A Guide to Exploring Utah's Incredible Slot Canyons
Explore the depths of Southern Utah.
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
12. Hike through Wire Pass Slot Canyon
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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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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