excite the soul.
In this way, I often view them in the same way as I do waterfalls in other parts of the country! Each one is different, some more impressive than others, but they are almost always worth the journey to behold.
I hope you have found this guide useful in preparing for a trip of your own through Southern Utah. If you discover anything is incorrect or out of date, help us improve our guide by letting us know in the comments below.
Likewise, we’d also love to know if you found this helpful! Either way, we would love to hear from you.
π Enjoyed this guide to the best slot canyons in Utah? Pin it! π
Because sharing is caring…
Great list! I absolutely loved Buckskin and Peekaboo when I went in April. Your photos are gorgeous too π
Thank you so much for the kind words Ella! I’m so happy to hear you also loved Buckskin and Peekaboo. The slot canyons in Utah truly are amazing!
I’m always fascinated by rock formations and these canyons look epic! I’d love to hike through some of them.
I hope you get to! They are truly amazing, it’s incredible to think how long they took to be formed.
I must say that the photos are incredibly breathtaking. I really appreciate how you have mentioned the level of difficulty for each slot canyon.
Thank you so much Anukrati.
The canyons look amazing! I didn’t know they existed but now I want to see them so badly!
They’re so impressive!! I’m glad we were able to introduce them to you π
I’ve seen these canyons on Instagram and always wondered where they were. They looks so cool to visit!
They are so much fun to explore! It feels a bit like being in another world.
I honestly had no idea how many slot canyons existed in Utah! Wow, such an incredible state. Thanks for the hiking inspiration!
It’s amazing how many slot canyons there are! Utah really is full of beauty.
These look amazing! I want to plan a roadtrip around them!
You could absolutely do that! It would be an awesome road trip.
Wow! What an incredible guide with so much great info and tips on seeing the different slot canyons! Iβd want to stick to the non-technical with seeing Kanarra Falls, Zion Narrows and Zebra Slot Canyon. Saving this for when I do get the opportunity to go!
Thank you so much Vanessa! I really want to go back and try out some of the technical ones as I’ve never tried canyoneering before. However, there are plenty of incredible non-technical ones to see… you’ve definitely picked some of the best!
Oh I’ve seen so many pictures of this place already, I would so love to go there on my own one day! This is a great guide with a lot of useful and interesting information π
I hope you do make it there Lina! The slot canyons in Utah are remarkable!
Great post. We just came back from an amazing trip and just loved Utah. We didn’t get to see the slot canyon (we did Antelope X Canyon in Page instead).
Thank you! That sounds incredible. Antelope X Canyon is definitely one of the best things to do in Page!